Discovering a dug-up lawn overnight signals the presence of animals seeking resources. Understanding the creatures responsible and their motivations is the first step toward preventing future damage.
Identifying the Diggers: Common Suspects
Several animals are known to dig up grass, each leaving distinct signs of their activity. Moles, for instance, create characteristic volcano-shaped mounds of soil, known as molehills, as they construct extensive underground tunnel systems. These tunnels are primarily shallow feeding runs just beneath the surface, which can cause raised ridges in the lawn.
Voles, unlike moles, primarily consume plant roots and stems, which can lead to dead patches of turf. They create small, open holes, about one to two inches in diameter, and often leave visible surface runways through the grass.
Skunks are another common culprit, leaving behind small, cone-shaped holes as they root around for insects and grubs.
Raccoons can cause more significant damage, often rolling back sections of sod or tearing up large patches of turf in their search for grubs and other invertebrates. Their digging is generally more destructive and less precise than that of skunks.
Armadillos create shallow, conical holes, typically three to five inches deep and wide, as they probe the soil with their snouts for insects and worms.
Gophers construct fan-shaped mounds of dirt, often with a plugged burrow entrance, indicating their extensive tunneling activity. Their mounds are typically larger and more irregular than molehills.
Squirrels and chipmunks also dig small, shallow holes, especially near trees or garden beds, as they bury nuts and seeds for later consumption.
Certain birds, such as crows or blue jays, can cause minor surface damage by pecking at the grass to extract grubs or worms, leaving small, shallow pokes.
Lastly, domestic dogs can be significant diggers, creating larger, more erratic holes, often near fences or under shrubs, driven by instinct, boredom, or a desire to bury items.
Understanding Why They Dig
Animals dig in lawns for several fundamental reasons. A predominant motivation is foraging for food, with many species seeking out invertebrates like grubs, earthworms, and various insects that live beneath the grass. These food sources are often abundant in lawns.
Animals also dig to create shelter or nesting sites. Species such as moles, voles, and gophers construct elaborate burrow systems for living, raising their young, or escaping predators and harsh weather conditions. These networks provide safety and a stable environment.
Some animals, particularly squirrels and chipmunks, dig to cache food for future consumption. They bury nuts, seeds, and other edibles in numerous shallow holes, intending to retrieve them during times of scarcity. Some digging can also be a result of territorial marking or exploration, as animals investigate their environment.
Strategies for Protecting Your Lawn
Protecting a lawn from digging animals often involves a multi-faceted approach, beginning with addressing their primary food sources. Reducing grub populations, a common attractant, can be achieved through various methods, including the application of beneficial nematodes or milky spore disease, which specifically target grubs. Proper lawn care practices, such as appropriate watering and fertilization, can also create a less hospitable environment for these insect larvae.
Exclusion methods can be effective, particularly for larger animals. Installing fences with buried wire can prevent animals like raccoons and armadillos from entering the yard. For smaller areas, netting can be temporarily placed over vulnerable sections of grass to deter digging.
Repellents, both commercial and homemade, are another option, though their effectiveness can vary. Products containing castor oil are often used to deter moles and voles, while some DIY solutions involve strong-smelling substances like pepper sprays, which may deter certain mammals.
Modifying the habitat around the lawn can also reduce animal activity. Removing brush piles, securing trash cans, and eliminating standing water sources can make the yard less attractive by removing potential shelter, food, and water. If digging persists despite these efforts, or if the problem is extensive, consulting with professional pest control or wildlife removal services may be necessary to identify the specific animal and implement targeted solutions.