Common Yard Pests That Dig Holes
1. Moles
If your lawn feels spongy underfoot or you’re seeing long, raised tunnels, moles could be to blame. These insect-eating mammals dig deep to hunt for grubs and worms. You’ll rarely see the mole itself — just the evidence.
- Telltale sign: Raised ridges or volcano-shaped mounds
- Fun fact: Moles can tunnel up to 100 feet in a day.
2. Voles (Field Mice)
Voles look like chubby mice and are notorious for chewing through plant roots and bark. Unlike moles, their tunnel entrances are clean holes near the surface with no dirt piles.
- Telltale sign: Quarter-sized holes near tree bases or mulch beds
- Bonus clue: Girdled plants or gnawed bark
3. Squirrels
Yes, they’re cute — but squirrels will dig small, shallow holes to hide food. If your lawn is riddled with scattered holes about 2 inches wide and deep, squirrels might be your uninvited landscapers.
- Telltale sign: Scattered, shallow holes with no tunnel system
- Seasonal tip: More common in fall and early spring
4. Armadillos
These armored diggers are becoming more common in certain regions and can cause serious yard damage. They root around for insects and larvae, leaving behind cone-shaped holes.
- Telltale sign: 3–5 inch deep conical holes, often in flower beds or along foundations
- Bonus clue: Lawn looks like it’s been “aerated” overnight
5. Rats
Rats are clever burrowers that often create entry holes near garages, decks, sheds, or AC units. These holes tend to be about 2–4 inches wide and may have rub marks or droppings nearby.
- Telltale sign: Smooth, round holes near structures
- Warning: Could indicate nesting close to the home
6. Yellow Jackets or Cicada Killers
Not all yard holes are from mammals. Some wasps — especially ground-nesting yellow jackets — dig into lawns, sometimes creating dozens of small, round holes.
- Telltale sign: Bees or wasps flying in and out of a hole
- Caution: Never block these holes — call a professional immediately
Why You Shouldn’t Just Fill the Holes In
Tempted to patch them up and move on? Not so fast. Filling in the holes without understanding what caused them is like putting a Band-Aid on a leak — the root issue will keep coming back. Worse, you could trap an animal underground or redirect them into more problematic areas like under your foundation or inside walls.
How Specter Pest Control Identifies and Solves the Problem
Our team doesn’t just spray and leave. We begin with a thorough inspection of your yard, looking for:
- Tunnel patterns and entrance holes
- Tracks, droppings, and other clues
- Food sources or attractants
- Entry points into the home or crawlspace
Once we identify the pest, we’ll develop a custom plan to remove it safely and prevent it from coming back — using exclusion techniques, baiting, or habitat modification as needed. Our approach is family-safe, pet-conscious, and designed to protect your property long-term.
DIY Tip: What You Can Check Before Calling
If you want to do a little sleuthing first, here’s what to look for:
- Size and depth of the hole (shallow = squirrel, deep = mole or armadillo)
- Location (next to the home, in mulch, or across the lawn?)
- Dirt pile or not? (dirt piles suggest digging from underground)
- Activity at dawn/dusk? (many yard pests are nocturnal)
Just keep in mind that even with clues, correct ID can be tricky — and getting it wrong could make the problem worse or waste time and money on the wrong treatment.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Guess, Inspect
If strange holes are appearing in your yard, it’s time to investigate — not ignore. Whether it’s just a hungry mole or a more serious rodent infestation, knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step to stopping the damage.
Get Fast Help from Your Trusted Pest Pros
At Specter Pest Control, we help homeowners take control of their outdoor spaces. From mystery holes to full-blown infestations, we’re here to help you get answers — and peace of mind.
Schedule your free yard inspection today. Let’s figure out what’s digging up your lawn and solve it the right way.
