My landlady sent me photos that the Ring camera captured. Definitely a squirrel (and maybe other pests as well for the half eaten trap). I'll look into the chicken wire solution ASAP.
This year I didn't put any plants outside. Between squirrels and ear wigs, I gave up on the idea and turned my spare bedroom into a little haven of my own.
I've found that keeping the amount of exposed soil to a minimum helps! I've taken to stacking pots, putting rocks and empty pots on top of the exposed soil, and just generally being suuuper messy about things has helped! Not for the faint at heart though it does seem to dissuade them slightly! But the plants do look unsightly. I think my friends and neighbours think I've lost my marbles (spoiler alert, I have: the squirrels stole them!) I also took to zip-tying metal shelves over my window planters this year. Looks like hell but very effective. Honestly I can't bring myself to be this messy with CPs so they've been staying inside lately...
one pot is missing in action from the catmint! I swear they've been actually stealing my pots too. And some pots with plants in them even!! Squirrel demons are my enemy.
It doesn't matter what you do. If they are there, they will rampage. If they were on Star Trek, even a level 7 containment field wouldn't keep them from over running the ship.