Problem with Cat (I Think) Tearing Huge Holes in Polytunnel!

Hello all!

I unfortunately have an issue with huge holes being torn into my polytunnel polythene cover, I believe by a cat but it may be something else, you can see the claw marks in the photos.

I was wondering if anyone else has had to deal with this problem and what the best solution might be..

The polythene sheet is from Premier Polytunnels, and I also have some of their repair tape, although these holes are very large.

Any help would be hugely appreciated!

Many thanks

 

Could be badgers.

 

Or foxes - those do similar-looking damage to rubbish bags which anyone is foolish enough to leave out overnight for the binmen, round here. In which case there are commercially available fox repellents, and some other ideas to try here.

 

I think it's more likely to be foxes than cats also, you don't have anything in there like bonemeal or chicken poo pellets do you.

 

I don't think a cat would have made such a big hole in tough polythene. It's probably some wild animal after whetever you keep in there.

 

I'm with Pete on this, whatever it is is attracted to something in the polytunnel and it's probably something they can smell.

 

I doubt it was cats, it's not uncommon for cats to put there claws in the plastic while stretching or climbing on top for a nap. Is the polytunnel completely sealed off, no openings. If there is, then maybe another small animal could of got in which attracted another predator. Our commercial polytunnels are all open ended and we do have birds fly in, which then could grab the attention of cats if there about.

 

Thank you all for your responses!

The tunnel is currently open at both ends as the doors aren't attached yet, but also there is nothing of interest inside as I haven't finished the ground work yet and it isn't up and running, so nothing growing in there etc.

Perhaps an ultrasonic sound and flashing light motion detection repeller would help.. does anybody here have any experience with these?

 

If it's new I just wonder if it's across the path that a fox has been using for a long time.