Posted on June 24, 2026

You wake up in the morning, look out at your lawn, and discover small holes scattered throughout the yard. The grass looked fine yesterday, but overnight something decided to turn your lawn into a digging project.

If you're a homeowner in Brevard County, you're not alone. Several common animals are known for digging holes in Florida lawns, especially during the evening and overnight hours.

Why Are Animals Digging in My Lawn?

In most cases, animals aren't digging to damage your yard. They're searching for food.

Many Florida lawns contain:

• Grubs
• Beetle larvae
• Mole crickets
• Earthworms
• Other insects living beneath the soil

Animals often detect these food sources long before homeowners realize they exist.

Common Culprits in Florida Lawns

• Armadillos

Armadillos are among the most common causes of overnight lawn damage in Florida.

They create numerous shallow holes while searching for insects and grubs beneath the surface. Their digging usually appears random and widespread across the lawn.

Signs of armadillo activity:

• Small cone-shaped holes
• Damage appears overnight
• Multiple holes throughout the property
  
  
• Raccoons

Raccoons are intelligent and persistent foragers.

Rather than digging deep holes, they often peel back sections of sod while searching for grubs and insects. Lawns can appear rolled back or torn apart in patches.

• Opossums

Opossums occasionally dig small holes while feeding on insects and other food sources found in the soil.

Although they can create minor lawn damage, they are generally less destructive than armadillos or raccoons.

• Wild Hogs

In some parts of Florida, wild hogs can cause severe lawn damage.

Unlike smaller animals, hogs root through the soil aggressively, leaving large disturbed areas behind. Fortunately, this type of damage is less common in residential neighborhoods.

• Squirrels

Squirrels frequently bury and retrieve nuts and seeds.

Their holes are typically small, isolated, and only a few inches deep.

Could Insects Be the Real Problem?

Many homeowners focus on the animal creating the holes, but the underlying issue is often the insect population attracting them.

A lawn with a large grub or insect population can become a buffet for wildlife.

If digging activity continues night after night, it may be worth investigating whether insects beneath the soil are attracting unwanted visitors.

How to Identify the Animal

A few clues can help narrow down the culprit:

• Numerous shallow holes: Often armadillos
• Sod rolled back: Usually raccoons
• Small isolated holes: Frequently squirrels
• Large torn-up areas: Possible wild hog activity

Motion-activated security cameras can also help identify nighttime visitors.

Preventing Future Damage

Reducing insect populations, maintaining a healthy lawn, and removing food sources can help make your property less attractive to digging animals.

However, every situation is different, and the best solution often depends on identifying the specific animal involved.

Final Thoughts

If you're finding holes in your lawn each morning, there's a good chance a nocturnal animal is searching for food beneath the soil. In Brevard County, armadillos, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and occasionally wild hogs are among the most common culprits.

The holes themselves are often just a symptom. Understanding what is attracting animals to your yard is usually the first step toward preventing future damage.