How to Identify the Culprit: What’s Burrowing in Your Yard?
Discover how to tell what is burrowing in your yard by observing burrow characteristics, such as size, shape, and location, and identifying other signs like droppings, tracks, and damage to plants or structures, helping you effectively identify and manage these unwanted guests.
Introduction: The Mystery Beneath Your Feet
Have you noticed suspicious holes appearing in your lawn, garden, or around your home’s foundation? Determining what animal is responsible is the first step in addressing the issue. Ignoring these burrows can lead to damage to your property, landscape, and even create safety hazards. Fortunately, with careful observation and a bit of detective work, you can often identify the culprit behind these subterranean activities. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a backyard burrow investigator!
Assessing the Burrow Characteristics
The size, shape, and location of the burrow are crucial clues. Different animals create distinct types of burrows based on their size and needs.
- Size Matters: Burrow entrances range from small, discreet holes (think mice or voles) to large, obvious openings (badgers or woodchucks). Measure the diameter of the entrance for a more accurate assessment.
- Shape and Structure: Some burrows are simple tunnels, while others have multiple entrances and complex internal structures. Look for signs of mounds of dirt near the entrance, indicating extensive digging. Consider the presence of connecting tunnels.
- Location, Location, Location: Animals tend to build burrows in specific areas. Voles might be found along fence lines or under mulch, while moles prefer lawns and gardens with rich soil. Woodchucks often choose areas near structures for added protection.
Identifying Additional Signs
Burrow identification goes beyond just looking at the hole itself. Additional clues can provide valuable insights.
- Droppings and Tracks: Animal droppings near the burrow entrance or along pathways can help narrow down the possibilities. Similarly, tracks in soft soil or mud can provide a clear indication of the animal’s identity.
- Damage to Plants: Different animals have different feeding habits. Voles, for example, often damage plant roots, while gophers may pull entire plants underground. The type of plant damage can point to the responsible creature.
- Soil Disturbances: Moles are notorious for creating raised ridges across lawns as they tunnel just beneath the surface. Gophers, on the other hand, tend to create mounds of dirt that are more circular. These soil disturbances are distinctive indicators.
Common Burrowing Animals and Their Signs
Different animals leave distinct signatures behind. Here’s a quick guide to some common suspects:
| Animal | Burrow Characteristics | Other Signs |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | —————————————————————————————– | —————————————————————————————- |
| Moles | Small entrance holes; raised ridges in lawn; tunnels just below surface. | No visible mounds of dirt; prefer moist, rich soil. |
| Voles | Small, shallow burrows; often hidden under mulch or vegetation. | Gnawed plant stems; runways through grass; damage to plant roots. |
| Gophers | Horseshoe-shaped mounds of dirt; plugged burrow entrances. | Damage to plant roots; pulling plants underground. |
| Woodchucks | Large, obvious burrows with multiple entrances; often near buildings or fences. | Large mounds of dirt near entrances; may see the animal basking in the sun. |
| Chipmunks | Small, discreet burrows; often near rocks or woodpiles. | Less visible mounds of dirt; may hear characteristic “chip-chip” sounds. |
| Rats/Mice | Small, hidden burrows; often near food sources. | Droppings; gnawing marks; may find nesting materials nearby. |
| Badgers | Very large burrows, often in open fields or near woodlands; distinctive claw marks. | Can disturb large areas while foraging for food. Burrows tend to be very deep. |
Safety Precautions and Considerations
While investigating burrows, it’s important to prioritize safety. Never stick your hand inside a burrow, as you could be bitten or encounter dangerous animals. Wear gloves when handling soil or droppings to avoid potential diseases. If you suspect a serious infestation or encounter potentially dangerous animals, consider contacting a professional wildlife control service. It’s also crucial to check your local laws, as some animals are protected.
Effective Management Strategies
Once you’ve identified the animal responsible for the burrows, you can implement appropriate management strategies. These may include:
- Habitat Modification: Removing food sources, trimming vegetation, and repairing fences can make your yard less attractive to burrowing animals.
- Repellents: There are various commercial and homemade repellents available that can deter certain animals.
- Trapping: Trapping can be an effective method for removing burrowing animals, but it should be done humanely and in accordance with local regulations. Always check traps daily and release non-target animals unharmed.
- Professional Assistance: For severe infestations or complex situations, hiring a professional wildlife control service is often the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell the difference between a mole and a vole burrow?
Moles create raised ridges in the lawn as they tunnel just below the surface, and they have small, inconspicuous entrance holes. Voles, on the other hand, create shallow burrows hidden under mulch or vegetation and often leave runways through the grass.
What kind of damage do gophers cause?
Gophers are known for their distinct horseshoe-shaped mounds of dirt and their habit of pulling entire plants underground by their roots. They can cause significant damage to gardens and crops.
Are burrowing animals dangerous to humans?
While most burrowing animals are not directly aggressive towards humans, they can carry diseases or parasites. It’s important to avoid direct contact and take precautions when handling soil or droppings. Some animals, like woodchucks, may become aggressive if they feel threatened.
What is the best way to get rid of moles?
Effective mole control often involves a combination of methods, including trapping, using repellents, and reducing their food source (grubs). Mole traps are often the most effective solution.
Can burrowing animals damage my home’s foundation?
Yes, especially larger animals like woodchucks or badgers. Their burrows can undermine the foundation of your home, potentially leading to structural problems. Prompt action is crucial to mitigate the risk.
What attracts burrowing animals to my yard?
Burrowing animals are often attracted to yards with abundant food sources, such as insects, grubs, plant roots, and seeds. They are also drawn to areas with suitable soil for digging and shelter from predators.
Is it safe to fill in burrows without knowing what animal made them?
It is not advisable to fill in burrows without identifying the animal first. You could trap an animal inside, causing it unnecessary suffering. Additionally, simply filling the burrow without addressing the underlying issue may result in the animal digging a new burrow elsewhere in your yard.
What should I do if I find a burrow near my home’s foundation?
If you find a burrow near your home’s foundation, it’s important to take immediate action. Contact a professional wildlife control service to assess the situation and implement appropriate control measures. Early intervention can prevent costly structural damage.
Are there any natural ways to repel burrowing animals?
Yes, there are several natural repellents you can try, such as planting certain herbs (like daffodils or marigolds) that are known to deter rodents or using castor oil-based repellents. These methods are often most effective as preventative measures.
How can I protect my garden from voles?
To protect your garden from voles, consider using wire mesh barriers around individual plants or raised garden beds. Removing mulch and leaf litter from around plants can also help reduce vole habitat.
When is the best time of year to deal with burrowing animal problems?
The best time to address burrowing animal problems is often in the early spring or late fall, when the animals are less active and easier to trap or repel. However, it’s important to take action as soon as you notice signs of burrowing activity, regardless of the time of year.
How do you tell what is burrowing in your yard?
How do you tell what is burrowing in your yard? You can decipher the mystery by carefully observing the characteristics of the burrows (size, shape, location), identifying additional signs such as droppings, tracks, and plant damage, and comparing these observations with the known habits of common burrowing animals. This detailed approach will give you a clear picture of who is making a home under your turf.