Why Do Animals Dig? Preventing Damage to Your Lawn

Why Do Animals Dig? Preventing Damage to Your Lawn

Have you ever seen a suspicious hole in your lawn, and you don’t know where it came from? In all likelihood it was an animal digging for food, shelter, or just for fun. Lawn holes by animals can be a real problem. Not only do holes make your lawn less beautiful, but they can also be dangerous if somebody trips in one. In some cases, it may be that the family dog is the culprit, but in other situations it may be that wild animals that visit your property are responsible for those bothersome holes.

Why Do Animals Dig?

When you see animals digging up a lawn it can be the result of a variety of triggers. Dogs, for instance, are instinctive diggers and often dig to bury items they treasure like bones or favorite toys, in an effort to hide them. Sometimes, dogs will even dig out of sheer boredom.

When wild animals dig, they are usually in search of food and may be attracted by the odor of grubs that linger just below the surface of your lawn after over-watering or periods of heavy rain. Or, rather than digging UP food, some animals may be digging to store food. For example, in the fall, squirrels dig to bury acorns and other goodies in preparation for the long, cold winter ahead.

How to Prevent Lawn Holes by Animals

If it is your dog doing the digging, you may want to spend time training him. While it can be difficult to stop your dog from digging completely, you can limit the damage by training your dog to use a designated digging area. You can even create a digging pit. A dog-digging pit, much like a sand box for your children, is a dedicated spot in your lawn where your dog can dig. Depending on the size of the dog, a digging pit is typically around 3x6 feet and 2 feet deep and is filled with loose soil and some sand. Ideally, it becomes a place for him to play and a retreat on hot days. Once you create the space, encourage your dog to use it by placing his toys there and praise him when he plays there.

In general, by playing with your dog more frequently or simply giving the animal more attention, you can reduce the boredom that may lead to digging. If you don’t have much time to train or play with your dog, you can use Havahart® Critter Ridder® on your lawn – while this is an animal repellent, it is a natural formula that will cause your dog to want to stay away from the area where it is sprayed or sprinkled.

Minimizing Lawn Damage from Animals by Using Repellents

If a wild animal is the problem, I definitely recommend using repellents to keep them away. Understandably, you may want to avoid using chemical pesticides that can cause harm to the animals, including your pets. Fortunately, Critter Ridder® is all natural, and repels wild animals as well. You’d be pleasantly surprised how a repellent recommended for use in organic gardening works so well that it can prevent lawn holes by animals. The Most Effective Ways to Stop Lawn Holes by Animals

In my experience as an animal control professional, I’ve found that Havahart® electronic repellents work extremely well for preventing lawn damage from animals. In fact, I’ve installed Critter Ridder® Motion Activated Animal Repellent Sprinkler in my own yard to combat the digging problem from squirrels I have — or used to have!

I simply placed the sprinkler device near the area where I found signs of digging activity and connected it to my water supply. When the unit’s built-in motion sensor detected the presence of a squirrel, the sprinkler activated and blasted the animal with a burst of water, and the combination of the water and the noise frightened it away. I make my living in part by helping to protect wildlife, so I’m also glad I found an effective squirrel control solution that doesn’t harm the animal. You don’t have to let animals turn your lawn into a hole-filled nuisance. By taking action, you can prevent lawn holes by animals and keep your property looking great all year long.

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