Something is excavating my asparagus beds!

[Chosemerveille]

Ugh. I didn't figure on having critters come at me and my garden this early on in the season, but apparently something is getting an early start.
I've put an image of the largest hole. I'll say it's approximately 3 inches in diameter. Definitely not a groundhog, but there are a lot of squirrels in the area. There are also smaller and shallower "test holes" if you will, perhaps 2-3" in diameter. Here's an image of these holes:
Any ideas of who's doing this?

The yard is fenced in on 3 sides so the only way in is up the driveway on the ground. But I routinely see squirrels practicing their parkour moves for the next Bond film in the immediate area. Any suggestions for thwarting/changing the minds of whomever's doing this? Cheers in advance for your help!

Dennis

Update:
The photos didn't post properly so here are links to my gallery:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

[Worth1]

Could be a possum as you dont have armadillos,(yet).
To be honest I dont know if possums even dig.
Worth

[ContainerTed]

A possum, skunk, or rat can dig holes that large. Skunks like to dig for earthworms. Possums dig because they can. Rats will also be looking for worms and grubs. Check for tracks left in the level areas. They'll show up.

Like Worth said you probably don't have armadillos yet.

[My Foot Smells]

squirrels will eat asparagus, even the tender shoots (which may be starting to form in NJ) & you have seen tree rats in the hood. a fence won't stop the squirrel and sounds like your neighbor thinks they are cute.

groundhog would leave a bigger mess.

I have an indignant cat that thinks garden bed is litter box. upon forum suggestion a couple of weeks ago was to lay chicken wire down - worked like a charm. figure would do the trick for whatever is foraging here.

[Chosemerveille]

Yeah, there is the occasional possum around, as well as some raccoons up the street. Any ideas for scaring them off?

You're spot on about the lack of armadillos, at least for the time being.

[My Foot Smells]

shotgun

[b54red]

Sounds like squirrels to me. They do the same thing to every raised bed in my garden.

Bill

[Chosemerveille]

Thank you for the replies!

I was thinking about chicken wire. How small can the holes be before it interferes with asparagus growth?

[Chosemerveille]

The interesting thing is I'm only seeing disturbance in the soil at the back most beds, which could make sense as they're the farthest away from the house and closest to the fence (escape from whatever the critter deems perilous). Here's what the entire garden layout looks like. The asparagus bed is a 4x8ft bi-level thats 2ft high for one half and 1ft for the other:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

[Chosemerveille]

Originally Posted by My Foot Smells

shotgun

I would, but the inconsiderate jerks wait until I go to bed. and it seems like they're waiting for weeknights when they know I have work the next day.

Makes me want to draw up some plans for a BB gun equipped turret on my garage with motion sensing kit.

[Worth1]

I didn't think squirrels ran around at night at least not the four legged ones.

Worth

[Locomatto]

One possible option ...

http://www.gardensalive.com/product/...repellent/mole

[imp]

I'd vote for a possum, maaaaybeeee a racoon, but think you have a 'possum or three. Are there any tracks or scat left?

Rats are like mice, they leave manure all over, here is a link to help you know what to look for and what it is when you find it, too.

http://www.wildlife-removal.com/possumpoop.html

You need a barrier of some sort so the digging becomes impossible for the intruder. Can you put down something like hardware wire over the entire bed asnd weight it down for a bit?

[ContainerTed]

The same screen that folks use for rabbit cages (roughly 1/2" openings). But, remember that you have an animal that can dig. So, if you cover the top area, it will probably just dig under the fence. You might try one of those "critter sprays" that produce a predator scent that scares the bad guys away. Only problem I found with them is you may have to put up with the smell.

You can also bait a live trap and that will tell you what animal you're dealing with.

[Worth1]

My possum is a kind and goodly possum.
It only takes a tomato every now and then and eats it.
Plus I put out food for it.
Just the other night I saw it waddling back into the woods.
Fattest possum in the county.

Worth