Finding unexpected holes and disturbed soil in the morning is a common frustration for anyone who tends a garden or lawn. This overnight damage is typically the result of nocturnal wildlife searching for food, shelter, or water. Understanding the specific nature of the disturbance is the first step toward determining the animal responsible and implementing an effective solution. Analyzing the physical evidence helps address the underlying motivations of the nighttime visitor.
Identifying the Culprit by Physical Evidence
The appearance of the digging provides the most reliable clues about the animal’s identity and feeding behavior. Shallow, conical holes, often described as probe marks, are the signature of a skunk foraging for insects and grubs beneath the turf. These holes are small, about the size of a skunk’s nose, and leave a ring of loosened soil around the edges. Numerous small holes clustered in one area suggest the animal has located a high concentration of protein-rich larvae.
Raccoons, which share a similar diet, tend to cause much larger, messier disturbances. Instead of neat holes, raccoons frequently use their dexterous front paws to lift or peel back sections of sod or turf, leaving behind large, ragged patches of exposed soil. This behavior is common in newly laid sod or grass with shallow root systems, where the turf lifts easily. Opossums may also dig sporadically, but their damage is generally less severe than that of a raccoon and is often found near compost piles or fruit trees.
Damage that appears as raised ridges or volcano-shaped mounds points to animals that live primarily underground. Moles create shallow, raised tunnels that snake across the lawn as they hunt for earthworms, their main food source. Their distinct mounds are symmetrical piles of soil pushed up from below, marking an exit point for their extensive tunnel systems. Voles, which are small rodents, typically leave small entry holes in the ground but do not create the large dirt mounds or noticeable surface ridges characteristic of moles.
Understanding Why Nocturnal Digging Occurs
The primary reason animals like skunks and raccoons dig is for foraging, specifically targeting protein sources like the C-shaped larvae of beetles, commonly known as grubs, and earthworms. Grubs thrive in moist, healthy soil, and their presence attracts these omnivorous creatures, especially during the spring and late summer when the larvae are growing. The animals know that the soil provides a reliable, calorie-dense meal, often making the garden a regular stop on their nightly rounds.
Digging is also motivated by the need for shelter and safety, particularly among burrowing animals. Moles create complex, permanent tunnel networks for both travel and hunting, which is a continuous activity regardless of the season. Other animals, like skunks and opossums, may temporarily seek refuge or construct dens under porches, sheds, or other low-lying structures.
A garden can inadvertently offer resources that draw wildlife for reasons other than hunting insects. Animals may dig to cache excess food supplies, such as nuts and seeds, although this is more often associated with diurnal species like squirrels and chipmunks. In periods of drought or high heat, animals might also dig into overly damp areas of soil to access moisture or cool their bodies.
Implementing Effective and Humane Control Methods
Addressing the digging problem effectively requires focusing on the animal’s motivations rather than simply trying to deter the animal itself. The most effective long-term strategy is cultural control, which involves eliminating the main attractant—grubs—from the soil. Applying beneficial nematodes, a natural enemy of grubs, to the lawn during late summer or early fall can significantly reduce the insect population. Reducing turf watering can also help, as grubs prefer the moist conditions that result from over-irrigation.
To make the garden less appealing, homeowners should remove all external food sources, such as fallen fruit, uncovered garbage, and pet food left outdoors. Cleaning up brush piles, debris, and tall grass eliminates potential daytime hiding spots and nesting areas, making the environment less hospitable. A healthy lawn with deep, established root systems is also more resilient to digging and less prone to having the turf easily lifted.
Physical barriers offer an immediate solution to protect vulnerable areas, such as newly seeded beds or vegetable patches. Burying hardware cloth or wire mesh vertically around the perimeter of garden beds, extending at least a foot deep, prevents animals from tunneling underneath. For above-ground protection, motion-activated sprinklers or bright lights can be effective, as the sudden sensory stimulus is a strong deterrent for nocturnal visitors. As a temporary measure, applying scent-based repellents containing ingredients like cayenne pepper, castor oil, or garlic powder can deter animals, though these require frequent reapplication, especially after rain.