Question
Hi,

I have some random flowers that I put in some pots and everyday they are getting eaten by something.  I can tell it's an animal because not everything gets eaten and just the head of the flower gets taken.  They dig some of them up too. They devoured my foliage plant. I tried moth balls but that doesn't seem to be working.  I need some help fast, my flowers didn't even get a chance to grow.  I lived in this same place last summer and nothing touched them.  I'm also on the second floor so I's something that gets up a little stairs (fire escape).

Please help!

Answer
Hmm. Unfortunately, I don't have much to go on here. I don't know your location, time of day the damage has taken place, day, nigh, what kind of flowers have been damaged, what habitat you are living in (woods, plains, swamp,  mountains). You didn't mention any tracks like a deer print so I will have to think smaller animal.

My first guess and it is a guess, would be squirrel.

You can also use our self-directed damage identification program at http://www.icwdm.org/Inspection/Default.asp   Just answer the questions by clicking the answer and it will lead you to the right culprit or culprits. It is quite a useful program.

If I am correct, then the solution is quite simple, Screen your plants, or trap down the squirrel population (if legal in your state). Details on control of squirrel can be found at http://icwdm.org