Rabbit Damage in Winter?

I noticed some damage to my hollies this week, but it's only on the underside. Do rabbits cause that kind of damage...and are they this active in the middle of winter? Something little is destroying these plants. M.C., East Hanover, NJ

Looks like you can safely blame those "waskiwy wabbits" as Elmer Fudd would say. Although rare, rabbits will eat the hollies and other evergreens throughout the winter, and the snow is a great way to see the tracks left behind to be sure. Try Messina Wildlife's Rabbit Stopper to protect the hollies (you can even apply it to snow to keep the rabbits at bay) from further damage. Some other rabbit damage to keep an eye for:

• Chewing Damage: Rabbits will chew through a variety of plant material leaving behind precise, straight cuts. Damage can occur year-round, to any plant material: in spring and summer they usually feed on leafy plants and in winter they will focus on woody plant material. Though rabbits can be found foraging throughout the day, foraging activity peaks approximately 2-3 hours after dawn and the hour after suset, and can vary depending on the time of year.
• Droppings Damage: Rabbits can continue to forage throughout the day, leaving their unsightly droppings as they travel from area to area.
  

Not-so-Squirrel-Proof-Bird-Feeder.

My son bought us a "squirrel proof" bird feeder that has failed to live up to its name (see picture). Can your Squirrel Stopper help? C. K., Natick, MA

C.K. That picture says a thousand words...though funny might sum it up best! Yes, Messina Wildlife's Squirrel Stopper can help. You can spray the birdseed or the feeder for guaranteed results. Here's a quick guide to other squirrel damage to look out for:

• Chewing Damage: Squirrels will eat a variety of material including nuts, berries, tree bark, leafy vegetation, bird seed and in some cases, nesting birds in birdhouses, eggs and insects. They are also known to chew through wires and other materials as well.
• Digging Damage: Squirrels will bury food and store food, as well as dig for bulbs in planters, lawns and beds, removing soil and ruining plantings.
• Nesting Damage: Squirrels will chew through small openings and enter buildings to build nests in high attic areas.