According to Mike Hogan, Ohio State University Extension Educator for Carroll, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties, almost all of the wild mammals which you see in your yard can create havoc to vegetable gardens and trees.

Rabbits and groundhogs show a preference for tender vegetable plants; raccoons have a fondness for sweet corn. Squirrels and chipmunks like to dig up ornamental plants and bulbs, and rabbits and mice are fond of gnawing the bark of small trees and shrubs.

There are several control measures to discourage critters from munching on your garden, shrubs and trees.

The most effective control for rabbits and groundhogs is a simple fence around the garden. A wire mesh fence 18 to 24 inches high is sufficient, but it should be buried six inches underground to prevent rabbits from digging under it.

Animal pests can also be kept out of an area with visual or noise making devices. Those foil pie pans you see hanging on string from garden stakes assault two senses - sight and sound. The pans not only reflect sunlight but also make enough noise to deter some unwanted animals. A scarecrow, designed to resemble a person can also be effective, if it is moved every few days. Plastic "sunflowers" that turn in the wind also scare unwanted pests, as do owl decoys.

For recurring problems with raccoons or deer, Hogan suggests putting out a portable radio tuned to a rock station. In areas where it will not disturb neighbors, a radio will usually cause raccoons and deer to find another feeding area.

Another trick to repel deer is to tie chunks of scented bar soap to fruit trees or sweet corn. Heavily scented brands seem to work best. Chemical repellents can also be purchased and used on vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs. When all else fails, the recommendation is live trapping and relocating animals which to not seem to be bothered by the scare tactics above.