Pesky squirrels and chipmunks! Photo: Lynn M. Smith Photography/Flickr from the Mother Nature Network

Karla M asks:  How do I discourage chipminks from eating my almost-ripe tomatoes?

 Tom Oder of the Mother Nature Network suggests a variety methods, ranging from pets and cages to a capsaicin punch and more, uh, direct & merciless methods. I'm kinda skeptical of the one about firearms. Stats show you're more likely to blow a hole in your own foot.