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Rodents can be a major nuisance, especially when they start damaging your lawn. Whether it's moles creating unsightly tunnels, voles gnawing at your plants, or rats digging up your garden, these pests can wreak havoc on your outdoor space. If you’re asking yourself, “What should I do if rodents are ruining my lawn?” here are some effective strategies to help you manage and prevent rodent damage:

Identify the Type of Rodents

The first step in addressing a rodent problem is to identify which type of rodent is causing the damage. Common lawn-damaging rodents include:

• Moles: These small, burrowing animals create raised tunnels and molehills as they search for insects and worms.
• Voles: Voles create shallow tunnels and can damage the roots of plants and grass.
• Rats: Rats can dig in lawns and gardens, looking for food or nesting sites.

Signs of Rodent Activity

Different rodents leave distinct signs of their presence. Look for the following indicators to determine which type of rodent you’re dealing with:

• Moles: Raised ridges or mounds of soil are characteristic of mole activity.
• Voles: Look for shallow, snake-like tunnels and chewed vegetation near the ground.
• Rats: Rats leave burrows, often near compost piles, woodpiles, or dense vegetation.

Remove Food Sources

Rodents are attracted to food sources in your yard. To make your lawn less inviting:

• Clean up fallen fruits, seeds, and nuts regularly.
• Keep pet food and birdseed stored in rodent-proof containers.
• Compost properly, ensuring food scraps are not accessible to rodents.

Eliminate Shelter

Rodents seek shelter in areas where they feel safe. Reducing potential shelters can help deter them:

• Keep grass trimmed and remove piles of leaves and debris.
• Stack firewood away from your home and elevate it off the ground.
• Remove dense vegetation and trim back bushes and shrubs.

Set Traps

Traps are an effective way to reduce rodent populations. Choose traps based on the type of rodent:

• Mole Traps: Placed in active tunnels, these traps can help control mole populations.
• Vole Traps: Small snap traps or live traps can be effective when placed near active vole runways.
• Rat Traps: Snap traps and live traps can be used to capture rats. Place them along walls, near burrows, or in other areas where rat activity is observed.

Call a Professional Exterminator

If DIY methods aren’t effective or if you have a significant rodent problem, it’s time to call a professional exterminator. Pest control professionals have the expertise and tools to effectively manage rodent infestations and prevent future damage to your lawn.

Prevent Future Infestations

Once you’ve addressed your current rodent problem, take steps to prevent future infestations:

• Continue to remove food sources and eliminate shelters.
• Inspect your yard regularly for signs of rodent activity.
• Consider ongoing pest control services to maintain a rodent-free environment.

Dealing with rodents in your lawn can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can manage and prevent damage. By identifying the type of rodents, removing food sources, eliminating shelters, and setting traps, you can protect your lawn from these persistent pests. You can also call a professional exterminator for expert assistance – the pros at The Experienced Garder have the experience and expertise to help you deal with a rodent problem in your yard. With consistent efforts and preventative measures, you can maintain a healthy, rodent-free lawn.