Cabbage patches attract rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and a variety of caterpillars that can strip entire heads within days if left unprotected. If you have ever wondered exactly what animals eat cabbage from your garden, the list is longer than you might think. Understanding your local wildlife and insect pressure is the first step to saving your harvest.
This guide breaks down the most common culprits, from furry mammals to tiny bugs. We will also give you practical, proven ways to keep your cabbage safe without harming the environment.
Common Mammals That Eat Cabbage
Mammals are often the biggest problem for cabbage growers. They are large, hungry, and can do serious damage in a single night. Here are the usual suspects you will find nibbling on your plants.
Rabbits
Rabbits are probably the most frequent visitors to a cabbage patch. They love the tender, sweet leaves of young plants. You will often see clean, angled cuts on the leaves, almost like a scissors made them.
- Signs: Clean cuts, small pea-sized droppings, and plants eaten down to the stem.
- Active Time: Dawn and dusk, but they will eat any time if food is scarce.
- Damage: They can completely destroy a row of seedlings overnight.
Groundhogs (Woodchucks)
Groundhogs are larger and can eat a shocking amount of cabbage. They are not just nibblers; they will sit in your garden and eat a whole head. They also dig burrows, which can damage plant roots.
- Signs: Large bite marks, plants knocked over, and a hole near the garden edge.
- Behavior: They are often seen during the day, sunbathing or eating in the open.
- Damage: They target the center of the head, ruining the entire crop.
Deer
Deer are a serious threat, especially in rural or suburban areas. They will eat cabbage leaves with a rough, tearing motion. Unlike rabbits, they do not leave clean cuts. The damage looks ragged and shredded.
- Signs: Ragged, torn leaves, hoof prints in the soil, and plants pulled up from the ground.
- Height: They eat from the top down, so damage is usually on the upper parts of the plant.
- Frequency: They often return every night until the food source is gone.
Other Occasional Mammals
While less common, other animals might also take a bite. Squirrels and chipmunks will eat cabbage, especially if other food is scarce. Voles and mice might chew on the roots or the base of the stem, causing the plant to wilt suddenly.
Raccoons and opossums are not typically drawn to cabbage, but they might dig up the soil looking for grubs and accidentally damage the plants. If you live near a wooded area, you might also see foxes or coyotes, but they are usually after the rodents, not the cabbage itself.
Insects And Pests That Eat Cabbage
Insects are often more destructive than mammals because they are harder to see. They can infest a plant and destroy it from the inside out. These pests are specific to the cabbage family, so you need to check your plants regularly.
Cabbage Worms And Cabbage Loopers
These are the most common insect pests. The cabbage worm is a velvety green caterpillar. The cabbage looper is also green but moves like an inchworm, arching its back. Both eat large, irregular holes in the leaves.
- Identification: Look for green caterpillars on the underside of leaves.
- Damage: They chew holes and leave dark green frass (droppings) behind.
- Lifecycle: They start as small yellow or white butterflies that lay eggs on the leaves.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the underside of leaves and on new growth. They suck the sap out of the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract mold.
- Identification: Clusters of small green, gray, or pink bugs.
- Damage: Stunted growth, curled leaves, and sticky residue.
- Spread: They can multiply quickly and spread to other plants.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are tiny, shiny black bugs that jump when disturbed. They chew small, round holes in the leaves, creating a “shot-hole” effect. While they might not kill a mature plant, they can severely weaken young seedlings.
- Identification: Very small black or bronze beetles that jump.
- Damage: Numerous tiny holes, giving leaves a lacy appearance.
- Risk: High risk for young transplants and direct-sown seeds.
Slugs And Snails
Slugs and snails are nocturnal pests that thrive in moist, cool conditions. They chew irregular holes in the leaves and leave a telltale trail of slime. They are especially problematic in wet summers or if you water heavily in the evening.
- Identification: Look for shiny slime trails on leaves and the soil.
- Damage: Large, ragged holes, especially on lower leaves.
- Habitat: They hide under mulch, boards, or dense weeds during the day.
What Animals Eat Cabbage In The Wild
It is not just garden pests that enjoy cabbage. In the wild, many animals will take advantage of this leafy green if they find it. This includes wild turkeys, which will peck at the leaves, and various species of birds that might eat the seeds or young sprouts.
Muskrats and beavers, if you live near water, might also venture into a garden. However, they usually prefer other aquatic plants. Wild mice and rats will also eat cabbage, particularly if it is stored or left in the field over the winter.
How To Protect Your Cabbage
Protecting your cabbage requires a multi-layered approach. You cannot rely on a single method. Instead, you should combine physical barriers, natural deterrents, and good garden hygiene. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Use Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are the most effective way to keep both mammals and insects out. Fencing is your best defense against deer and groundhogs. The fence needs to be tall, at least 8 feet for deer, and buried a few inches into the ground to stop diggers.
For insects, floating row covers are excellent. These are lightweight fabrics that let in light and water but block pests. You can drape them directly over the plants or use hoops to keep them off the leaves.
- Install a fence that is at least 8 feet tall for deer.
- Bury the bottom of the fence 6 inches deep to deter groundhogs.
- Use floating row covers for insects, securing the edges with soil.
- For rabbits, a simple 2-foot high chicken wire fence is usually enough.
Step 2: Apply Natural Deterrents
If fencing is not an option, you can try natural deterrents. These are smells or tastes that animals dislike. They are not always 100% effective, but they can help reduce damage.
- Garlic and Pepper Spray: Mix crushed garlic and hot pepper with water and spray on the leaves.
- Predator Urine: Available at garden centers, this can scare away rabbits and deer.
- Soap: Hanging bars of strong-smelling soap from stakes can deter deer.
- Human Hair: Placing mesh bags of human hair around the garden can repel deer.
Step 3: Encourage Natural Predators
For insect pests, the best solution is to encourage their natural enemies. Ladybugs and lacewings eat aphids. Parasitic wasps lay eggs inside cabbage worms. Birds will also eat caterpillars if you provide them with a perch.
Planting flowers like dill, fennel, and yarrow will attract these beneficial insects. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides, as they kill the good bugs along with the bad ones.
Step 4: Practice Good Garden Hygiene
Keeping your garden clean is essential. Remove any dead or rotting leaves where slugs and snails might hide. Rotate your crops each year to prevent pests from building up in the soil. Clear away debris at the end of the season.
Watering in the morning is also a good practice. This allows the leaves to dry out during the day, making them less appealing to slugs and less susceptible to fungal diseases.
What Animals Eat Cabbage At Night
Many of the most destructive pests are active at night. Slugs and snails are strictly nocturnal. Cutworms, which are the larvae of certain moths, also feed at night. They cut young plants off at the base, just above the soil line.
Raccoons and skunks might also visit at night, but they are usually digging for grubs. However, they can still knock over your plants in the process. If you notice damage in the morning, it is likely the work of a nocturnal feeder.
Seasonal Considerations
The type of animal that eats your cabbage can change with the seasons. In the spring, young tender seedlings are most at risk from rabbits and cutworms. In the summer, caterpillars and aphids are at their peak. In the fall, deer are more active as they prepare for winter.
Understanding these patterns helps you know when to be most vigilant. You might need to apply different strategies at different times of the year. For example, you might use row covers in the spring, but switch to a stronger fence in the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do squirrels eat cabbage plants?
Yes, squirrels will eat cabbage, especially if other food sources are scarce. They might also dig up young plants while burying nuts. A physical barrier or a motion-activated sprinkler can help deter them.
Will coffee grounds keep animals away from cabbage?
Coffee grounds can help deter some insects like slugs and snails. The caffeine is toxic to them. However, they are not very effective against larger mammals like deer or rabbits. They can be a good addition to your garden soil, but do not rely on them as your only defense.
What is the fastest way to get rid of cabbage worms?
The fastest way is to pick them off by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also use a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is a natural bacteria that kills caterpillars but is safe for other creatures.
Can chickens eat cabbage leaves?
Yes, chickens love cabbage. It is a healthy treat for them. You can hang a whole head of cabbage in their coop for them to peck at. This provides entertainment and nutrition. Just be sure to remove any leftover parts before they rot.
Why is something eating my cabbage but leaving no holes?
If you see damage but no holes, it might be aphids or thrips. These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl, yellow, or become distorted. Check the underside of the leaves for tiny bugs or a sticky residue.
Final Thoughts On Protecting Your Crop
Dealing with pests is a part of gardening, but you do not have to lose your entire crop. By identifying the culprit and using the right combination of barriers and deterrents, you can enjoy a healthy harvest. Start with the least invasive methods and escalate only if needed.
Remember to check your plants daily. Early detection is key to preventing a small problem from becoming a large one. A few minutes of inspection each morning can save you hours of work later.
With a little effort and observation, you can stay one step ahead of the hungry critters. Your cabbage can thrive, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor without sharing everything with the local wildlife. Good luck with your garden this season.