Are squirrels a menace to raised beds?

Hello everyone,

I have 2 raised beds and my lettuce seedlings have been ripped out of the ground because 2 large holes have been dug!!      I am guessing this is due to squirrels, but I'm not sure.  How can I stop them digging more holes - I think they would chew through any netting, wouldn't they?!

Help urgently required, before more seedlings get dug up!!
Thanks.

Welcome to the site vegebabble 

They probably would chew through plastic netting, but you might have more luck by putting wire round / over the plants, and I'd suggest weighting the edges of the wire down with bricks or similar to prevent them getting under it.

I don't know if this would work but it is worth a try.

And if it is squirrels, then wrap the sides and top with poultry netting. They aren't tough enough to chew through that. If anything, you've probably planted on top of one of their nut stashes.

And if it is squirrels, then wrap the sides and top with poultry netting. They aren't tough enough to chew through that. If anything, you've probably planted on top of one of their nut stashes.

squirrels can chew through wire, thats why they have to be removed from house lofts as they will chew through electric wiring and cause fires. 

Might be worth if you think it is squirrels to use cage hanging baskets turned upside down like a cloche. peg it down hard though because if they want to get in, they will try hard! 
Mice rats, foxes and badgers are all prone to a dig, - could it maybe be a local cat?

If it is a small hole about 2ins diameter and about the same in depth then I suspect that it is squirrels. I get them here in Cambridge. I find that they have "planted" a monkey nut in the ground and at some time when I dig the soil over I oftan find several. Oddly I find they do little damage as they seem to pick the clear bits. A friend says that they scatter pelleted chicken manure and the smell deters the squirrels. Not sure how true it is but could be worth a try.