Yard Answers › wildlife control
What's digging holes in my lawn at night?
Quick answer
Small cone-shaped holes overnight are usually skunks or raccoons hunting grubs. Set up a trail camera to confirm the culprit, treat grubs, secure trash, and use motion-activated lights, sprinklers or repellers.
Step by step
- 1Confirm with a trail camera
- 2Treat for grubs
- 3Secure trash and pet food
- 4Add motion deterrents
Gear that helps
Night Vision Trail CameraSee the foxes, raccoons and opossums crossing your yard at night.$50–$90 · View on Amazon 
Motion-Activated SprinklerA harmless spray that keeps deer and groundhogs out of gardens.$40–$70 · View on Amazon 
Solar Animal Repeller StakesLow-effort way to discourage skunks and raccoons from digging.$25–$45 · View on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, My Yard earns from qualifying purchases.
Common questions
How do I tell skunk from raccoon damage?
Skunks leave small neat holes; raccoons roll back whole strips of sod.
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