Quck answer
Burrowing animals can cause damage to your yard and gardens. To get rid of them, there are several methods you can try:
1. Identify the type of animal: Determine which burrowing animal is causing the problem. It could be moles, gophers, or groundhogs.
2. Remove their food source: Eliminate the things that attract these animals, such as grubs and insects. Use organic methods or hire a professional pest control service.
3. Install barriers: Use wire mesh or hardware cloth to create barriers around vulnerable areas, such as gardens or flower beds.
4. Use repellents: There are natural repellents available that can deter burrowing animals. These can be applied directly to the soil or plants.
5. Set traps: If the problem persists, consider using traps specifically designed for the type of animal you are dealing with.
Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the most effective method for your specific situation.
Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away when it comes to burrowing animals in your lawn. Different tactics are required to get rid of these ground dwellers depending on the type of animal creating the hole. Offensive scents and removing their food sources are both effective methods.
Identifying the Animal
Identifying the type of animal responsible for the hole is important in determining how to get rid of it. For example, a hole without raised tunnels or a dirt mound nearby is likely a chipmunk burrow. Chipmunks often hide their debris elsewhere and burrow in semi-protected areas close to the foundation or in flower beds. Moles and voles leave holes of similar size, but moles leave small conical mounds and shallow paths with raised bumps of dirt. Voles have a similar tunnel path, but without any mounds. Larger animals like gophers, pocket gophers, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and groundhogs also burrow. Gophers leave arced dirt piles near their many tunnel openings, while groundhogs create the largest holes with only one entrance. If unsure about the animal responsible, observe which burrowing animals are in the general area.
Repelling with Scents
Burrowing animals dislike unpleasant smells, but the scents that work for humans may not work for them. Coffee grounds, crushed garlic cloves, garlic oil, and rosemary oil are all effective scents to repel burrowing animals. These must be reapplied after rainfall as the scent fades. Predator urine, animal waste, or used kitty litter placed near the opening of a burrow will prevent the animal from using that tunnel entrance. Spreading these substances around the yard in key areas will also deter most burrowing animals, as they aim to avoid predators. Castor oil is another scent that repels various burrowing animals and can be used around problem areas or mixed with liquid dish soap and warm water to spray around the yard.
Prevent Attracting Burrowing Animals
Burrowing animals require food and shelter, but you can discourage them from invading your property by removing obvious food sources like fallen fruits and spilled birdseed. If you have outdoor pets, bring in their food at night or feed them indoors. Protect your garden by installing a fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth, buried at a depth that matches the burrowing capability of the animal.
Animals like chipmunks tend to forage in piles of wood or brush, so make sure to clean up these areas if you notice any signs of burrowing activity. By removing what they seek, you can discourage these animals from making your property their home.
Trapping the Animals
Before considering trapping and relocating animals, check your local regulations as it may be illegal. For a serious infestation of a specific species, use specialty traps designed for that animal. Don’t use a trap designed for mice to catch moles as it won’t be effective. Consult experts or local authorities for advice on the most appropriate method for trapping and removing burrowing animals.
FAQ
1. What are some common burrowing animals that can be found in yards?
Some common burrowing animals that can be found in yards include moles, gophers, groundhogs, and rabbits. These animals burrow underground to create tunnels and dens, which can cause damage to lawns and gardens.
2. What are the signs that indicate the presence of burrowing animals in your yard?
Signs that indicate the presence of burrowing animals in your yard include raised ridges or tunnels on the surface of the soil, mounds of dirt or soil scattered around the yard, and damaged plants or vegetation. Additionally, you may notice holes or entrances to their burrows.
3. What can I do to prevent burrowing animals from entering my yard?
To prevent burrowing animals from entering your yard, you can install barriers such as fences or hardware cloth buried at least a foot into the ground to deter them. Removing attractants like fallen fruits or vegetables and keeping your yard well-maintained can also help discourage burrowing animals from taking up residence.
4. Are there any natural repellents or deterrents that can be used to get rid of burrowing animals?
Yes, there are natural repellents and deterrents that can be used to get rid of burrowing animals. For example, castor oil-based repellents can be effective against moles and gophers. Planting certain plants like daffodils or marigolds can also help deter burrowing animals due to their strong smells. However, it’s important to note that these methods may not be 100% effective and professional assistance may be necessary in severe cases.
5. What are some humane methods of removing burrowing animals from your yard?
Humane methods of removing burrowing animals from your yard include live trapping and relocation. You can set up live traps near the burrow entrances and release the animals in a suitable habitat away from your property. Another option is using ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds to deter burrowing animals without causing harm. It’s important to check local regulations and laws regarding the removal and relocation of wildlife before attempting any method.