I agree that the problem is the rodent aka bird feeders. In my old neighborhood, the squirrel/mouse/chipmunk populations exploded when people started hinging bird feeders. Then the bears moved in as well. I am glad that not only have I moved, but also the new neighbors don't hang bird feeders.
Sprinkling pepper on the soil/potting mix surface and spraying the plants with pepper spray help to keep rodents from eating plants and digging in the soil.
