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Missing grass and suspect holes. #873865

Asked June 19, 2024, 9:59 PM EDT

Bare patches of dirt have been appearing in my lawn. Not cut grass or dead grass but missing grass. All appearances suggest the grass is gone below the soil surface. In each of these areas there are 2mm-3mm holes in the soil. There is no observed insect activity at 5:00am or 8:00pm but the holes in the soil are obvious. The pictures attached were taking after a anti grub application and should help to provide some scale. 45+ years of maintaining a yard and other landscaping and this is new to me... I'm adjacent to the Elm Creek Park on two sides and they've been working to restore the area to native grassland. Perhaps we have a new insect?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

I'll direct you to this great Iowa State diagnostic page:
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/wildlife/diagnosing-holes-yard

Based on your photos and description, I'd guess raccoons:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-skunk-and-raccoon-damage-lawns
Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied June 21, 2024, 4:27 PM EDT

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