Imagine looking outside and seeing holes, mounds of dirt, and damaged plants instead of a well-maintained yard. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Burrowing animals are a common issue in Baltimore yards, as they dig up soil for shelter, food, or nesting purposes. Unfortunately, their activities can leave your yard untidy and may even lead to more significant property concerns.

Identifying the cause—whether it’s skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, or other burrowing wildlife—is the first step to resolving the problem. That’s where we come in. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Baltimore, we understand the challenges these animals can create. Continue reading to learn more about what might be hiding beneath the surface of your yard and how our professional team can help address the issue effectively.

Who’s Digging Up Your Yard?

If you’re asking, “What is burrowing in my yard?” there are a few common culprits. Animals like skunks, moles, groundhogs, and raccoons are often to blame. Here’s a breakdown of some burrowing animals you might encounter in Baltimore yards.

Skunks

Skunks are well-known for their smelly spray, but did you know they’re also avid diggers? These black-and-white-striped animals often dig small, cone-shaped holes in search of grubs and insects. Identifying skunks in your yard typically involves spotting these holes or seeing the telltale overturned dirt.

Skunks love to make dens under decks, porches, or sheds. They’re nocturnal, so most digging happens at night. And if you get close to a skunk’s den, you may notice their strong odor lingering nearby.

Moles

Moles are small, burrowing mammals with velvety fur and large front claws perfect for digging. They create raised tunnels and mounds in lawns as they search for earthworms and insects. While moles aerate the soil, the damage they cause to lawns and gardens can be frustrating.

Groundhogs

Also known as woodchucks, groundhogs dig large, elaborate burrows with several entrances. These burrows can be quite deep and may even compromise the stability of sheds, decks, or patios if they’re close enough. Groundhogs are herbivores and love to munch on plants, making gardens a prime target.

Raccoons

Unlike some other animals, raccoons don’t typically live in underground burrows they’ve made. Instead, they dig shallow holes or peel back chunks of sod in search of food like grubs and insects. If you see grass that looks like it’s been flipped over, a raccoon may be the culprit.

Signs You Have Burrowing Animals

Sometimes, the signs of wildlife are subtle. Other times, they’re glaringly obvious. Watch out for these clues that burrowing animals have taken over your yard:

• Random Holes or Dirt Mounds: Cone-shaped holes about 3–4 inches wide often point to skunks, while larger burrows may belong to groundhogs. These groundhog burrows are usually next to a pile of loose soil, indicating active digging.
• Raised Tunnels: If your lawn looks uneven with visible ridges, moles are probably the cause. The ridges show where moles have been traveling underground in search of insects and worms.
• Damaged Plants or Overturned Grass: Raccoons and skunks tend to dig up grass and plants in their hunt for bugs. This often leaves patches of exposed dirt that can quickly ruin the look of your yard.
• Droppings or Odors: Strong smells and scattered droppings can confirm which animal you’re dealing with. These signs usually appear near burrows or places the animals frequently visit.

Why Are These Animals a Problem?

While burrowing animals in Baltimore yards might seem harmless, the problems they create can snowball over time. Here are a few ways these animals can impact your yard and property:

• Damage to Landscaping: Burrowing leaves dirt mounds, disrupts plants, and creates unsightly patches in your yard. Over time, these disruptions can make it harder for grass and flowers to grow back.
• Foundation Issues: Groundhogs and other animals can dig burrows beneath decks or sheds, potentially weakening the building’s stability. These weakened areas may also allow water to collect, leading to further structural problems.
• Health Risks: Raccoons and skunks can carry harmful diseases like rabies, which can pose a risk to people and pets. They may also introduce parasites like fleas or ticks into your yard, creating additional health concerns.

Humane Solutions for Burrowing Animals

When it comes to managing burrowing animals, it’s tempting to try DIY fixes. But these methods rarely work and can sometimes make the problem worse. That’s why calling in professionals like us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is your best option. Here’s how we approach wildlife control:

Identify the Problem

Step one is figuring out which animal is causing the damage. Our trained experts know the signs to look for, whether it’s a skunk’s dig marks or a groundhog’s burrow.

Use One-Way Doors

We’re proud to use a humane and effective method to remove animals from your property. Our one-way doors allow wildlife to leave their burrows but prevent them from coming back in. This keeps both your property and the animals safe.

Seal Entry Points

After ensuring the animals are out, we seal potential entry points to prevent future issues. This might include adding barriers around sheds or reinforcing areas where burrowing has already occurred.

Offer Professional Advice

We’ll work with you to figure out what changes might help deter animals from returning. This could include removing food sources like unsecured trash or fallen fruit from your yard.

Preventing Burrowing Issues Before They Start

Once we’ve removed burrowing animals from your yard, taking preventative steps can help keep them from coming back. Here are some tips:

• Secure Trash Cans: Avoid attracting raccoons and skunks by using trash bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Remove Food Sources: Clean up birdseed, fruit, or fallen nuts that might tempt wildlife.
• Install Barriers: Hardware cloth or fencing can protect vulnerable areas like gardens or sheds.
• Landscape Smartly: Reduce hiding spots by trimming bushes and shrubs close to the ground.

Why Choose Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control?

When wildlife invades, you want a solution that works quickly and safely. At Skedaddle, we prioritize humane methods while ensuring the job is done right. Our team understands how to deal with burrowing animals in Baltimore yards, from pesky skunks to bothersome raccoons.

We know how stressful it can be to discover animals damaging your yard. That’s why we’re committed to offering top-notch customer service and effective solutions you can trust.

Take Back Your Yard Today!

Your yard should be a place of relaxation, not a digging zone for local wildlife. If you’re worried about burrowing animals in Baltimore yards, identifying skunks in your yard, or need Baltimore skunk control services, we’ve got you covered.

Reach out to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today to request an estimate and get started. Our team is here to help you take back your space and reclaim your yard for good.