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Squirrels digging lawn.

russellgilbert55167119russellgilbert55167119 Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hello,
Im all for wildlife in the garden, but how do I stop squirrels digging holes and pulling grass in my lawn??

My front and back lawn look like a very bad golfer has been trying to tee-off on them!

I purchased a light/sound cat scarer to try and deter them, but the squirrels only stands on its hindlegs for a while looking at it, then carries on digging in the lawn!
I also have a dog that occassionally chases them off, but when Im not at home with the dog, I come home from work and my lawn is a mess of small holes and pulled grass everyday.  
I stamp the holes down and try to cover them over, but the squirrels dig all over again.

Any help?

Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Afraid not, squirrels are a law unto themselves and there's not a lot you can do to deter them - I know, I've spent the last 12 years or so trying! None of the pest deterrents work for squirrels as their hearing ability is different to most other animals I believe.

    They are digging up your lawn either to bury nuts in case there is a hard winter or they are already hungry/just plain greedy and digging up nuts previously buried. 

    I'm presuming you haven't got crocuses or tulips planted under your lawn?

    It won't do your lawn any harm, in fact it may well help with drainage.

    My son's dog goes berserk when he spots squirrels through the windows so I do hope yours isn't barking like mad when you're out!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    We have had problems with squirrels too. If there is an alternative to the lawn in your garden, they will tend to use that instead.

    We have several large planters around, and the squirrels find the soil in those easier to dig. While I get frustrated with them constantly leaving holes in the planters, I recognise that this means they dig less in the lawn.

    We also have large areas of soil for planting next season, and am aware that they use that too. It's a trade-off.

    Basically, you'll have to get used to it - or move house. I'm moving in two weeks, and the greater problem will be seagulls!!
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    @rowlandscastle444 (mournfully) we get seagulls as well as squirrels!!!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Very common for squirrels to be burying nuts at this time of year. Not much you can do  :)

    The sonic things can be adjusted, but I have no faith in them for deterring anything.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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