Have you noticed torn-up patches of lawn in your yard or small holes scattered across your grass? It’s likely the result of skunks eating grubs in search of an easy meal. Skunks are drawn to lawns riddled with these protein-packed larvae, and their digging can leave homeowners frustrated and lawns in disarray. Understanding why skunks dig for grubs and how to implement effective grub control to deter skunks is crucial for protecting your yard. 

Here in Thornton and other regions, managing skunk activity starts with tackling the grub problem head-on.

Skunks Eating Grubs

Skunks have a strong sense of smell that helps them locate grubs living just below the surface of your lawn. These larvae, typically from beetles like Japanese beetles or chafer beetles, live and feed on grassroots, making them an easy target for skunks. You’ll often see skunks digging shallow, cone-shaped holes with their claws to uncover grubs.

While it might seem harmless for a skunk to snack on a few grubs, this digging can cause significant damage to your yard. Skunks are nocturnal animals, which means the destruction often happens overnight. You might wake up to find large patches of loose and uprooted turf. If left unchecked, continued skunk activity can disrupt the entire aesthetic and health of your yard.

Beyond the immediate lawn damage, grubs cause harm themselves by feeding on grassroots, weakening the turf and creating dead patches. When your lawn is already vulnerable due to grub damage, skunks tearing up your yard only compounds the problem.

Why Grubs Attract Skunks

1. High Protein Content – Grubs are rich in protein, making them a favourite snack for skunks.
2. Easy to Dig For – The shallow depth where grubs reside makes them easily accessible to skunks.
3. Abundant Feeding Spots – Lawns with a grub infestation signal a reliable food source for skunks, which can encourage repeated visits.

Signs Skunks are Eating Grubs in Your Yard

• Small, triangular holes in the ground where skunks have dug.
• Large patches of loose or uprooted turf.
• Faint skunk odours lingering in the yard.
• Increased wildlife activity, especially during evening or early morning hours.

By identifying these signs early, you can take steps to manage both the grub population and skunk activity effectively.

Why Skunks Dig for Grubs

Skunks dig for grubs as part of their natural foraging behaviour. Searching for insects, larvae, and worms provides them with the sustenance they need to thrive. Grubs are particularly appealing due to their high-fat content and accessibility.

Skunks and other wildlife often target lawns because they’ve detected grubs below the surface through their keen sense of smell. These areas become prime feeding grounds, and skunks will quickly dig through the soil to reach the larvae. Interestingly, although many animals eat grubs, skunks are especially notorious for the damage they leave behind while foraging.

Aside from grubs, skunks may also root through your yard for earthworms, beetles, and other soil-dwelling insects. However, grub infestations often lead to the most noticeable lawn damage because of the high concentration of larvae drawing skunks to one particular area. 

Key Factors That Encourage Skunk Digging

• Time of Year – Skunk digging for grubs is most common during late summer and early fall when grub populations peak.
• Moist Soil – Freshly watered or moist lawns make it easier for skunks to dig through the surface.
• Weak Turf – Yards already damaged by grubs provide less resistance for skunks looking to dig.

Is Grub Digging Harmful to Your Lawn?

Yes, grub digging can disrupt the health and beauty of your yard. Holes created by skunks damage the turf and leave unsightly marks. If skunks frequently visit, the repeated digging puts further stress on your grass, making it harder to recover. Combined with the direct harm that grubs inflict on grassroots, your lawn can quickly turn into an unmanageable mess.

Grub Control to Deter Skunks

The best way to deter skunks is to address the root cause of their presence—grubs. Effective grub control strategies focus on reducing the grub population in your lawn, which in turn diminishes the attraction for skunks.

How to Implement Grub Control in Your Yard

• Inspect for Grubs  

Check for signs of grubs by peeling back a section of your sod and examining the topsoil. If you find five or more grubs per square foot, it’s time to take action. Grub infestations tend to cluster, so make sure to inspect multiple areas.

• Preventative Grub Treatments  

Apply a preventative insecticide early in the season, typically from late May to early August. These treatments stop the development of larvae before they cause damage or attract wildlife.

• Curative Grub Treatments  

If grubs are already present, use a curative insecticide in August or early September when the grubs are actively feeding near the surface. Follow the product’s instructions carefully for best results.

• Improve Lawn Health  

Keep your lawn well-maintained. Healthy, thick turf can tolerate some level of grub activity without showing damage, and it’s less appealing to skunks.

• Moisture Management  

Avoid overwatering your lawn. Excessive moisture can make it easier for grubs to thrive and for skunks to dig into the soil.

• Seasonal Maintenance  

Perform regular lawn care tasks like aerating, fertilizing, and over-seeding to keep your yard in top condition and reduce the risk of recurring grub problems.

Skunk Deterrents Complementing Grub Control

While grub control is the foundation of managing skunk activity, combining these efforts with other deterrents can help protect your yard further:

• Install Fencing – Secure areas prone to digging with chicken wire or similar barriers. Skunks are poor climbers, so fencing can be highly effective.
• Use Scent Repellents – Apply natural scent repellents around the yard to discourage skunks from entering. Reapply frequently for consistent results.
• Minimize Attractants – Secure trash bins and remove any fallen fruits or garden debris that might entice skunks.

Grub control plays a vital role in creating an environment that skunks won’t find appealing. By staying proactive, you can safeguard your yard and enjoy a lush, healthy lawn.

What Homeowners in Thornton Can Do Today

If you’ve noticed skunks digging for grubs in your yard, taking swift action is key. Here in Thornton, where skunk activity is common, addressing grub infestations before they escalate is the best approach to protecting your property. Whether it’s applying preventative treatments or repairing lawn damage caused by digging, a well-maintained yard reduces the chances of skunks lingering around.

At Skedaddle, we understand how frustrating lawn damage from skunks can be. While managing grub populations is crucial, sometimes professional guidance can make all the difference. Our team specializes in humane wildlife solutions and lawn protection strategies that provide peace of mind to homeowners.

If you’re ready to reclaim your lawn, don’t wait. Contact us at Skedaddle to learn how we can help with wildlife concerns and guide you toward long-term solutions for skunk activity.