What animal/problem causes buds to be nipped off?

Question

The buds on my plant are being nipped off at night. There is a clean cut where the bud was. Is this caused by an animal or a growing problem?

Answer 1

It sounds like a deer or rabbit situation to me. I have also had squirrels take them off cleanly as if cut by pruners. You could try hanging a bell by the plants, or bells, that are hung from wire supports kind of like the garden flags. Hang them in close to the plants, Sometimes the ringing will startle the critter and they will go elsewhere. You may also hear the plants being messed with and find your culprit!