I've read that used coffee grounds act as a deterrent for slugs and snails, even the little bit of caffeine left in them being toxic to them. It's a quick and cheap trick to try, anyway. I've also read that they are a deterrent to most rodents. I'm trying this for the first time this year, and it's early days yet, but so far no problems from either slugs and snails, the tree squirrels I see cavorting about, or the wood rats that stripped my lilies a few years ago. The coffee grounds are good for the plants and safe for kids and pets. I don't think it will help with insects or roaches, but who knows? I did find a round hole like described in the opening post and I have to admit that after watching the video posted of the roach eating the strawberry, that looks like the most likely culprit. The question remains "What is an effective deterrent?" Who thinks of roaches as a garden pest? LOL!

1soh: Could be deer, depending on your location and particular residential situation, neither of which you describe. Deer love strawberry leaves. Shine a flashlight out there some night and see if there are any large, brown creatures around. 2.5 feet is a perfect height for comfortable deer browsing. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

I would say earwigs or slugs. Sluggo Plus will get rid of the problem. It is organic and safe to use around your strawberries. If it is slugs, plastic will just provide a nice, moist, dark haven for them, so I would try using Sluggo Plus. You can check for both by setting down a flat piece of cardboard on the ground near your strawberries and see if slugs and/or earwigs congregate underneath. Patty S.

You've got some kind of fungal disease that might be associated with your mulch. Melons don't really need to be mulched.. They look pretty sickly, so I'd spray with a good fungicide ASAP and hope for the best.