Knowledgebase

Who’s digging these holes?! #867367

Asked May 07, 2024, 7:44 AM EDT

There are dozens of holes in an area of our backyard in North Wilmington that roughly aligns with the drip line of an ash tree that we had removed about 10 years ago. Some holes are clustered and some are not. They vary in size. In the photos, I used a tennis ball for scale. I can send more photos. Please advise on best means of removal and prevention. Thank you.

New Castle County Delaware

Expert Response

My guess is you have a burrowing mammal (shrew, mole etc) that is digging down into the soil. It may be seeking insects or other organisms feeding on decaying roots of the old tree. In one photo, I see a tunnel, which indcates mole or vole. Have you tried to fill in the holes and do they reappear? 

Here is one web page about getting rid of voles. 

https://www.thespruce.com/vole-control-getting-rid-of-voles-2131148


Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP Replied May 07, 2024, 7:12 PM EDT
Thank you so much for your response.  No, we haven’t tried filling the holes but will try some of the remedies suggested in the link you sent.  The holes are rapidly multiplying, there are at least three dozen at this point and they are spreading beyond where the old tree roots would be.  My fear is that even if we mitigate this generation, another will move in.

Although likely prohibitively expensive, would having the area excavated and the roots dug up be a solution?

Thank you.


Mary Kate

On May 7, 2024, at 7:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2024, 8:59 PM EDT

The best way to control the voles or moles is to control the insects they are feeding on. Or locate their main tunnel (difficult) and close it.

Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP Replied May 09, 2024, 9:33 AM EDT

Just answered your question incorrectly. The moles and voles are probably feeding on roots, but not the dead roots of the old tree. Excavating that is probably not the solution.

 

Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP

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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 8:59 PM
To: Barton, Susan <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: New response added to your question (#0137288)

 

Susan Barton, PhD, SITES AP Replied May 09, 2024, 9:39 AM EDT

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