What animal is eating my cucumber plants at night?

Author: Prof. Cole Funk II  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

Cucumber beetles and flea beetles can find crops shockingly fast, so it's best to be prepared with a physical barrier over them as soon as possible. Prevention is key; once you have those pests they can be tough to manage.

What animal is eating my plants at night?

Comments Section Probably rabbits but could be ground squirrels, javelina, or a number of other rodents. You can also try planting something like wheat, rye or barley grass on the outskirts in hopes that they'll eat that instead of your plants! I've seen rabbits eating my wife's petunias.

Do squirrels eat cucumber plants?

All kinds of wild animals will feast on cucumbers. Rodents (rats and mice), squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and foxes all seem to like them. Even though you've fenced out the rabbits, rats and mice can probably access the fruits (they get into very small openings or underneath fences.

How to protect cucumber plants from being eaten?

Prevention Methods
  • Keep it Clean
  • Cover Your Plants
  • Get a Jump Start
  • Attract Natural Predators, Vacuum, and Squish!

What is eating my cucumber leaves at night?

Cucumber beetles and flea beetles can find crops shockingly fast, so it's best to be prepared with a physical barrier over them as soon as possible. Prevention is key; once you have those pests they can be tough to manage.

What Animal Eats Cucumber Plants

Do raccoons eat cucumber plants?

The animals hate the smell of cucumbers and won't come near them, so planting this vegetable along the side of your house is a good way to keep raccoons out.

Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away from plants?

Squirrels do not like the smell of coffee grounds, so it is a natural method for keeping them out of potted plants. Coffee grounds also provide essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium for your plants.

Will chipmunks eat cucumber plants?

The high water content of the cucumber makes it an attractive meal for the rodents during the recent hot and dry spell when natural sources of water can be hard to find.

Do rabbits eat cucumber plants?

Barriers for vegetable protection

And in my experience, rabbits will only eat young plants of onion, strawberry, peas, corn, cucumber, sweet potato, and brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.). But rabbits will always eat lettuce, kale, and carrot tops.

How do I tell what animal is eating my plants?

To help determine what vertebrate animal is causing the damage, sprinkle a layer of finely ground limestone around the damaged plants and look for animal tracks left in the powder the next day. Rabbit damage can be identified by foliage that has been nipped off sharply, leaving no ragged edges.

What animal hates coffee grounds?

Will coffee grounds keep rabbits away? Sprinkling coffee grounds among your plants may help to ward off rabbits and other small mammals due to coffee's powerful scent.

What is cutting my plants at night?

Cutworms do their dirty work at night. They hide under plant debris or in the soil during the day. They usually cut down young seedlings in your spring garden.

Do groundhogs eat cucumber plants?

Disappearing vegetables are usually the first clue that a groundhog has set up housekeeping in your yard. Typically, these mammals don't just eat one cucumber or one lettuce plant — they gulp down several. Pay attention to what you have in your garden that's ripening.

Do possums eat cucumbers?

Captive Possums and their Suggested Diet

Use in small amounts; Native plants and flowers. Small amounts of vegetables with seeds removed (including squash, capsicum, eggplant, pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini, green beans, turnips).

Will coffee grounds keep chipmunks away?

Yes, coffee grounds repel chipmunks, squirrels, and some other rodents because they do not like the smell of coffee grounds. The use of coffee grounds as a natural repellent for pests is an effective way to keep chipmunks from eating your garden without any chemicals or traps.

How do I protect my cucumber plants from squirrels?

Hardware cloth, plastic bird netting, chicken wire, and summer weight row covers all provide effective protection. To guard an individual plant, create a cage using hardware cloth or chicken wire topped with plastic bird netting; use clothespins to hold netting in place.

What's eating my cucumber leaves?

Moths and caterpillars are a significant threat to cucumber crops, with species like Beet armyworm (Chrysodeixis chalcites) and Corn earworm (Helicoverpa armigera) standing out. The larvae of various moth species can rapidly multiply and inflict substantial damage to cucumber plants.

Does Irish Spring soap keep squirrels away?

Irish Spring soap is one of many homemade solutions people use to repel squirrels. While it may work for some, other homemade solutions, like cayenne pepper or vinegar sprays, can also be effective. However, like Irish Spring, these methods often provide only temporary relief.

What smell do squirrels hate the most?

Scents like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic are naturally unpleasant to a squirrel. The same goes for sweet smells such as peppermint. Try spraying your plants and flowers with water and then sprinkling on pepper or peppermint oil to deter squirrels.

Do coffee grounds attract mice?

Mice typically do not like coffee grounds scattered around the kitchen. The strong aroma of coffee is generally unpleasant to mice, which can act as a deterrent.

What is the best raccoon repellent?

Raccoons hate the smell of vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar. You can simply fill a spray bottle with it, add a bit of water, and spray it wherever you imagine raccoons may be trafficking. You can also soak cotton balls with them and place them strategically around your house.

Do rabbits eat cucumbers?

Yes, it is safe for rabbits to eat cucumber! Most rabbits will love the fresh taste. Rabbits can also eat cucumber leaves. Before feeding cucumber to your rabbit, wash it in cold water to remove pesticides.

Do skunks eat cucumbers?

Fresh vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, napa, yellow squash, zucchini, green peppers, turnip, parsley root, dandelion, parsnip root, corn, peas, sugar snap peas, carrots, black carrots, endive, romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, egg plant, green beans, wax beans, broccoli slaw, cole slaw, tomatoes, mushrooms ...

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