Knowledgebase

What is tunneling in lawn #875992

Asked July 05, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT

First time in 40 yrs am experiencing this. Soil has a lot of clay and with recent heavy rains have noticed visable “trails” throughout lawn following edges of driveway and sidewalk as well as further out in yard. If stepped on can feel some collapse underneath. Wondering what is causing and how to remedy?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.

It sounds like it could be voles.  Another possibility would be moles, but more likely voles.

If you go to extension.umn.edu and search for voles, the article will give you pictures of vole damage and what you can treat them with.  They are hard to get rid of.

There is also an article on moles, but normally with a mole you see entrance holes and not tunneling.

My son had them for several years.  We collapsed the tunnels and filled in the valleys with dirt and seeded it down.  It took two years, but they didn’t show up this past year.  I guess we’ll see come next year.

Be cautious with pesticides for your any pet you have.  Follow label instructions.

Another possibility would be to call an exterminator.

I hope this helps!


Deb Kroon Replied July 06, 2024, 5:45 PM EDT
Deb Kroon-
Thank you for the prompt reply.  After further inspection and research I believe I have a mole problem.  Will try to continually smash down the tunnels and hopefully they’ll hate the neighborhood and move on!  Otherwise an exterminator may be on the short list

Begin forwarded message:

From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: July 6, 2024 at 4:45:12 PM CDT
To: Maureen Nelson <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: What is tunneling in lawn (#0145910)


The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2024, 8:06 PM EDT

If you have a mole there are products available to put down the hole to kill them.  Check on line or at a reputable store.  Please follow instructions and be aware of possible pets.

Deb Kroon Replied July 07, 2024, 8:53 PM EDT

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