How to identify the culprit
Holes in the lawn appear at any time of the year. In order to be able to take effective action against the wrongdoers, they must be clearly identified. The most important references to the usual suspects are listed in the following overview:
- Countless small holes a few millimeters in diameter: earthworms
- Two centimeters deep pits: birds or hedgehogs
- Holes 3-5 centimeters in size that open into an underground passage: field mice or mice
- Holes under a mound of earth: mole or vole
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In the case of superficial depressions with scratched soil around them, a badger, raccoon or fox was hunting here. This is a rare pattern of damage in the lawn that is mostly not repeated.
These holes do not require any defensive measures
They are not beautiful to look at, but they promote the growth and vitality of the lawn. We're talking about earthworm holes. The activities of these soil organisms make an irreplaceable contribution to the aeration of the soil and to humus formation. The hollows of hedgehogs and birds have a similarly beneficial effect. These arise because the beneficial insects are on the hunt for pests.
If you are bothered by the sight, the soil becomes hard with a little compost and sprinkles lawn seeds on it. Loose pieces of lawn are quickly pinned back on.
To scare mole and vole - that's how it works
In the eco-friendly garden, no animal visitor is sentenced to death for digging a few holes or lifting a hill. Instead, mole and vole are complimented out of the garden door using the following methods:
Acoustically ridiculous
- Put metal rods with T-handles in the ground, tie up empty cans and let them dangle
- Position solar-powered ultrasonic scare devices at the holes
- Put bottomless glass bottles upside down in the entrances so that the wind whistles in them
Chase away with foul smells
- Put cloth towels soaked in vinegar essence into the holes
- Pour strong alcohol into the tunnels
- Soak scraps of clothes in kerosene and stuff them in the hallways
- Remove mounds and place fish heads in the recess
Butyric acid has proven to be the ultimate means of exiling moles or voles. The nauseating-smelling liquid is commercially available and is put into as many holes in the lawn as possible using a cloth. Their sensitive olfactory nerves encourage the rodents to flee as quickly as possible.
Mole is under conservation
In contrast to the vole, the mole is protected from pursuit in accordance with the Federal Nature Conservation Act. The talented tunnel builder must not be hunted, captured or killed. Only the gentle expulsion from the garden is tolerated.
Tips & Tricks
Already knew? The soil of a molehill tops any commercially available potting soil. The cute little ball of fur sift through the earth carefully and loosen it thoroughly. In addition, the substrate is rich in nutrients and humus, making it ideal for your container plants to grow well.
