If you’re noticing small holes appearing in your yard or garden, you might be asking what animal is digging holes in my yard? Animals digging up your lawn can be frustrating, damaging your beautiful garden and lawn in the process. Identifying the culprits and knowing how to stop animals from digging holes in yard areas is essential to protecting your lawn.
What Animal is Digging Holes in My Yard?
You may be wondering, what animal is digging holes in my yard? Various animals dig holes in lawns for different reasons, but most are seeking food, shelter, or a place to hide. Common animals that dig holes in grass or dirt include:
- Rats and mice: These pests burrow underground to nest or search for food, often leaving small entry holes near garden edges or structures.
- Bandicoots: A very common cause of small cone-shaped holes in Australian lawns. Bandicoots dig for insects and larvae, especially after rain.
- Possums: While they mostly live in trees, possums may dig in garden beds or turf searching for food.
- Rabbits: Rabbits dig burrows and can cause widespread lawn damage if they establish themselves nearby.
- Foxes: Foxes may dig larger holes when hunting insects or small animals, particularly overnight.
- Echidnas: Occasionally responsible for deeper holes as they dig for ants and termites.
What Causes Holes in My Lawn?
If you are asking what causes holes in my lawn, it is usually linked to food sources beneath the soil. Grubs, beetles, larvae, ants, and worms attract digging animals.
Bandicoots and echidnas leave small, neat holes, while rabbits and foxes tend to create larger disturbances. Pets, irrigation issues, or soil erosion can also contribute to lawn damage, but animal activity is the most common cause. If you’re asking specifically, what is digging up my lawn at night, many Australian animals are nocturnal and are most active after dark. They forage overnight and leave visible holes in the morning, particularly in soft or recently watered lawns.
How to Stop Animals from Digging Holes in Yard Areas
To learn how to stop animals from digging holes in yard spaces, it’s important to address the root of the problem. Here are a few effective methods:
- Set up animal repellents: Chemical and natural repellents can deter animals from digging in your yard. Some people use cayenne pepper or garlic sprays to keep pests away.
- Fence your garden: Installing barriers like fencing can prevent animals from getting into your garden or yard.
- Use mesh or wire: Burying chicken wire or hardware cloth around plants and flower beds can prevent digging animals from accessing them.
- Remove food sources: Keep pet food, birdseed, and any other food sources out of your yard to avoid attracting animals.
- Traps: In cases of severe infestations, setting up traps might be necessary to capture and relocate the animals.
How to Stop Animals from Digging Holes in Flower Beds
If the digging is happening specifically in your flower beds, how to stop animals from digging holes in flower beds? The best strategy is to protect the area by using physical barriers. Installing garden landscaping features like fences or hedges around your flower beds can help deter animals. You can also plant strong-smelling herbs like lavender or rosemary, which many animals avoid due to their strong scent.
Animals that Live Underground
In Australia, common animals that live underground include rabbits, rats, mice, and some reptiles. Their burrows weaken soil structure and can cause turf collapse over time. Identifying burrow entrances early helps prevent long-term damage.
How to Landscape Your Yard for Protection
Proper landscaping can also help minimise the risk of animals digging in your yard. You can incorporate landscaping techniques like using rocks or heavy mulch to fill in areas where animals are prone to digging. Certain plants like marigolds and lavender can act as natural repellents and also add beauty to your garden.
Professional Lawn Care Services
For a comprehensive solution to animal damage in your yard, Jim’s Mowing offers expert lawn mowing and garden maintenance services. Their professional team can help you assess your lawn and garden for any animal-related damage and offer tailored solutions to protect your yard, such as installing physical barriers, landscaping, and more.
If you’re struggling with animal digging or just need professional advice, Jim’s Mowing contact page is your next stop. You can also find a local expert to help through Jim’s Mowing locations.
Get a free quote today! Call Jim’s Mowing on 131 546.
