Yes, rabbits can dig up your yard, and they usually do it to create burrows, search for food, or build nests for their young. While it’s natural behavior, the holes and tunnels they leave behind can damage lawns, gardens, and even small structures.
Rabbits may look harmless hopping around your yard, but their digging habits can quickly become a nuisance. Many homeowners discover holes, uprooted plants, and damaged lawns caused by these persistent little diggers.
What starts as a search for shelter or food often leaves behind messy patches that affect both the appearance and health of your yard. Understanding why rabbits dig is the first step in preventing the damage they cause.
Learn more: How deep is a rabbit hole?
Why Do Rabbits Dig?
Rabbits dig primarily because it’s part of their natural instincts. In the wild, they create burrows to protect themselves from predators, regulate their body temperature, and raise their young in a safe environment. Even in suburban yards, these instincts remain strong and drive their behavior.
Digging can also be connected to food and nesting needs. Rabbits often loosen soil to uncover tender roots, shoots, and plants that make up their diet. During breeding season, females may dig shallow holes to prepare nests, leading to even more noticeable disruptions in your yard.
Signs Rabbits Are Digging Up Your Yard
One of the clearest signs of rabbit digging is the presence of small, shallow holes scattered across your lawn or near garden beds. These spots are usually only a few inches deep and often appear in clusters, especially near plants or shaded areas.
You might also notice uprooted plants, exposed roots, or patches of disturbed soil where rabbits have been searching for food. Droppings, paw prints, and worn paths leading to and from the holes can further confirm that rabbits are the culprits behind the digging.
Damage Rabbits Can Cause
Rabbits may seem small, but their digging can cause noticeable damage to lawns and gardens. They often expose roots, leaving grass and plants vulnerable to drying out or dying. Over time, these patches can create unsightly bare spots that are difficult to repair.
In addition to cosmetic issues, rabbits can harm vegetable gardens and flower beds by digging up seedlings or chewing through tender growth. When digging occurs near patios, sheds, or fences, it can even lead to minor structural problems, making rabbit activity more than just a simple inconvenience
Humane Ways to Stop Rabbits From Digging
Installing physical barriers is one of the most effective humane solutions. Low fencing made of wire mesh buried a few inches into the ground can block rabbits from digging underneath and reaching sensitive areas like gardens or flower beds. Creating barriers around individual plants or garden sections also adds an extra layer of protection.
Modifying the yard to make it less appealing can discourage rabbits from sticking around. Removing brush piles, sealing off hiding spots, and using safe repellents like predator scents or natural sprays helps reduce their interest. These steps protect your yard while ensuring the rabbits are not harmed.
When to Call a Professional
If rabbits are causing widespread digging that keeps coming back despite your efforts, it may be time to involve a professional. Large numbers of burrows, ongoing plant destruction, or damage near structures often require more advanced solutions than DIY methods can provide.
Wildlife removal experts have the tools and knowledge to safely and humanely handle rabbit problems. They can identify entry points, remove rabbits without harm, and offer long-term prevention strategies to protect your lawn and garden from future damage.
Conclusion
Rabbits can dig up your yard for food, shelter, or nesting, leaving behind damaged lawns, exposed roots, and disrupted gardens. While their behavior is natural, it creates headaches for homeowners trying to maintain a clean and healthy yard.
Taking steps like fencing, habitat changes, and humane deterrents can keep rabbit activity under control. For severe or recurring problems, professional help ensures your yard stays protected without causing harm to the animals.
Protect Your Yard With AAAC Wildlife Removal
If rabbits are turning your lawn or garden into a patchwork of holes, professional help can save you time and stress. DIY fixes may work for small issues, but ongoing digging often requires expert solutions to fully address the problem.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in humane rabbit control that protects your property while keeping animals safe. Our team can remove rabbits, secure your yard, and provide long-term prevention so you can enjoy a healthy, damage-free landscape.
