Pest group
Lawn & Garden Pests
Diggers and grazers that tunnel lawns, raid vegetable beds and undermine foundations.
Moles 1 article Gophers Guides coming soon Groundhogs Guides coming soon Rabbits Guides coming soon Armadillos Guides coming soon
Identify at a glance
Size, key marks and where each lawn & garden pests pest shows up first, with the threat level and the first step to take.
| Pest | Threat | Size and key marks | Where to look | First step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moles | Moderate | 5 to 8 inches (13–20 cm). Velvety gray fur, huge paddle-like front feet, no visible ears. | Moist lawns and garden beds rich in earthworms and grubs | Avoid overwatering the lawn |
| Gophers | High | 6 to 8 inches body (15–20 cm). Stocky, fur-lined cheek pouches, large yellow front teeth. | Lawns, vegetable gardens, orchards in the West and Midwest | Line raised beds with hardware cloth |
| Groundhogs | High | 16 to 26 inches body (40–65 cm). Large, brown, stocky rodent with short legs. | Under sheds, decks and porches; field edges and gardens | Fence gardens with buried L-shaped mesh |
| Rabbits | Moderate | 14 to 18 inches (35–45 cm). Brown-gray fur, white cottontail, long ears. | Gardens, lawns, shrub beds, young trees | Fence beds with 2-foot chicken wire buried a few inches |
| Armadillos | Moderate | 15 to 17 inches body, plus tail (38–43 cm). Armored shell, long snout, long tail. | Southern lawns, flower beds, under slabs and sheds | Fence with buried mesh |
When to call a professional
- MolesDamage to sports turf or large properties
- GophersLarge acreage or orchards
- GroundhogsBurrows under a foundation, shed or slab
- RabbitsHeavy damage to orchards or nurseries
- ArmadillosBurrows under foundations or driveways
Latest lawn & garden pests guides
Other pest groups
- Household InsectsAnts, roaches, bed bugs and the other insects that move indoors for food, water and warmth.
- Bees & WaspsNests under eaves, in walls and in the ground: when to leave them, when to act and how to stay safe.
- Spiders & CrawlersSpiders, scorpions, ticks and the many-legged crawlers found in basements and yards.
- Rodents & ShrewsMice, rats, squirrels and their relatives: signs, traps, exclusion and cleanup.
- WildlifeRaccoons, skunks, bats, snakes and birds: humane removal, repellents and the laws that apply.
Photo credits
Thank you to Bert Cash from Brunswick , USA for sharing this beautiful photograph and helping bring this guide to life.