Finding holes dug into a meticulously maintained mulch bed is a common frustration for many homeowners. Animals dig for several reasons, primarily seeking food, creating shelter, or burying objects. Ending this disruptive behavior depends on accurately identifying the animal’s motivation and then applying a specific, non-harmful method to redirect its natural instincts.
Identifying the Animal Causing Damage
Determining the specific culprit is the first step toward solving the digging issue, as different animals leave distinct signs. Small, shallow, cone-shaped holes, typically one to three inches wide, are often the foraging marks left by skunks. These nocturnal insectivores probe the mulch and soil surface to find white grubs, earthworms, or other subsurface insects.
Raccoons also hunt for grubs and other food sources, but they tend to cause more extensive damage, often peeling back or turning over larger sections of turf or mulch. Their holes are typically larger and messier than those left by skunks, sometimes accompanied by tracks resembling small human hands.
Squirrels and chipmunks create small, clean holes, usually near plants or trees, as they bury and retrieve nuts and seeds. Shallow depressions, often found in soft, freshly turned mulch, can signal a domestic or feral cat using the area as a litter box.
Applying Physical Deterrents
Physical barriers work by making the act of digging physically uncomfortable or impossible for the animal. One of the most effective methods involves laying a layer of chicken wire, hardware cloth, or plastic garden netting directly beneath the mulch surface. The material should be securely anchored with landscape staples or pins. The mesh size should be small enough to deter paws or snouts, typically a one-inch grid or smaller, while still allowing water and air to pass through to the soil below.
Modifying the ground cover itself can also act as a deterrent. Animals dislike walking or digging through sharp, abrasive materials. Replacing mulch with uncomfortable alternatives like sharp-edged gravel, lava rock, or large, prickly pinecones discourages repeat visits. For smaller areas, placing flat river stones or decorative rocks tightly together provides a solid surface that prevents animals from accessing the soil underneath.
Using Sensory Repellents
Sensory repellents appeal to an animal’s heightened senses of smell and taste, making the mulched area undesirable. Common digging animals dislike the strong, pungent aroma of certain household spices and oils. Cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes are effective taste deterrents that provide an unpleasant sensation upon contact or ingestion.
Other natural scents that repel animals include coffee grounds, which emit a strong odor, and citrus peels, which contain oils that irritate nasal passages. Peppermint essential oil, when diluted and sprayed, can also deter small rodents like mice and voles. These repellents must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain or heavy watering, to maintain effectiveness. Commercial repellent sprays are also available, often utilizing castor oil or predator urine scents, which signal danger and make the area seem unsafe.
Eliminating Local Attractants
Addressing the root cause of the behavior provides the most lasting prevention strategy. For many animals, digging is a direct response to the presence of food. This is particularly true for skunks and raccoons, whose digging is largely driven by the search for white grubs in the soil. Treating the lawn and garden beds for grub infestations with beneficial nematodes or other grub control products reduces this primary food incentive, making the area less attractive for foraging.
Beyond insects, securing all outdoor garbage cans with locking lids prevents raccoons from accessing discarded food scraps. Pet food and water bowls left outdoors should be brought inside overnight, as they serve as an easy, consistent meal for nocturnal visitors. Removing standing water sources and cleaning up fallen fruit or birdseed under feeders ensures the yard does not inadvertently offer a convenient buffet for wildlife.