Skunks Are Digging Grubs in My Lawn

Green grass in the spring and summer makes the landscaping look appealing. However, if the lawn is not maintained, Japanese beetles can lay eggs in the lawn that turn into grub larvae.

Grubs

In July, in most parts of the United States, Japanese beetles will lay their eggs in the lawn. When the eggs hatch, they are grub larvae, which burrow underground and feed on grass roots.

Skunks

Skunks are night feeders that have a keen sense of smell. The skunk searches out the grubs underground. In doing so, the skunks dig holes the size of a quarter in diameter and 1 to 2 inches deep to eat the grubs.

Preventing Grubs

Lawns treated with imidacloprid anytime between April 1 and Aug. 15 just once will not have grub infestations, thus leaving skunks with no reason to dig up the lawn. The imidacloprid prevents the Japanese beetle eggs from hatching.

Rid Of Skunks

Skunks in the wild are different from the adorable animals you see in the zoo or on television. Skunks are foragers and don’t mind digging for their supper. If you grow food, such as vegetables or berries, you’re also providing a possible feast for skunks. If you have nut or fruit trees, pick up anything that falls to the ground so they don’t attract skunks. Consider other food sources as well. Clean up pet food and food or crumbs left behind after parties and barbecues. Wood piles, compost heaps and hollow trees are good places for skunks to hide or make a home. To make your property unattractive to skunks, remove backyard clutter. Repair any damage to structures on your property, and fill in burrows and holes. Skunks also make their homes under bushes, so keeping them trimmed on the bottom means no hiding spots. You can find skunk repellents at home improvement and garden centers or order them online. It might be against the law to catch wildlife or there may be specific guidelines for release. Wildlife professionals can also walk your property and make recommendations to keep skunks from returning.