Understanding Why Raccoons Dig in Lawn and Roll Up Sod
Contents
Introduction
Raccoons are adorable creatures that are commonly found in North America. Although they may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to your lawn and garden. One of the most common problems caused by raccoons is digging in the lawn and rolling up sod. If you have noticed these signs in your yard, you may be wondering why raccoons are doing this.
Reasons Why Raccoons Dig in Lawn and Roll Up Sod
There are several reasons why raccoons dig in the lawn and roll up sod. Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Food
Raccoons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. They may dig in your lawn looking for insects, grubs, and other small animals that they can eat. They may also roll up sod to get to the worms and other creatures living underneath.
2. Shelter
Raccoons may also dig in your lawn to create a den or a burrow. They may be looking for a safe place to raise their young or to escape from predators.
3. Territory Marking
Raccoons are territorial animals and may mark their territory by digging in your lawn and rolling up sod. This is a way of letting other raccoons know that this is their territory and to stay away.
How to Prevent Raccoons from Digging in Your Lawn and Rolling Up Sod
Preventing raccoons from digging in your lawn and rolling up sod can be challenging. Here are some tips that may help:
1. Remove Food Sources
If raccoons are digging in your lawn looking for food, you can try to remove the food sources. This may involve removing any bird feeders or not leaving pet food outside.
2. Use Repellents
There are several natural and chemical repellents that may help keep raccoons away. These include hot pepper spray, ammonia, and predator urine.
3. Install Fencing
Installing a fence around your yard may also help keep raccoons out. Make sure the fence is at least 6 feet high and extends underground to prevent raccoons from digging under it.
4. Call a Professional
If you are having a persistent raccoon problem, you may want to consider calling a professional wildlife removal service. They can safely and humanely remove the raccoons from your property.
Conclusion
Raccoons digging in your lawn and rolling up sod can be frustrating, but understanding why they are doing it can help you find a solution. By removing food sources, using repellents, installing fencing, or calling a professional, you can prevent raccoons from causing damage to your lawn and garden.