Identifying and Deterring Animals That Eat Only Impatiens

Likely Culprits

Animals that selectively eat impatiens include rabbits, opossums, gophers, and deer. The systematic front-to-back pattern suggests a mammal moving along the bed.

Deterrent Options

1. Cayenne pepper – sprinkle on plants; reapply after rain.
2. Chemical repellents – coyote/fox urine, Deer-Off, Ropel; effective but costly and rain-sensitive.
3. Chicken-wire fence – 2 ft high, buried 6 in; not pretty but foolproof.
4. Reemay (floating row cover) – lets in light and water, keeps out pests; remove when flowers need pollination.
5. Live traps (Havahart) – bait with carrots, lettuce, or peanut butter; release 1+ mile away.
6. Natural repellents – garlic sprays, marigolds (mature plants only).
7. Cats – excellent rabbit deterrents.

Reemay and Havahart traps are highly recommended. Choose based on your situation.