Holes In Grass

I live in Gatineau (Quebec), Canada and I am in Zone5. I have holes in my grass and seems like an animal is digging the roots of my grass. I live in rural and have 3/4 of an acre of grass. I dug a hole to see if I had white worms (grubbies), deep enough ( 6 inches) and nowhere to find. No one around the area as white worms. It is not all over the grass but close to the house, where it is warmer, close to the septic tank and close to the swimming pool. I do not know how to treat it and would really need advice.

Would really appreciate some help!!!!! Can somebody help?

Hoping to get some advices!!!!

Louise

 

It does sound like you have animals digging for grubs in your lawn. The fact that you didn't find any doesn't mean that they aren't there or that the animals didn't find them and eat them.

As for controls, you could try putting netting (nylon bird net, chicken wire) over the area where the holes are appearing. This should provide a deterent to the animals. Later in the season, when there are more plentiful food sources for the animals (berries, more insects, caterpillars and the like) you should be able to remove the netting and enjoy your lawn.

Anne

 

I do appreciate your answer and I am sending some pictures that I took of my grass.

 

Sort of resembles squirrel holes. Skunks make a nice conical shaped hole.

 

Voles?

 

Thanks Anne58, PhillyPalms and Chimera.
How can I solve my problems with squirrels or voles? I was suggested by Anne58:"As for controls, you could try putting netting (nylon bird net, chicken wire) over the area where the holes are appearing." With this quote will the grubs go away!!!! Is there ay other solutions????

 

If the holes are caused by voles a good cat may help. Coyotes and owls also feed on voles. If the grass roots are eaten, or holes close to any other shrubs or such in the area, it may be voles. Size of holes may be another indication of cause. Would any flower bulbs that might attract rodents, such as squirrels mentioned by PhillyPalms, be in the affected area ?

 

No, the grubs wouldn't go away. They will still be there doing what ever it is they do. It's a catch 22 situation, either you have holes and no grubs (if grubs are the problem) or you have grubs and a nice lawn.

(aside: our neighbour uses the net technique to deter the animals looking for the european chafer grubs - grubs stay and multiply but their lawn doesn't get torn up)

 

I made a lot of test on my grass and I do not have grubs, which is good news!!!! I know now it is the animals that are eating the roots of my grass. They make a hole, deep enough for the roots. Is there any way, I could keep them away?

I did put a chicken fence on my lawn but did not have enough to cover the entire lawn, but mostly where they frequently digging.

Help anyone and open to suggestions!!!!

Louise

 

Unless you could get a product similar to a pet repellent that you could spray on the lawn I'm not sure what you can do. . . . .

 

Thanks Anne58. I will look around but if you think of anything else, let me know. You know sometime,you being from another area could have a product that I am not aware of.

Louise