If holes suddenly appear in the garden soil, uninvited visitors are at work. But most of the time you can't see them far and wide. If there is a risk of greater damage, any perpetrator must be chased away using appropriate measures. But which animal is digging there? The holes themselves provide crucial clues.
Which animal leaves holes in the garden soil?
Holes in the garden soil can come from birds, hedgehogs, earthworms, mice, moles, rats or larger wild animals. The size, depth and environment of the hole provide clues to the animal causing the problem and whether countermeasures are required.
Birds and hedgehogs
Birds and hedgehogs leave behind holes about 2 cm deep that they dug in search of food. The food is pests in the soil, which is why these holes can be happily welcomed. Only if they accumulate so much and make a lawn unsightly, for example, should something be done about it.
Earthworms
A particularly large number of small holes a few centimeters in diameter indicate earthworms. Small balls of earth around the hole are another indication that points to these animals. The holes are not really to be viewed as damage, the worms in the soil are more of a sign of a he althy layer of soil.
Mice
In the garden we usually deal with two types of mice: shrews and voles. The shrew is an insect eater, so plant damage is not to be feared. The holes, which are approximately two centimeters wide, are entrances to their tunnel system.
The vole also digs underground tunnels, which of course have openings as entrances. In addition, there are small mounds of earth scattered here and there in which plant remains can also be stuck. The vole is a major plant pest in the garden.
moles
The clearest indication that a mole is ravaging the garden is its mounds of earth, rather than the holes it has dug. They can be piled up to 25 cm high and 30 cm wide. Moles are not harmful and are protected. It is purely visual aspects that cause a garden owner to drive the animal away from his property.
Rats
Holes with a diameter of 8 to 12 cm that protrude directly into the ground were probably dug by rats. Sprinkle white baby powder around the hole. You will soon notice from traces whether the building is still inhabited. A rat infestation must be reported to the responsible authority.
Larger wildlife
- sometimes wild rabbits and hares are the culprits
- the holes for their construction are large
- Graves of feeding on plants can be discovered nearby
- Badgers, foxes and raccoons tend to dig shallow holes
- there are clear scratch marks
- However, they rarely develop into permanent visitors
