Animal Habits That’ll Wreck Your Yard Fast

Wildlife might seem cute until they turn your yard into their playground. Left unchecked, some habits do real damage in a short amount of time.

Armadillos Digging for Grubs

They root through mulch, flip over flower beds, and leave holes all over the place.

You’ll need to tackle the grub problem first, then consider motion lights or fencing if they keep coming back.

Moles Tunneling Through Lawns

Moles don’t eat your plants—but their tunnels wreck your roots, grass, and structure.

If your yard feels spongy or bumpy, you might have a mole problem. Traps work best, but they take patience.

Squirrels Chewing Deck Rails and Planters

They’ll gnaw wood, dig up potted plants, and stash food in places that rot.

Squirrel repellents work for a bit, but hardware cloth or closed containers are better long-term.

Birds Nesting in Vents

If you’ve got open dryer or soffit vents, birds see that as an open invitation.

Once they build in, they’ll clog things up, leave droppings, and may attract mites. Screens or vent covers are worth installing.

Raccoons Digging Through Trash

Once they learn where the bin is, they keep coming back—and they’ll rip into bags, knock over bins, and leave a mess.

Use tight-fitting lids or straps, especially if you’ve got compost or food scraps.

Stray Cats Using Mulch Beds as Litter Boxes

Cats love soft mulch and will keep returning if they find a good spot.

Try citrus peels, coffee grounds, or motion sprinklers. You’ll need to break the habit early or it gets worse.

Deer Eating Plants to the Ground

Deer will strip shrubs, flowers, and even small trees bare overnight.

Deer-resistant plants help a little, but fencing or repellents are usually necessary if you’re in their path.

Rabbits Gnawing Low Plants

Rabbits chew right through low garden beds, leaving stems and half-eaten leaves.

Raised beds and wire fencing are the best defense. Don’t expect them to skip the garden just because you planted marigolds.

Possums Under the Porch

They dig shallow dens and leave droppings, but they also draw in fleas and ticks.

Close up crawl spaces and check for weak spots where they can sneak in.

Snakes Following the Food Chain

If you’ve got rodents or frogs, snakes will show up too.

Keeping grass cut and removing brush piles helps a lot. Don’t leave water dishes or pet food outside—they attract the whole food chain.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.