Inspected this morning and found it had not revisited my tomatoes. However something (same animal?) had a feast on my leafiest brussels sprouts plant. This was not the work of worms (which I have also had) - entire leaves were gone to the stem. It also pigged out on my zinnia plants, the three on the row perimeters. Munched the bud heads right off. Again, I've had insect problems on some of these plants, but I don't think a Japanese beetle could do this type of damage. See photos.

Whatever is doing this new damage has to be fairly tall as some of the zinnia and brussels leaf damage is at least two feet high.

The zinnias are surrounded by cayenne and jalapeno plants, which were of course untouched. This reminded me that some people use pepper spray to deter animals. Anyone had luck with this? I know you have to re-apply after rain. Homemade? Store bought? I'm willing to try anything!!!

Tho a fence is a last resort. Not sure

Brussels leaf damage.

Could be deer damage due to the height. Are the cuts ragged or smooth?

Pretty smooth cuts. We live in a fairly urban area and our yard is fenced between neighbors on all sides. We have seen deer in a nearby ravine but can't imagine that they are trekking thru the neighborhoods. I've sprayed pepper spray on everything, but the damage continues. I may have to start picking the tomatoes half-ripe and letting them finish on the windowsill. :(

If you don't have a fence, it is unfortunately likely to be c) all of the above.

I know if I didn't have my fence rabbits would be eating my beans, groundhogs would be eating my squash and brassicas and deer would be eating everything. With the fence, I only have to contend with squirrels eating my tomatoes and voles eating my root vegetables and peas.

So from my experience, I would suggest you have squirrels eating tomatoes and groundhogs eating your zucchini and Brussels sprouts.