Landscaping help!!!

CleanGSR · 10-03-06, 12:22

I've seen some yard/landscaping threads on this forum before so maybe some of you can help me.
Over the past couple weeks I started noticing these "holes". They only go about 1-2 inches deep and then just stop. Since they are really shallow I know it's not moles or anything. Well, being as this was in the back of my back yard, I wasn't too concerned. The problem is that these "holes" have spread through over half of my back yard and are really starting to tear stuff up. It gets worse everyday and I think it's happening at night time. Any ideas as to what's causing these? Here's some pics to show.

This is what it's doing to my yard and it's spreading

Danase · 10-03-06, 12:25

I had a similar problem this year and they ended up being from flying ants...! It sucked. I saw all of these ants crawling out of these holes this year and sprayed with ant killer. Once they where all gone that is what my yard looked like. I guess they nest in the earth like that.

CleanGSR · 10-03-06, 12:28

Can you get a ant killer designed for yards? Will it kill all bugs (hopefully)? It has ruined half of my back yard and everytime I look at the holes there is nothing anywhere near them. So should I just go to Lowes and get a bug killer for lawns and sprinkle that on the whole yard?

Danase · 10-03-06, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by CleanGSR

Can you get a ant killer designed for yards? Will it kill all bugs (hopefully)? It has ruined half of my back yard and everytime I look at the holes there is nothing anywhere near them. So should I just go to Lowes and get a bug killer for lawns and sprinkle that on the whole yard?

It kills ants and some others. I said spray but it is a granual that comes in plastic case or bag and you shake the granuals onto the lawn. If it is what I had they are all ready gone so there really is no need. But I am no lawn care expert. lol

qballjr13 · 10-03-06, 12:36

My bet would be skunks digging for grubs...especially since it happens mostly at night. They need to dig just below the roots and they eat the grubs. There are two way you can get rid of them (if it is a skunk(s)) Either trap them, or get some grub killer and spread it over the lawn. No more grubs means no more skunks means no more holes. See that was easy!

CleanGSR · 10-03-06, 12:36

I'm positive that whetever it is, is not gone. I took those pictures yesterday after I mowed and I could go out there tonight and take pictures of spots that weren't there yesterday. It's multiplying and they are doing it pretty dang quick.

qballjr13 · 10-03-06, 12:38

I deff think its skunks now

CleanGSR · 10-03-06, 12:39

I'll give that a shot. Hopefully I can find something that will kill grubs and ants just to cover both basis in one. I don't really think I'm up for trapping Skunks. I guess I should keep an eye on my dog that we tie up there before bed to use the restroom. I definately don't want her getting sprayed by or in a fight with a Skunk.

Yal · 10-03-06, 12:47

Where do you live? Describe the area. Is it near forest, trees? Is it near a wooded park? It could be anything from cicadas to badgers to squirrels.

CleanGSR · 10-03-06, 12:50

I live in Missouri and on the edge of town (may as well be out of town). Our back yard has one huge Oak tree and the yard backs up to a wooded area. We have a lot of squirels in the big Oak tree, but there is plenty of food on the ground around that tree for them. Enough that they can't even eat all the nuts and stuff. Don't know if it matters but the whole yard slants downhill in one direction. All of the holes are on the upper part of the yard. I can take pictures of the yard itself tonight if that's needed.

Eliot Ness · 10-03-06, 02:00

Sounds like a little nighttime surveillance is called for here

themightytimmah · 10-03-06, 02:10

Try putting the granules down with a spreader, they make ones that will kill pretty much anything that crawls, if it's ants it'll knock them out and if it's rodents it'll remove their food source. If the holes keep coming back, light up a good cigar and get ready for some quality time with an air rifle and a spotlight.