Why Do Squirrels Dig Up Lawns and Gardens? 

Squirrels can be a lot of fun to watch outdoors as they scamper and climb, but for many homeowners, property owners, and businesses, these fluffy-tailed critters can become a true nuisance. In Upstate New York and Western Massachusetts, common squirrel species include flying squirrels and tree squirrels like gray and red squirrels, and each of these species is known to dig holes in lawns, gardens, and even trees.  

Finding squirrels inside homes, buildings, and other structures is only one part of the problem. For many people across the country, evidence that a squirrel has been digging up their garden or lawn isn’t uncommon. But why do these animals do this?  

Let’s explore why squirrels and lawn damage often go hand-in-hand and consider some tips for preventing squirrel-related property damage.  

Why Do Squirrels Dig Holes in Yards?  

You can tell when squirrels have been digging on your property because of the offending holes’ unique characteristics. Squirrel holes are typically about the size of a quarter and only about 1 to 2 inches deep, with little to no soil surrounding them. Just one squirrel can create hundreds of holes in a single season. Unlike rat holes, which are typically larger than 2 inches in diameter, these holes are usually positioned near trees and other structures. They also typically look neat, tidy, and nearly perfectly round. 

Although the holes rarely do any real damage, other than to crops and vegetation, they can be quite unsightly. Keeping squirrels out of the garden starts by answering the question of why they dig. 

It’s pretty simple. Squirrels create these holes, also commonly called “caches,” to store food for winter. These relatively shallow holes are perfect for stashing acorns, seeds, and nuts for the cold weather season when food sources are scarce. This behavior is part of squirrels’ survival instinct and is also a method of marking their territory.  

Signs of Squirrels on Your Property 

Once you spot caches in your garden or lawn, you will have little doubt that squirrels are the culprits. However, other early signs of squirrel activity can help you identify their presence sooner so you can prevent them from digging. The earlier you take action, the better you can protect your property.  

Signs of squirrels include: 

• Gnawed tree bark as well as bitten and half-eaten flowers, fruits, and vegetables 
• Seed heads and spring bulbs that are missing or visibly eaten 
• Tiny holes in planting beds and planters 
• Broken bird feeders and rapid consumption of birdseed 
• Evidence of chewing on wooden structural elements 

Preventing Squirrels from Digging Holes in the Lawn or Garden  

Squirrels love trees and other vegetation. Other factors that could be attracting squirrels to your property include an abundance of shrubbery and thick vegetation, which provides shelter. Food and water sources will also keep squirrels coming back to your yard or garden. You can deter them in several ways. 

Remove Access to Food and Water  

To help prevent squirrel damage, it’s essential to make your yard less attractive. Take away access to food and water by: 

• Securing trash in tightly lidded receptacles 
• Removing fallen fruit from fruit trees 
• Adding protective netting, crop covers, or fencing around shrubs, fruit trees, and gardens 

Block Access to the Property 

Although squirrels can climb, adding physical barriers can go a long way toward deterring these woodland mammals. Protective mesh, wire mesh, hardware cloth, and metal fencing can help protect spaces that are appealing to squirrels. You could also install motion-activated sprinklers that turn on when squirrels enter the area, effectively scaring them away. 

Use Repellents 

You don’t want to rely on harmful, toxic chemical repellents that could harm squirrels, pets, humans, and other wildlife. Environmentally friendly options can help deter critters by emitting a sound or scent that they don’t like. Examples include ultrasonic devices, mixtures of cayenne or hot sauce and water that you can spray on foliage and plants, and garlic and water blends. You could also plant mint, alliums, or daffodils to help repel squirrels from outdoor spaces. 

Keeping Squirrels Outside 

When you have squirrels on your property outside, it’s a distinct possibility that they could make their way indoors. As temperatures drop, squirrels will start looking for shelter. Any manmade structures could be a cozy nesting option. Squirrels can chew or claw their way through existing gaps and holes in siding, drywall, and roofing. Once inside, they build nests and potentially wreak havoc on indoor spaces. 

Sealing entryways is essential for keeping squirrels outside. USX Pest Control offers two excellent options. Our Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion Systems for homes provide a permanent barrier against squirrels and other animals. Safe, humane, and chemical-free, these systems provide targeted or comprehensive protection for homes and other structures.  

Likewise, our Exclusion Systems for businesses provide an all-natural approach to preventing squirrels, rodents, and nuisance wildlife from entering commercial properties.  

Schedule Your Free Inspection Today 

Do you have a squirrel digging in your garden?  

USX Pest is committed to providing exceptional service. Our trained and licensed technicians can help devise a plan tailored to your unique property to remove squirrels as needed and prevent them from returning.  

Contact USX Pest Control today to get started or to learn more about our services.