Holes in my mulch! - Ask Extension
My mulch is full of holes! It appears something is digging in my mulch. It started last fall and is back this spring. This is a new home the beds were...
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Holes in my mulch! #310424
Asked March 31, 2016, 10:06 PM EDT
My mulch is full of holes! It appears something is digging in my mulch. It started last fall and is back this spring. This is a new home the beds were planted and mulched in last August.I watered every other day and the plants look great. I've seen a few black birds and a squirrel or two but can't figure it out. I'm at work during the day but I don't see anything in the morining or evening when I'm home.
I've raked at the mulch and didn't see anything substantial. My lawn mowing guy believes it could be grubs, bugs or termites! The installer who also mulched the beds believes it's an animal of some kind, a skunk or rodent. These holes are all over the property. Hundreds of them in every bed! You're thoughts would be most appreciated. Thank you very much.
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
You do not mention how deep the holes are. If they continue into tunnels at an angle, they are voles and you have a major vole infestation. See this link to our website: http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/voles Follow the control instructions.
If these are shallow little indentations, it is likely that the holes are made by birds pecking at earthworms or grub (not termites. Do a little digging in the soil and see what you turn up. Earthworms? Grubs? If you find a few grubs, that is normal and does not call for any "grub control" product (which will sicken the natural predators you have for grubs!)
You only need to apply grub control products in a lawn when you have about 12 per square foot--a rare instance.
ECN
If these are shallow little indentations, it is likely that the holes are made by birds pecking at earthworms or grub (not termites. Do a little digging in the soil and see what you turn up. Earthworms? Grubs? If you find a few grubs, that is normal and does not call for any "grub control" product (which will sicken the natural predators you have for grubs!)
You only need to apply grub control products in a lawn when you have about 12 per square foot--a rare instance.
ECN
