Birds? Netting. Rats? Trap to kill. I will comment on squirrels.

Squirrels are not deterred by fences or netting. Not sure where you are, but your local codes may determine your options. In the city I live in, it is illegal to kill those "cute" squirrels, and no matter what nonsense people will spout, it's almost impossible to scare them away. Well, maybe if you have a dedicated watch-cat. I have outdoor cats who are very non-dedicated. The idea of sprinkling stuff around, the smell of which drives them away, like chili powder, is purely delusional. Doesn't work worth beans on my squirrels. In my burg, my only option is trap-and-relocate. Also in my burg, I am not allowed to relocate them on private property without permission, so I head for public open space several miles away. Oh, one more thing. The common reaction to trap-and-release is that it's like bailing the ocean. You can never get rid of all of them. BUT YOU CAN. Squirrels populate a small area for one year. If you get rid of those who reside near you, you won't see any more until the next year. I routinely trap-and-release about a dozen every year, right around now (I've done ten so far in the last month or two...), and I see NONE for the rest of the summer and fall. They repopulate the area in the spring.

Do not fall for the story that you can just leave some fruit for the squirrels, and they'll be satisfied. They'll take ONE BITE out of everything.

I should add that if your only pests are furry and feathered ones, count yourself as lucky.

The picture didn't post.

Well, one thing. Unless you have a couple dozen kids, a dozen squash plants are still too many! Time to give them away or abort!

DH and I have 1 zuk and 1 crook neck and STILL have to give to the neighbors and family! (BTW, Aug 8th is "Leave a zucchini on your neighbor's porch day!" ! Nancy

Having trouble posting pic. I am in San Antonio, Texas, Lots of squirrels :/ attempting to plant in a couple containers and some ground gardening ill try and get pic up. I actually teach half a dozen kids from my house but I agree I have too many squash plants. I never expected them to grow. Im happy they did. Thank you for your help