Ah, springtime! The flowers bloom, the birds chirp, and—wait, what's that hole doing in your perfectly manicured lawn? If you've noticed some unexpected excavations, you might be dealing with skunks, armadillos, or opossums. Let's dig in (pun intended) and explore why these critters are turning your lawn into their personal construction site.
Skunks: The Foragers
Skunks are notorious for their digging habits, especially in early spring. Why? They're on the hunt for grubs, insects, and earthworms. These critters love the protein-rich diet that lies just beneath the surface of your lawn. If you've got a grub problem, skunks will be all over it, quite literally.
What You Can Do: Consider natural insecticides or beneficial nematodes to control grub populations. Also, secure your trash bins—skunks are opportunistic feeders.
Armadillos: The Rooters
Armadillos are the bulldozers of the animal world. With their strong claws, they dig in search of insects, particularly ants and termites. They're not just digging random holes; they're following their noses to a tasty meal.
What You Can Do: Create barriers around vulnerable areas, like gardens or flower beds. A physical barrier like mesh or fencing or a chemical barrier like organic and humane Armadillo Scram can deter pests from turning your yard into swiss cheese.
Opossums: The Opportunists
Opossums may look cute, but they're no strangers to digging. They're omnivores, so they'll dig for insects, bulbs, roots, and leafy organic matter. If you've got a compost pile or pet food left outside, opossums will gladly dig into that buffet also.
What You Can Do: Seal off access to potential food sources. Bringing in pet food at night and securing compost bins can discourage these critters from making a mess.
Preventing Digging in Your Lawn this Spring
Consider these diggers a badge of honor! While unwanted, the truth of the matter is that these pests are attracted to your lawn due to the health of your ecology. While it could be tipping towards unbalanced if you have too many grubs (5+ per square foot) or a colony of ants who've built a home in your flowerbed there are plenty of food sources around to make a happy home.
Most of the time these pests are simply a passing nuisance whose activity is a net positive. In these instances, inspect the affected area for infections and if none are found, roll, mow, and move on.
At the point these pest become destructive, responsible and humane action should be taken. There are a number of treatments available from box stores or you can hire a pro like Newell Services to address them.
Conclusion
Understanding what is digging in your lawn this spring and why skunks, armadillos, and opossums dig at all can help you take proactive steps to protect your lawn. By addressing the root cause you can enjoy a beautiful yard without the unwanted guests.
So, the next time you see a new hole in your lawn, you'll know exactly who's been digging and why. Armed with this knowledge, you're better prepared to coexist with nature while keeping your lawn intact.
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