How we save our corn from critters without buying commercially made products.

Good evening friends! How are you? Blake has been so devastated about the loss of all of his Choctaw red corn and they an heirloom to my Mississippi past. Had high hopes this year after the work I put into growing them this year, but all went to flames by critters chewing every last ear.
Don't know what to do or where to go. How we protect our corn this late without netting or other complex commercial material? Are there any natural or homemade remedies to stop squirrels or other pesky creatures? Did all I could to protect my corn, but weather and creatures are too much. Please drop off any feedback if you need me. Good night.

What a gutting loss, especially with an heirloom variety tied to your family history like that. Squirrels are relentless once they find corn. I've had some luck with old mesh bags or nylon stockings over individual ears before they ripen, fiddly but doesn't cost anything. Hot pepper spray on the ears puts some critters off too, though needs reapplying after rain.

What's up Josh! How you been? Where I get the pepper spray man? Which is the best one to ward off critters? Thanks!

I'm sorry to hear you've lost your corn Blake. It's upsetting when you can anticipate the harvest then some critter gets there first. Some people have had good results selecting their corn to deter particular pests, but that wouldn't work if you're wanting to grow a particular variety of corn. The only other suggestion I've seen is to cover the developing ear with a plastic pop bottle. Thom Bri had good success against birds by this method, and also by wrapping the ears in additional layers of leaves.



here's the link to where Thom discussed this on his three sisters growing thread.

Do you know what is eating the corn? - rats and deer can also be nuisances like this, but tactics are probably different for each.