Question
QUESTION: I live in Oregon in a rural area where we typically see skunks, squirrels, opossum and racoons. I woke up this morning and looked out my kitchen window, and my honeysuckle plant was gone! I mean the majority of the plant and the vines that were growing along the fence line that were there yesterday! The worst thing I've had to deal with so far was aphids, but nothing like losing the entire plant. Any idea what kind of critters eat this type of plant? I am dumbfounded and not sure what to do with what remains of it. I don't remember what kind it is, but the flowers are typically orange. Or at least they were.

ANSWER: Donna:

If it literally disappeared overnight, I would suspect a "four-legged" pest.  If possible, it would be best to try to ID the invader.  Not much information here to have a good idea of it.  Look for foot prints in the immediate area or scat that might be recognizable.  Rabbits/squirrels are common munchers.  Some sort of netting/wire enclosure may be appropriate.  You may try contacting your4 local county Agricultural Extension office.  They may be able to put you in contact with a wildlife specialist who can assist. There are some various animal repellents available at your local garden center that you might try.

Regards

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I assumed the same, however we do not have deer around here, so it had to be something small. The leaves and branches were eaten from the top of the plant that was vining along a fence line where the trellis was close. Not accessible by a rabbit. The fact that it was nocturnal made me rule out a squirrel. Raccoons typically eat grubs and bugs but are nocturnal. Could it have been a raccoon? When I planted the honeysuckle, I never suspected that anything but aphids would eat it. Now I'm not sure the plant can be saved, but I will call the extension service. They have been quite helpful in the past. Thank you for your response, I appreciate the help!

Answer
Donna:
Thanks for your followup.  Sometimes these things require the services of "Sherlock Holmes" to figure out.  Contacting the Extension office is a good start.  If you have an animal control service in your hometown, they may be able to offer some suggestions also.

Good Luck in your endeavors.

Steve