Squirrels, those bushy-tailed acrobats of the backyard, are often charming to watch. However, their digging habits can quickly turn your pristine lawn into a patchy, uneven mess. Understanding why they dig and implementing effective deterrents is key to reclaiming your yard and restoring its beauty. This guide will explore the reasons behind squirrel digging and provide practical solutions to stop them.
Understanding Why Squirrels Dig in Your Lawn
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the motivations behind squirrel digging. It’s not simply random behavior; it’s driven by instinct and necessity. Understanding these reasons will help you tailor your approach for maximum effectiveness.
Burying and Retrieving Food
Squirrels are notorious for burying food for later consumption. This behavior, known as caching, is their way of preparing for times when food is scarce, particularly during the winter months. They bury nuts, seeds, acorns, and other food items in shallow holes, carefully covering them up with soil and leaves. Your lawn, with its soft soil and readily available seeds from grass and weeds, becomes an ideal location for their hidden pantries. When they can’t find their buried treasure, they dig extensively, creating unsightly holes.
Searching for Food Sources
Even if you aren’t actively feeding squirrels, your lawn can be a haven for other food sources that attract them. Grubs, insects, and earthworms are all tempting meals for squirrels. They have an excellent sense of smell and can detect these delicacies beneath the surface. In their quest for these protein-rich snacks, they will dig relentlessly, tearing up your lawn in the process. Newly seeded or recently fertilized lawns can also attract squirrels due to the enticing scent of fresh seeds and nutrients.
Nest Building and Shelter
While squirrels primarily build nests in trees, they sometimes dig shallow burrows in the ground for temporary shelter or as a safe haven from predators. These burrows are usually located in secluded areas of the lawn, such as under shrubs or near fences. Although not as common as food-related digging, nest building can still contribute to lawn damage.
Water Sources
During dry periods, squirrels may dig in lawns to find moisture. They are attracted to damp soil and may dig around sprinkler heads or areas where water tends to accumulate. This type of digging is less about food and more about survival, particularly in arid climates or during droughts.
Effective Strategies to Deter Squirrels from Digging
Now that you understand why squirrels dig, let’s explore effective strategies to deter them from your lawn. A multi-faceted approach, combining several of these methods, is often the most successful.
Repellents: Scent and Taste Deterrents
Repellents can be a powerful tool in discouraging squirrels from digging. They work by either emitting an unpleasant scent or providing an unpleasant taste, making your lawn less appealing to squirrels.
Commercial Squirrel Repellents
Many commercially available squirrel repellents contain ingredients like capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers), garlic, or other strong-smelling compounds. These repellents are available in granular, liquid, or spray form. Apply them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, focusing on areas where you’ve observed squirrel activity. Reapply after rain or watering to maintain effectiveness.
Homemade Repellents
You can also create your own homemade squirrel repellents using common household ingredients. A mixture of cayenne pepper and water, sprayed on your lawn, can deter squirrels due to its spicy taste. However, exercise caution when using this method, as it can irritate skin and eyes. Garlic powder or vinegar mixed with water can also act as a deterrent. Remember to test homemade solutions on a small area of your lawn first to ensure they don’t cause any damage.
Coffee Grounds
Recycled coffee grounds can be spread over flowerbeds and garden areas as a natural deterrent. Squirrels dislike the strong smell and texture of coffee grounds, making them less likely to dig in those areas. Coffee grounds also act as a natural fertilizer, providing nutrients to your soil.
Physical Barriers: Protecting Your Lawn
Physical barriers prevent squirrels from accessing your lawn, effectively stopping their digging. These barriers can be as simple as netting or as elaborate as underground fencing.
Netting and Mesh
Covering vulnerable areas of your lawn with netting or mesh can prevent squirrels from digging. This is particularly effective for newly seeded areas or flowerbeds. Secure the netting to the ground with stakes or landscape staples to prevent squirrels from lifting it. Choose a netting material that is durable and weather-resistant.
Chicken Wire
Burying chicken wire a few inches below the surface of your lawn can deter squirrels from digging. The wire mesh acts as a physical barrier, preventing them from accessing the soil. This method is particularly effective around flowerbeds or vegetable gardens. Make sure the chicken wire extends a few inches above the ground to prevent squirrels from jumping over it.
Underground Fencing
For a more permanent solution, consider installing an underground fence around your lawn. This involves burying a fine mesh fence several feet deep, preventing squirrels from digging underneath it. This method is more expensive and labor-intensive than other barriers, but it provides long-term protection against squirrel digging.
Eliminating Food Sources: Removing Temptation
Removing the food sources that attract squirrels to your lawn is a crucial step in deterring them. This involves cleaning up fallen nuts and seeds, protecting bird feeders, and controlling grubs and insects.
Cleaning Up Fallen Nuts and Seeds
Regularly rake your lawn and remove fallen nuts, seeds, acorns, and other food items that attract squirrels. This reduces their incentive to dig in your lawn. Pay particular attention to areas under trees and bird feeders, where food tends to accumulate.
Protecting Bird Feeders
Bird feeders can inadvertently attract squirrels to your lawn. Use squirrel-resistant bird feeders that are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the seeds. Place the feeders in areas that are difficult for squirrels to reach, such as on poles with baffles or hanging from tree branches with smooth surfaces.
Grub and Insect Control
If squirrels are digging in your lawn to find grubs or insects, consider using an insecticide to control these pests. Choose an insecticide that is safe for your lawn and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Alternatively, you can use natural methods of grub control, such as nematodes or milky spore.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: A Startling Deterrent
Motion-activated sprinklers are a humane and effective way to deter squirrels from digging in your lawn. When a squirrel enters the sprinkler’s range, it triggers a burst of water, startling the squirrel and causing it to flee.
Placement and Adjustment
Place motion-activated sprinklers in areas where you’ve observed squirrel activity. Adjust the sensitivity and range of the sprinkler to ensure it only targets squirrels and doesn’t accidentally spray people or pets. Consider installing multiple sprinklers to cover a larger area of your lawn.
Effectiveness and Habituation
Motion-activated sprinklers are most effective when used in conjunction with other deterrent methods. Over time, squirrels may become habituated to the sprinklers, so it’s important to move them periodically and vary their spray patterns.
Dog Patrol: A Natural Deterrent
If you have a dog that enjoys chasing squirrels, letting it patrol your lawn can be an effective deterrent. The presence of a dog will discourage squirrels from entering your yard and digging in your lawn.
Supervision and Training
Supervise your dog when it’s patrolling your lawn to ensure it doesn’t damage your plants or harm the squirrels. Train your dog to chase squirrels away without catching them, as catching a squirrel can be dangerous for both the dog and the squirrel.
Alternative Pets
Cats can also deter squirrels from entering your yard. However, be mindful of local ordinances regarding letting cats roam freely.
Diversionary Tactics: Providing Alternative Digging Locations
Instead of trying to completely eliminate digging, consider providing squirrels with alternative digging locations away from your lawn. This can satisfy their natural instincts without damaging your prized turf.
Sandbox
Fill a sandbox with sand or soil and bury nuts or seeds in it. This provides squirrels with a designated digging area where they can bury and retrieve food without disturbing your lawn. Place the sandbox away from your lawn and in a secluded area of your yard.
Nut and Seed Stations
Create feeding stations in specific areas of your yard, providing a consistent source of food for squirrels. This can reduce their need to search for food in your lawn. Place the feeding stations away from your house and in areas where squirrel activity is less problematic.
Maintaining a Healthy Lawn: The Best Defense
A healthy, well-maintained lawn is less susceptible to squirrel damage. Strong, dense turf makes it more difficult for squirrels to dig, and healthy soil is less likely to attract grubs and insects.
Proper Watering and Fertilization
Water your lawn deeply and regularly to promote strong root growth. Fertilize your lawn according to its needs, using a fertilizer that is appropriate for your grass type. A healthy, well-nourished lawn is more resilient to pests and diseases.
Regular Mowing and Aeration
Mow your lawn regularly at the recommended height for your grass type. This promotes dense growth and prevents weeds from taking over. Aerate your lawn annually to improve soil drainage and aeration, reducing the risk of grub infestations.
Over-seeding Bare Patches
Over-seed bare patches in your lawn to fill in any gaps where squirrels are likely to dig. Use a grass seed that is appropriate for your climate and soil type. Keep the newly seeded areas moist until the grass has established itself.
Long-Term Solutions: A Holistic Approach
Stopping squirrels from digging in your lawn is an ongoing process that requires a holistic approach. Combining multiple deterrent methods, maintaining a healthy lawn, and understanding squirrel behavior are all essential for long-term success.
It is important to remain vigilant and adapt your strategies as needed. Squirrels are intelligent and adaptable creatures, so what works today may not work tomorrow. By staying informed and persistent, you can reclaim your lawn and enjoy a beautiful, squirrel-free yard.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce squirrel digging in your lawn and enjoy a healthier, more attractive outdoor space. Remember that persistence and adaptation are key to success, as squirrels are resourceful creatures. A combination of deterrents and a healthy lawn maintenance routine is the most effective approach to long-term squirrel control.
Why are squirrels digging up my lawn?
Squirrels dig in lawns primarily in search of food. They are often burying nuts for later consumption or actively hunting for insects, grubs, earthworms, and seeds that reside beneath the surface. This digging behavior is most prevalent in the fall as they prepare for winter, but it can also occur during other times of the year when natural food sources are scarce or when they are establishing their territory.
Another reason squirrels may be disturbing your lawn is to create nests or burrows. While they commonly nest in trees, some squirrels will create underground dens for shelter, especially during extreme weather conditions. These burrows can damage the root systems of your grass and other plants, leading to unsightly patches and weakened turf. Identifying the specific cause of the digging is crucial for implementing the most effective control methods.
What are some immediate steps I can take to deter squirrels?
One of the first things you can do is remove any readily available food sources that attract squirrels to your yard. Clean up fallen nuts, seeds from bird feeders, and ripe fruits from trees. Storing pet food indoors and securing garbage cans will also help eliminate easy meals that entice squirrels to forage in your lawn.
You can also try using a humane squirrel repellent. Options include commercial sprays with ingredients like capsaicin (from chili peppers) or homemade solutions. Applying these repellents to your lawn and garden areas can discourage squirrels from digging. Remember to reapply frequently, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness.
How can I protect my bulbs from being dug up by squirrels?
Protecting your bulbs before planting is key to preventing squirrels from digging them up. Consider dipping bulbs in a solution of liquid fence or applying a commercial bulb repellent before putting them in the ground. This will make them less appealing to squirrels and other rodents.
Another effective method is to plant bulbs in wire cages or surround them with chicken wire. This physical barrier prevents squirrels from accessing the bulbs while allowing the roots to grow freely. You can also add a layer of gravel or crushed stone on top of the soil after planting, which makes it more difficult for squirrels to dig.
Are there plants that squirrels tend to avoid?
Yes, there are certain plants that squirrels generally avoid due to their taste, smell, or texture. Planting these around your lawn and garden can act as a natural deterrent. Examples include daffodils, hyacinths, alliums, and fritillaries. These plants contain compounds that are unpalatable to squirrels.
In addition to these flowering plants, consider incorporating herbs like mint, geraniums, and onions into your landscape. Squirrels tend to dislike the strong scents of these herbs, making them an effective deterrent. A mix of these squirrel-resistant plants can create a less inviting environment for squirrels while adding beauty and variety to your garden.
Will motion-activated sprinklers keep squirrels away?
Motion-activated sprinklers can be a highly effective way to deter squirrels from digging in your lawn. These devices detect movement and spray a short burst of water, startling the squirrels and discouraging them from returning to the area. The sudden and unexpected spray is generally enough to scare them off without causing harm.
To maximize the effectiveness of motion-activated sprinklers, position them strategically in areas where squirrels are most active. Adjust the sensitivity and spray range to ensure they cover the desired area without being triggered by other wildlife or pets. The element of surprise and the unpleasant experience of being sprayed with water can create a strong aversion, training squirrels to avoid your lawn.
What is the best way to get rid of grubs in my lawn, which may be attracting squirrels?
Identifying and treating grubs in your lawn is essential for eliminating a primary food source that attracts squirrels. One effective method is to apply beneficial nematodes, microscopic roundworms that parasitize and kill grubs. These are a natural and safe alternative to chemical pesticides.
Another approach is to use a grub control product containing ingredients like chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid. Apply these products according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically in late spring or early summer when grubs are actively feeding. Proper lawn care practices, such as aerating the soil and avoiding overwatering, can also help reduce grub populations.
How can I humanely trap and relocate squirrels?
If other deterrent methods are not effective, trapping and relocating squirrels can be a last resort. Use a humane squirrel trap baited with nuts, seeds, or peanut butter. Place the trap in an area where squirrels are frequently seen. Check the trap frequently, especially during warmer weather, to avoid causing undue stress to the animal.
Before relocating a squirrel, check your local regulations as it may be illegal or require a permit. If relocation is permitted, release the squirrel in a suitable habitat away from your property, such as a wooded area or park. Be sure the release location offers access to food, water, and shelter. Keep in mind that relocation can be stressful for the animal and may not be a long-term solution if other squirrels simply move into the vacated territory.