What Animal is Damaging My Yard and Garden?!

Critter-Repellent.com Staff • January 30, 2019

Identifying the Culprit Animal Means More Effective Damage Prevention

Once you're over the unpleasant surprise of finding animal damage in your yard, the next step is figuring out what caused it so you can take the right steps to deal with the pest problem. Here are some of the most common types of animal damage, and what animals are most likely to be the cause.

Peeled off tree bark

Strips of bark peeled off of trees, or lower branches chewed off is a sure sign of deer. You'll see this most often in the winter when there is a lack of green plants for them to eat.

Dug up sod

Large patches of pulled up grass, or dug through flower beds is a very common yard problem and can be attributed to more than one possible culprit. Skunks will dig for grubs, and squirrels sometimes dig around looking for seeds or even flower bulbs. Birds looking for worms can also make noticeable holes in your grass that look like a rodent was digging.

Holes in foundation or exterior walls

Finding small holes around the outside foundation of the house, door jambs or under the eaves is probably mice or chipmunks looking to get inside. Squirrels may also chew holes but they are more likely to take advantage of existing openings. Once you discover holes like this, you'll want to move inside and do some checking indoors for signs that a rodent pest or two has moved in.

Holes in the ground

We already mentioned areas of the yard that have been dug up, but this is more about the deeper holes that lead into tunnels. Small holes are going to be voles, though you might see other animals like mice or shrews using the tunnels as well. Voles are the diggers though. Larger holes are the work of moles, and animals like gophers or groundhogs will leave the largest holes.

Eaten flowers or vegetables

Probably the most devastating to the home gardener, is discovering that your flowers, shrubs, herbs or vegetable plants have been chewed or outright devoured.


> 100% All Natural Animal Repellents for ALL of Your Animal Problems - Get Them Here! <


Unfortunately, this is also the most common damage you can find and it won't help narrow down the animal options much. Deer, rabbits, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and voles will all happily eat from your yard. Many insects are just as voracious, leaving the same type of chewed plants behind.

Ransacked garbage

While technically not yard damage, finding a torn open garbage bag with trash everywhere is bad enough to warrant a mention. This is probably a raccoon though skunks have been known to get into garbage too. If it has managed to wrest the lid off a bin, it's definitely a raccoon.

As you can see, the type of damage can help narrow down your search for the animal pest but it is far from certain. Especially in cases where you have more than one species spending time in the yard. If you still can't pinpoint the problem, you can try a motion-sensor camera (like a trail cam) to catch the destruction in action. From there you can decide on fences, repellent or traps to properly protect your yard and garden spaces.


Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchuck
October 21, 2024
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
More Posts