Something is eating my Beetroot.

Went to pick some of the bigger Beets tonight (I love Beetroot) and some bug... has been scoffing quite a few. Definite not slugs as can see gnaw marks on the Beet roots, leaves not touched. Is this likely to be Mice or their bigger "cousins"? I live in the countryside so do have field mice about and probably do have the odd rat around altho I've only ever seen 1 in the 13 years we have been here thank god. Question is , is there anything I can do to prevent more of my precious veg getting swiped? I doubt it and will just have to be satisfied I sowed plenty! Any good ideas gratefully received. I suppose I could park my two young cats on point duty but neither are the slightest streetwise and would probably want to make friends with whatever is responsible.

 

There's always Tescos! Totally agree a few wee nibbles are fine but what ever I've got is taking the proverbial. Here was me all ready to be pickling some as thought I was going to have loads, that is going to be a no unless I can stop my demon Beet eater. Gawd had better look at my Peas tomorrow they've probably been scoffed too.

 

I have found tooth marks on both beetroot and parsnips, in previous years,generally the autumn and blamed badgers or squirrels. The beetroot seems to be too hard for them and parsnip they just don't like the taste as it's only ever been one or two with tooth marks.