NJ and NYC squirrels often dig holes in lawns. This can be quite annoying and seemingly disrespectful. Common knowledge suggests the Grey squirrels are hiding nuts but perhaps something else is really going on. Sometimes Sciurus carolinensis aka Grey squirrels are actually ruining your lawn while attempting to deceive their rivals such as other squirrels, blue jays and humans who enjoy a tasty acorn.  They dig holes, leave them empty, cover them with leaves in an attempt to discourage thieves from exploring their holes and taking their prized nuts.

If you have a lot of holes in your yard it might indicate that a NJ, NYC squirrel has spotted other squirrels or humans watching them. This unwanted attention inspires them to increase their deception. Squirrels discourage other mammals from checking out their hiding places by creating “false nut storage facilities;” perhaps I just created a new phrase. 

If you want to minimize the amount of holes squirrels make in your NJ, NYC yard don’t dig up their holes and confiscate their acorns because that will inspire them to create more “false nut stashes” (oops another new phrase) in order to discourage you. Squirrels believe a vast amount of false holes will deter thieves.

Call a NJ, NYC wildlife control professional if you are having problems with squirrels or other types of wildlife.