What’s Digging Up My Yard? A Guide to Lawn-Destroying Wildlife in Northwest Arkansas

Your yard is supposed to be a place of relaxation, not a minefield of mysterious holes, raised tunnels, or trampled garden beds. But in Northwest Arkansas, a range of wild animals burrow, dig, and chew their way through lawns, landscaping, and foundations, often without being seen.

This guide introduces the top structural and landscape-damaging pests Flex Pest Control deals with in the area. If you’ve noticed soft ground, mounds of soil, or a funky smell near your foundation, here’s what you might be dealing with, and how we remove them, humanely and effectively.

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Armadillos

BEHAVIOR

The nine-banded armadillo is a frequent culprit when it comes to mysterious holes and damaged turf. These creatures forage for insects at night, digging deep burrows in lawns, flower beds, and under porches.

RISKS

  • Lawn and garden destruction from constant digging
  • Burrows under structures can cause instability
  • Rare but possible transmission of leprosy bacteria

FLEX SOLUTION

We use humane trapping and relocation, then fill burrows and install underground wire barriers to prevent re-entry. Habitat adjustments, like removing debris piles, also make your property less attractive to armadillos.

Fun Fact: Armadillos were first spotted in Arkansas in the 1950s. Today, they’re so common in the Ozarks they’re jokingly called “hillbilly speed bumps.”

Moles

BEHAVIOR

Moles tunnel just beneath the surface, feeding on grubs and worms. The result? Raised ridges and soil mounds that wreck your lawn overnight.

RISKS

  • Root damage to grass, plants, and trees
  • Weakened soil structures
  • Can create access routes for other pests

FLEX SOLUTION

We combine humane trapping with soil analysis to determine what’s attracting moles to your yard. Then, we install subsurface barriers and may recommend lawn treatments to control grub populations.

Fun Fact: You might hear high-pitched squeals during mole mating season in February, like a strange backyard symphony.

Gophers

BEHAVIOR

Gophers, especially the Ozark pocket gopher, build complex tunnel systems under gardens and yards. They're active year-round and are especially damaging to irrigation and utility lines.

RISKS

  • Chewing damage to roots, pipes, and wiring
  • Destruction of landscaping and gardens
  • Can disturb foundation stability if left unchecked

FLEX SOLUTION

We offer humane removal, then install mesh barriers underground to block re-entry. Our team also advises on landscaping changes, like planting gopher-resistant native plants, to reduce future attraction.

Fun Fact: The Ozark pocket gopher is Arkansas’s only endemic mammal. Its cheek pouches work like tiny backpacks for hauling food.

Voles

BEHAVIOR

Voles are small rodents that resemble mice but tunnel just under the surface, creating shallow paths through lawns and gardens. They're prolific breeders, and populations can explode quickly.

RISKS

  • Damage to lawns, root systems, and shrubs
  • Attraction of predators like snakes and hawks
  • Lawn instability due to excessive tunneling

FLEX SOLUTION

We use humane traps and install gravel or mesh garden borders to disrupt vole tunnels. Reducing overgrown ground cover and using strategic plantings also helps prevent infestations.

Fun Fact: During vole “boom” years, local birds of prey feast on them in huge numbers, making your vole problem part of a much larger food chain!

Skunks

BEHAVIOR

While many think of skunks only for their spray, these animals also dig under porches, decks, and sheds, often looking for shelter or food.

RISKS

  • Foundation damage from burrowing
  • Spray incidents that cause respiratory irritation
  • Possible carriers of rabies

FLEX SOLUTION

Our team uses covered, humane traps to avoid spray accidents, then seals entry points and installs underground mesh barriers. We also help remove food sources like garbage or pet food that attract skunks in the first place.

Fun Fact: Spotted skunks in the Ozarks perform a handstand warning dance before spraying. A bold move for such a small critter!

How Flex Pest Control Solves Lawn-Damaging Wildlife Problems

Whether you’re dealing with armadillo holes, mole mounds, or skunk stink, Flex Pest Control has the tools, training, and humane strategies to reclaim your lawn.

We provide:

  • Thorough inspections to identify animal activity and access points
  • Targeted trapping and removal, always humane and in compliance with Arkansas laws
  • Barrier installation (both above and below ground)
  • Habitat modification and sanitation to discourage return

Don’t Let a Digging Critter Destroy Your Curb Appeal

If you’ve spotted fresh soil piles, dead grass patches, or tunnels winding through your garden, it’s time to act. Let Flex Pest Control help you identify the culprit and apply long-term, wildlife-safe solutions.

Contact us today to schedule a yard inspection and get back to enjoying your outdoor space—without the underground menace.

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