What Digging in Lawn - Ask Extension
I checked the MSU website using search term “what is digging in my lawn”. I read three articles. Some of the digging I believe is due to a Wahl an...
Knowledgebase
What Digging in Lawn #945859
Asked September 25, 2026, 1:38 PM EDT
I checked the MSU website using search term “what is digging in my lawn”. I read three articles. Some of the digging I believe is due to a Wahl and I know how to treat that another area that was Doug suggest a raccoon because of how the grass is just shredded. I have used a grub control product religiously applying both in spring and autumn with no apparent effect. One of the persons who staffed the Hotline shared with me that Raccoons may dig for something other than grubs? For the control of raccoons can you recommend some specific preventative or mitigating treatment?
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
We do not currently have staff expertise in this area. Some of this damage looks like possibly caused by skunk (it's possible you're dealing with both skunks and raccoons). If you want to figure out which animals are causing the damage, you could use a trail camera (aka, camera trap, game camera) placed in your yard to get pictures. These are easily available online or at sporting goods stores (e.g., DICK'S, Bass Pro Shop, Cabela's).
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program has an article on managing both species that may be helpful.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-skunk-and-raccoon-damage-lawns
Best,
