Most birds and wild mammals benefit gardens in various ways.

But having a woodchuck wipe out your whole garden almost overnight, or learning that blackbirds have pulled up an entire planting of newly emerging corn seedlings can raise thoughts of violence in even a confirmed pacifist.

Here's help!

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage from the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management gives a fine general overview of the life cycles, habits, and methods for controlling a wide variety of wildlife species that sometimes trouble gardeners.

Dealing with woodchucks A bounty on this humble rodent nearly bankrupted the NH treasury in the 1880s. If a woodchuck finds its way into your garden, you'll understand why.

Deer in home gardens New Hampshire's large white-tailed deer population feeds off many food and ornamental crops.

Raccoons Coons know exactly when an ear of corn ripens, and may raid the patch at night.

Skunks Although skunks can damage sweet corn, the more likely culprits are raccoons.

Birds Various species of birds may pull up sprouting corn or eat ripe berries.

Not sure what kind of problem you have? Call our Info Line

If you notice a problem but can't determine the cause, call our Education Center's toll-free Info Line 1-877-398-4769 (M-F, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)

Before you call, record your answers to a few questions to help the person taking your call find the right answer:

• When did you first notice the damage?
• What part(s) of the plant is (are) affected? Describe the damage.
• How extensive is the damage?
• Do nearby plants or crops seem to have similar damage?
• Do you have the results of a recent soil test? How did you fertilize the soil the affected plants are growing in?
• Have you applied pesticides of any kind on or around the affected plants?

 

Photo credit: Redwing blackbird by Jim Frazier, Some rights reserved