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So, you have placed some new sod in your yard waiting for it to help create a plush lawn around your home. It's one of the things that so many people take pride in, because they love the idea of having a beautiful, green lawn in front or around their home.



However, there is one animal to do some instantaneous damage to that sod. An animal that may find that the sod makes for the perfect location for it to find such things as worms and grubs, and so it will rip up that sod to be able to get to them. We are talking about the raccoon.

We can answer: What to do if you are bitten by a raccoon

For those who are wondering if a raccoon will tear up your sod, the answer is most definitely yes. In fact, because they love such things as grubs and worms, they will dig at the sod area and tell they are able to reach their favorite snack. This means you have to take action. But how do you stop a raccoon from ripping up your sod? Here are a few tips for you.

Learn here how to identify raccoon tracks.

Learn more about raccoon damage and insurance: Raccoon Damage & Insurance

The first of these is that you can install a protective net. This is a great way to protect your sod against the raccoon because it provides a wire-like mesh that prevents the animal from being able to reach directly to the grass. Best of all, it is quite easy to install. All you have to do is lay it across your lawn and it will stop the raccoon from being able to dig at the sod area. In addition, it does nothing to deter the growth of your lawn. The product underneath will grow without any issue, as the wire mesh does not cause any problems.

A second way that you can stop this is by putting up garden lights that are activated by motion sensors. Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they like to hunt and gather at nighttime. If they come on to your lawn, they will activate the lights which will startle them and they will run away.

Find out whether or not raccoons can swim.

Another idea that is similar to the previous one is that you can add a sprinkler system that is activated by a motion sensor. When the raccoon comes across the motion sensor and activates it, it will set off your sprinkler system, which will scare the animal as water bursts into it. For those who don't have the money to change their sprinkler system so that it can be hooked to a motion sensor, you should be aware that there is a special product that you can purchase, called a scarecrow sprinkler, that you simply put up in your yard. The sensor is attached to this, and when it detects a raccoon, it will turn on and begin spraying. All you need to do is attach your garden hose to this device and it will do the rest of the work for you.

Any one of these three devices can really do the job for you in keeping raccoons away.

Why Do Raccoons Tear Up Sod? How to Stop it

Raccoons, although cute, are dastardly creatures that have a habit of wreaking havoc wherever they go. Whether they're digging up sod, breaking apart the exterior of your home, or knocking over your garbage can and leaving the contents strewn across your front lawn, they're making a mess.



There are a lot of animals who will dig up sod, including skunks, raccoons, and voles, alongside the rogue raccoon. Squirrels will bury their food beneath the surface of the lawn, as well as hiding it in the hollows of trees, so they'll often dig up the food a while afterwards. These holes in your lawn or sod tend to be much shallower, however. Raccoons and skunks, two animals who work primarily at night, dig slightly deeper holes, and particularly after new lawn has been laid, after a good watering, or after it has rained.To be more specific, skunks will dig shallow holes, whereas raccoons will roll or peel back When the lawn is damp or wet, insects flock to it. Slugs, worms and more head to the surface and raccoons make full use of this. They'll dig up the sod to get their hands on the juicy insects and grubs below. They obviously don't meant to be a pain int he backside to you -- the average homeowner -- but, sadly, your annoyance is just a negative side effect. Your lawn is fair game — it's the great outdoors as far as they are concerned, and that's why they let rip and dig with frenzy.

One of the easiest ways to stop raccoons from digging up your newly laid sod is to add a physical barrier. A framework can be easily made up from wood, and then chicken wire or hardware cloth affixed over the top. Just make sure the framework is high enough off the ground that raccoons and other animals can't reach between the holes and still get to the grubs.

Other methods you could use to stop raccoons and other wild animals from digging your garden up is to use something like wildlife eviction fluid. Often containing the urine from predatory males, including coyotes and foxes, many raccoons, particularly females, will rush off and find somewhere else to play when they smell it. If they think a male coyote or fox is close by, they know they aren't safe. The scent could just be enough to put them off your back yard entirely, but you will more than likely need to take other precautions.

For more information, you may want to click on one of these guides that I wrote:
How much does raccoon removal cost? - get the lowdown on prices.
How to get rid of raccoons - my main raccoon removal info guide.
Example raccoon trapping photographs - get do-it-yourself ideas.
Raccoon job blog - learn from great examples of raccoon jobs I've done.
Raccoons in the attic - read about what to do.