Skunk lawn damage usually looks like small, cone-shaped holes about 3–4 inches wide where they’ve dug for grubs and insects. You may also notice patches of turf rolled back, loose soil scattered, and a faint musky odor around the yard.
Skunks may look harmless from a distance, but your lawn will quickly tell a different story once they start digging. These nighttime foragers love grubs, worms, and insects, which often leads them to tear up soft, moist grass in search of food.
Homeowners who wake up to freshly dug holes or overturned turf often wonder what’s causing the damage. Learning how to identify skunk activity in your yard is the first step to stopping it before it gets worse.
What Does Skunk Lawn Damage Look Like?
Skunk lawn damage is most often seen as small, cone-shaped holes about the size of a golf ball scattered across the yard. These holes are shallow, typically 3–4 inches wide, and are created as skunks push their snouts into the soil while digging for grubs and insects.
In addition to the holes, you may notice patches of turf peeled back or rolled up, leaving the soil exposed. Loose dirt scattered across the grass and uneven patches in your lawn are also clear indicators that skunks have been active during the night.
Common Signs of Skunk Digging
One of the easiest ways to identify skunk activity is by the size and shape of the holes left behind. Skunks create small, shallow holes that look like they were poked with a cone, usually concentrated in areas where grubs are plentiful.
Aside from holes, skunks may leave turf pulled back as they search for insects beneath the soil. You might also notice a faint musky odor near your yard or even small droppings left behind, further confirming that a skunk has been visiting at night.
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Skunk Lawn Damage vs. Other Animals
It’s easy to confuse skunk damage with the work of other nocturnal diggers, but there are key differences to look for. Skunks typically leave small, neat, cone-shaped holes, while raccoons tend to peel up entire sections of sod in larger patches.
Moles and armadillos also leave distinct signs compared to skunks. Moles create raised tunnels just under the surface, and armadillos dig larger, deeper holes that look more like pits than plugs. Spotting these differences helps you identify the true culprit in your lawn.
Why Skunks Dig in Your Yard
Skunks are primarily after food, and your lawn offers a buffet of grubs, worms, and insects hiding beneath the soil. When these pests are abundant, skunks will return night after night, leaving a trail of holes and torn turf behind.
They are also drawn to soft, moist lawns where digging is easier. Since skunks are nocturnal, most of this activity happens under cover of darkness, which is why homeowners often wake up to fresh damage in the morning.
Risks of Ignoring Skunk Lawn Damage
Leaving skunk damage untreated can cause your lawn to deteriorate quickly, as repeated digging weakens grass roots and creates bare, patchy spots. Over time, this damage invites weeds, secondary pests, and erosion, making the lawn much harder to restore.
Ignoring the problem also increases the likelihood of more skunks returning to feed in the same area. Frequent visits not only put your yard at risk but also raise the chance of a close encounter with a skunk and its notorious spray.
How to Prevent Skunk Lawn Damage
The first step in preventing skunk damage is reducing their food supply, which often means treating your lawn for grubs and other soil-dwelling insects. Without an easy food source, skunks are less likely to return and dig up your grass.
You can also make your property less inviting by securing trash cans, removing pet food left outside, and using fencing or deterrents around gardens. For persistent problems, professional wildlife control ensures skunks are safely removed and prevented from causing further damage.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Yard from Skunks
Skunk lawn damage is easy to spot once you know the signs, from cone-shaped holes to rolled-up turf scattered across the yard. These small but destructive habits are tied to their constant search for food, and without intervention, the damage can quickly spread.
By acting early, you can protect your lawn, reduce future infestations, and avoid unpleasant encounters with skunks themselves. Taking preventative steps or turning to professionals ensures your yard stays healthy, safe, and free from unwanted nighttime diggers.
Call to Action: Protect Your Lawn with AAAC Wildlife Removal
If skunks are tearing up your lawn, it’s time to call in the experts. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we provide safe, humane skunk removal and prevention services that stop the digging and protect your yard.
Don’t let skunks ruin your property or put your family at risk of an unwanted spray.
