What Causes Pepper Plants to Be Cut Half Way Up the Plant?

Question

In recent years, when I just get my pepper plants growing good, something chews the stalk about half the way up the plant. They don’t eat the top of the plant because the top is lying right beside the plant. I don’t believe it’s rabbits because it only affects my pepper plants. What could be causing this and how do I prevent it this year?

Answer 1

It is likely a rodent of some kind, possibly rabbit. They would not be going after the leaves of the plant, but rather the flowers. Does this happen right as the plant is flowering? Peppers are nightshade plants, so the leaves are poisonous to most animals, but not the flowers and fruit.

I would treat the issue as a rodent problem. You may find these articles helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/garden-mouse-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/vole-control.htm