4 replies to this topic

[Nick]

I can't be at a computer next Saturday for your Instant Answer session but have a question that I would like answered. While walking my neighborhood I've noticed some lawns with a lot of damage, almost like small bomb craters: .

 

While another lawn has damage that looks like small trenches.

 

Any ideas on what's causing  the damage?

[Dsmith74]

Top one looks kinda skunky to me. I wonder what they're finding this early. Are the grubs that shallow this early in the spring? I guess I've never checked. 

 

Trails in the lawn are usually voles. With continuous snow cover from November through March, I suspect they had a very good year. 

[Steven Nikkila]

I agree that the top damage is done by skunks going after some kind of grub.

 

Yes, the voles had a very good year. Right now is the time to trap them to control the population.

[Michele A]

Has anyone ever used the product called Molemax?  I saw it in the Bordine's flyer.  It says it releases castor oil into the soil which the moles "detest".  Is castor oil bad for worms and other good things in the lawn?

[Rudy]

Same thing (holes) in my lawn now.  Apparently the skunks found grubs.   Mid-Michigan, mid April.  Was told to use Bayer 24 hr grub control about now, then imidaclopid (Merit) in July.