How to Stop Squirrels Digging Up Your Lawn

How to Stop Squirrels Digging Up Lawn

Squirrels may look charming from a distance, but when they start treating your lawn like a personal food store, the damage adds up quickly. Holes across the turf, disturbed soil, and uprooted plants are all signs of squirrel activity. While they’re not digging out of malice, their behaviour can leave your lawn looking untidy and under constant repair. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to deter squirrels and protect your grass without harming them or affecting other wildlife.

Why Squirrels Dig in Lawns

Squirrels dig for two main reasons, burying food and searching for food. During autumn, they cache nuts and seeds in lawns, returning weeks or even months later to retrieve them. In spring and summer, they often dig out areas where they suspect food is hidden, especially if other animals, like birds or pets, have disturbed the ground or left scraps behind.

Freshly seeded or newly turfed lawns are particularly vulnerable. Loose, moist soil is easy to dig, and the scent of organic fertiliser or birdseed can encourage further interest.

Remove Attractants from the Area

The first step in preventing squirrel damage is to remove anything that might be attracting them. Avoid leaving birdseed, fruit, or nuts on or near the lawn. If you feed birds, use feeders with catch trays and position them away from the grass. Squirrels often patrol gardens for easy meals, so removing food cues helps break the cycle of return.

If you've recently fertilised or reseeded the lawn, ensure the area is clean and covered if necessary, to mask the scent and reduce temptation.

Use Natural Scent Deterrents

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and can be deterred by certain scents they dislike. Commercial squirrel repellents are available and often contain peppermint oil, garlic or capsaicin (chilli extract). These can be sprayed around the perimeter of the lawn or near known digging areas. Reapply regularly, especially after rain or watering.

Homemade solutionssuch as water mixed with garlic or chillican also help in the short term, though results vary depending on how persistent the squirrels are.

Cover Vulnerable Areas

For lawns that have been newly seeded or show repeated digging damage, use lightweight mesh or garden netting to cover the affected area. Peg it flat against the surface to allow light and water through while preventing squirrels from accessing the soil. This is especially effective during the first few weeks after sowing seed or laying turf.

Once the lawn is established and the soil has firmed up, the need for physical barriers usually reduces.

Install Motion-Activated Deterrents

Squirrels are skittish and dislike sudden movement or sound. Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic deterrents can startle them and condition them to avoid your lawn. These are particularly effective in gardens where squirrels visit repeatedly or show little fear of humans.

Position devices near trees or entry points where squirrels typically access the garden, and move them occasionally to maintain their effectiveness.

Encourage Alternative Digging Spots

In some gardens, providing an alternative area for squirrels to dig can help reduce lawn damage. A small area of loose soil or a planter filled with bark or compost can serve as a decoy, especially in autumn when they’re most active. Place this away from the main lawn and avoid encouraging them with additional food, just offer the space and let their instinct do the rest.

Final Word

Squirrels dig lawns for instinctive reasons, but with a combination of scent deterrents, surface protection and behaviour interruption, you can keep your turf intact. The key is to remove attractants, protect vulnerable spots, and gently discourage repeat visits without harming the animals. With a bit of consistency, your lawn can remain squirrel-free and looking its best year-round.