Squirrels are a familiar sight in suburban landscapes, but their activity often results in small holes across lawns. Understanding why these animals dig involves recognizing two distinct biological drives: the long-term preparation for winter survival and the immediate need to find a meal. These holes are evidence of calculated efforts to secure food resources.
Digging for Long-Term Food Storage
The most common reason for small holes in a lawn is scatter hoarding, the instinct to prepare for times when food is scarce. This behavior involves burying durable food items, such as nuts and seeds, across the squirrel’s territory. Distributing the winter supply into numerous small caches prevents a single thief from stealing the entire hoard. This activity intensifies during late summer and fall when resources are abundant and the animal prepares for colder months.
The resulting holes are typically small, just large enough for a single nut, and are immediately covered with soil and tamped down with the animal’s nose. These are dug with the intent to conceal a valuable resource for later retrieval, relying on the squirrel’s spatial memory to locate the cache months later. A squirrel may create hundreds, or even thousands, of these caches in a single season.
Digging for Immediate Food Sources
Squirrels also dig for immediate consumption, which is distinct from long-term storage efforts. This includes searching for previously buried nuts they may have forgotten, or actively hunting for other protein sources. When seeking a quick meal, the digging patterns are often more erratic and less focused than when burying a single nut.
One major draw is the presence of insect larvae, commonly known as grubs, which live just beneath the turf’s surface. A squirrel may tear up sections of grass in a patchy, shallow manner while hunting these protein-rich insects, especially during the spring and fall when grubs are closest to the surface. Newly planted flower bulbs, such as tulips and crocuses, are also an attractive food source. These bulbs are packed with nutrients, and the disturbed soil from planting makes them easy targets for a foraging squirrel.
Non-Lethal Methods to Protect Your Lawn
Protecting your lawn and garden from squirrel damage requires a multi-pronged approach focused on humane deterrence rather than removal. One effective strategy is using physical barriers over vulnerable areas, such as newly planted flower beds or vegetable gardens. Laying down chicken wire or fine plastic netting immediately after planting prevents the animal from reaching the soil to dig up bulbs or seeds. The mesh must be secured firmly to the ground so squirrels cannot easily move it aside.
Another successful method involves the application of olfactory deterrents, which take advantage of the squirrel’s sensitive sense of smell. Sprays containing capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, can be applied to the lawn and garden beds. The strong, unpleasant odor and taste discourage the animal from digging or consuming plants without causing harm. These deterrents need to be reapplied periodically, particularly after rain or watering, to maintain their effectiveness.
Reducing the availability of supplemental food sources helps lower the number of squirrels attracted to the yard. This means securing or removing bird feeders, as spilled seeds become an easy meal for squirrels. Promptly raking up fallen nuts, berries, and fruit minimizes the natural resources available for them to hoard. Motion-activated sprinklers, which deliver a harmless burst of water, can also condition squirrels to avoid certain areas of the lawn.