Squirrels frequently dig small holes in lawns and garden beds, which is often the first visible sign of their presence for homeowners. This behavior is a natural part of their survival strategy, though it can be frustrating for those attempting to maintain a manicured turf. Understanding the instincts driving this digging is the first step toward effectively managing the issue in a yard.
Primary Reasons Why Squirrels Dig
The primary motivation for squirrels to dig is tied directly to their feeding habits and the need to prepare for periods of food scarcity. This behavior is known as scatter hoarding, where an animal distributes its food cache across numerous locations rather than storing it all in one spot. Squirrels bury individual nuts, seeds, or acorns in shallow holes, minimizing the risk of losing their supply to a competitor or event.
A typical caching hole is created quickly; the squirrel digs a small depression, drops the food item, and then pushes the soil and surrounding debris back over the top with its nose and paws. Later, the squirrel relies on its spatial memory and keen sense of smell to retrieve these hidden caches, which leads to repeated digging in those same spots. Beyond caching, squirrels also engage in general foraging, digging shallow holes to search for other food sources like subterranean insects and grubs. This type of digging is often less precise and more widespread, especially during dry periods when the topsoil is easy to move and insects are closer to the surface.
Distinguishing Squirrel Holes from Other Pests
Identifying the source of lawn damage is important because squirrel holes differ significantly from those made by other common pests. Squirrel holes are typically small, shallow depressions, about the size of a quarter to a golf ball, and only one to two inches deep. They rarely have a noticeable mound of excavated soil around the rim because the squirrel pushes the dirt back into the hole after caching or retrieval.
Other animals leave behind distinct evidence. Moles create raised ridges or tunnels visible just beneath the surface, known as runways, and conical mounds of soil when digging deeper tunnels. Voles create small, clean-cut entry holes, about two inches wide, often found along defined surface pathways they keep clear of vegetation. Skunks cause damage by digging for grubs, creating larger, conical divots or patches where the turf is peeled back, a result of their long claws searching for insects.
Strategies for Preventing Lawn Digging
Reducing the availability of attractive food sources is the most effective strategy to discourage squirrels from digging in the lawn. Bird feeders are a frequent attractant; switching to squirrel-proof designs or removing the feeders entirely limits the seeds and nuts squirrels are tempted to bury. Regularly collecting fallen nuts, acorns, and fruit from trees also eliminates easy caching material.
Applying non-toxic deterrents can make the lawn less appealing without causing harm. Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell, so applying capsaicin-based sprays (containing the compound found in chili peppers) can discourage digging in treated areas. Granular repellents with strong odors, such as peppermint oil or garlic flakes, can also be sprinkled on vulnerable spots. For garden beds or freshly seeded areas, a physical barrier provides immediate protection. Laying down chicken wire, wire mesh, or light netting secured to the ground prevents the squirrel from accessing the soil.