Moles? Chipmunks? Skunks? What Is Goin On With Slater’s Lawn?

Slater wants to know what's going with his lawn. Berkshire Humane Society Executive Director John Perrault is here to help.

Slater: I know the photo is not great, but what do you think is going on here?

John: I believe from the picture I am looking at, ummm, I believe those holes have been made by chipmunks. Possibly from a mole, moles are very common around here. Any wild animal when you find them around the home are either looking for a food source or a place to call home.

Slater: I dumped an old bowl of chicken soup that was in the fridge not too long ago in that general area of my yard. Would that make a difference?

John: The chicken soup would normally attract skunks, possums, raccoons, and foxes as well, because they eat meat.

Slater: So, could this be a skunk doin this?

John: If you're seeing holes, then it's probably not a skunk. If you're seeing big piles of soil and rock, the chances of it being a chipmunk are pretty high.

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Slater: I never see them, though...

John: Normally you would see them out during the day, so keep an eye out.

Slater: How do I get rid of them?

John: There is an ultrasonic chipmunk repeller that's solar-powered that will annoy the chipmunk(s) so they won't come back. Adults obviously would not hear it. If it is a mole, which it could very well be, there is a home remedy. You can mix six ounces of castor oil and two tablespoons of Murphy's Oil Soap or regular dish soap in one gallon of water and apply it to your lawn.

Slater: Getting back to skunks, I smell skunks when I leave the house in the morning. If I smell one, is it safe to walk out to the car, or is there one lingering?

John: If you're smelling them often, there is probably a family of them living close by. They are nocturnal, so they are probably going back to their den. Skunks are more afraid of you than you should be of them. Just turn an outside light on and give it a few minutes. Even if they are under your car they won't bother.