I'm not 100% sure about rats, but l think mice do. For some reason l thought squirrels would chew higher up, as others have mentioned. If you want to see if you can catch the culprit in the act, do you have, or can you borrow a trail cam ? It's amazing what goes on in the garden, particularly at night.
Well there are lots of squirrels in the garden constantly running around. I cant see why they wouldnt chew bark low down - there wouldnt be much up above as it is privet hedge that are only about 5 foot - so the thickets bits are low down if that makes sense. I will buy one of those cams then off amazon - any suggestions? In terms of protecting the privets, that is difficult because the branches start from just a few cms above ground and each of those in turn has twigs and leaves. If I could buy somehting that i can cut up i can try to just put little bits around the lowest bits of trunk and branch. Tricky though. Frustraiing as it cost a lot of money to get the row of privets put in place and it provides the privacy for the end of the garden.
I think it's just that we tend to see squirrels "higher up" in the garden, but as you say, they may well be lurking lower down as well. Crafty beggars.
When it comes to trail cameras,there are so many to choose from, it's really a question of how much you want to spend. Mine are a few years old now and came from Aldi, but there is a recent review here that you might find useful. https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/cameras/1414502/best-wildlife-camera
Many forum members have trailcams, if you want any more information it may be worth starting another thread asking for recommendations, but l think the link above should give you a start.
I've had a quick - tons of them! All I can do is pray that no more are damaged and that the ones without bark dont die. tricky to see how i can wrap something round them - need something that i can cut up and put round individual lower branches. Can the mesh be cut up?
Grey squirrels are a serious menace in all sorts of ways. It's quite likely that it could be them. They can absolutely destroy trees because of their chewing habits. You might be able to fashion something to protect the bases - plastic bottles or similar. Chicken wire squished in round the base might be enough.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Grey squirrels are a serious menace in all sorts of ways. It's quite likely that it could be them. They can absolutely destroy trees because of their chewing habits. You might be able to fashion something to protect the bases - plastic bottles or similar. Chicken wire squished in round the base might be enough.
Hi yep i think u r right. the main thing hanging around the garden is the grey squirrels. if i could find some plastic mesh that is it easy to cut then that could work.
They'll chew plastic very easily. Metal mesh is better if you can manage it. A little layer or two of chicken wire would do. Plastic bottles would be harder for them to get at than plastic mesh, but wire is definitely better.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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When it comes to trail cameras,there are so many to choose from, it's really a question of how much you want to spend. Mine are a few years old now and came from Aldi, but there is a recent review here that you might find useful.
https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/cameras/1414502/best-wildlife-camera
Many forum members have trailcams, if you want any more information it may be worth starting another thread asking for recommendations, but l think the link above should give you a start.
You might be able to fashion something to protect the bases - plastic bottles or similar. Chicken wire squished in round the base might be enough.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Plastic bottles would be harder for them to get at than plastic mesh, but wire is definitely better.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...