Who's Been Digging in Your Garden? A Guide to Identifying and Deterring Overnight Holes

The Mystery of the Overnight Holes

Have you ever woken up to find mysterious holes appearing in your garden overnight? It’s a common gardening puzzle, and one that can be particularly frustrating when the culprit seems determined to dig, even in the most unyielding of surfaces. This article delves into the likely suspects behind these nocturnal excavations, focusing on identifying the animals most likely to be leaving their mark, and providing insights into deterring their unwelcome digging.

Identifying the Culprits: A Process of Elimination

When you find holes appearing overnight, the first step is to consider the size and characteristics of the holes themselves. This can provide crucial clues to the animal responsible.

• Hole Size: Small holes (1-2 inches in diameter) often point towards smaller mammals like voles or mice. Larger holes (3-4 inches) might indicate the work of squirrels, chipmunks, or even rats. If the holes are significantly larger, you might be looking at the handiwork of a larger animal like a rabbit, fox or badger.
• Hole Depth: Shallow holes are often associated with animals searching for food, while deeper holes could indicate den-building or a search for shelter.
• Soil Condition: The type of soil can also provide clues. Loose, sandy soil is easier to dig in, so the holes might appear more pronounced. Tarmac poses a significant challenge, so it’s interesting to note the persistence of the digging in this case, suggesting a particularly determined animal or a very attractive digging location.
• Location, Location, Location: Where the holes are appearing is also critical. Are they near a food source like a bird feeder, a compost heap, or a vegetable patch? This can help you narrow down the suspects.

Common Suspects and Their Habits

Let’s explore some of the most likely animals responsible for those overnight holes:

1. Squirrels: Squirrels are notorious diggers, often burying nuts and seeds for later consumption. They tend to create shallow holes, usually in areas where they can easily access the soil. The tarmac surface might deter them to some degree, but if there’s a scent or a perceived reward beneath the surface, they may persevere.
2. Voles and Mice: These small rodents create shallow burrows, often in grassy areas. They might be searching for seeds, insects, or shelter. Their holes are typically small and discreet.
3. Rats: Rats are more likely to create deeper burrows. They are omnivores, so they might be searching for food or a place to nest. They can be persistent diggers and may be attracted to areas with food scraps or other attractants.
4. Chipmunks: Chipmunks are another common culprit, creating burrows and storing food underground. Their holes are usually a few inches in diameter and often have a pile of loose soil nearby.
5. Rabbits: Rabbits don’t always dig holes, but they might create shallow scrapes or burrows, particularly if they are looking for a place to rest or to give birth. Their digging is more likely to occur in softer soils.
6. Badgers: Badgers are powerful diggers and create extensive burrow systems known as setts. Their holes are large, and they can cause significant damage to gardens and lawns. Luckily they tend not to be in residential gardens.
7. Foxes: Foxes, similarly to badgers, might dig holes for dens or in search of prey. Their digging activity is often more sporadic than that of badgers.

The Curious Case of Digging on Tarmac

The situation of digging on tarmac is interesting. Most animals prefer softer, easier-to-dig surfaces. This could suggest a few possibilities:

• Persistence: The animal might be determined to dig, perhaps because there is something of interest beneath the tarmac (a buried food source, a scent that they find attractive).
• Desperation: If natural food sources are scarce, an animal might be driven to try and dig in unconventional places.
• Testing: The animal might be exploring or simply testing the surface, especially if they are young and still learning about their environment. This could be because they feel there is a good chance something desirable might be found if they dig.

Deterring Unwanted Diggers

Once you’ve identified the potential culprit, you can take steps to deter their digging:

1. Remove Attractants: Eliminate any potential food sources, such as bird feeders, fallen fruit, or uncovered compost bins. Keep your garden tidy and free of any readily available food.
2. Physical Barriers: Use wire mesh or netting to protect vulnerable areas, such as vegetable patches. Bury the mesh a few inches underground to prevent animals from digging underneath.
3. Repellents: There are various animal repellents available, including those based on scent (e.g., coyote urine) or taste. Apply these according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be aware that the effectiveness of repellents can vary, and it is always best to check the local regulations about using them.
4. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can be effective in scaring away animals, but be prepared for a potential soaking yourself!
5. Habitat Modification: If the animal is seeking shelter, remove any potential nesting sites, such as piles of wood or dense undergrowth. Ensure that there are no easy routes into sheds or other outbuildings.
6. Consider the Animal: Is the animal likely to be after food, shelter or something else? This will help you to decide on the best course of action.

Dealing with Existing Holes

• Fill them in: Once you’ve addressed the underlying cause of the digging, fill in the holes with soil. Tamp the soil down firmly to prevent further digging.
• Monitor the area: Keep an eye on the area to see if the digging continues. If the holes reappear, you may need to adjust your deterrents.

Conclusion

Discovering mysterious holes in your garden can be both intriguing and frustrating. By understanding the habits of common garden animals and taking proactive steps to deter them, you can protect your garden and maintain your peace of mind. Remember to observe the clues – hole size, location, and soil conditions – to identify the likely culprit, and then employ the appropriate strategies to keep those overnight diggers at bay. While digging on tarmac may seem unusual, the persistence of the behavior suggests a determined animal or a very alluring reason for digging.