Gophers are the largest common mound-producing backyard pests. These burrowing rodents can create large mounds from the dirt they excavate. These signs help identify gopher mounds:
Moles are smaller than gophers, but their lawn-damaging handiwork covers a lot of ground. They create mounds, or "molehills," as they burrow and tunnel near the soil's surface. These signs help identify mole mounds:
Depending on how long they've gone undisturbed, fire ant mounds can grow quite large. In lawns, they're usually just a few inches tall before they're recognized. These signs can help you identify fire ant mounds:
After effective treatment, use the mound's soil to fill any visible openings. Then rake the remainder into a thin layer on the surrounding turf. If grass under the mound is still green and healthy, it should bounce back. If grass is yellow, brown or missing, simply repair the bare spots in your lawn. An all-in-one combination grass seed, mulch and fertilizer product will have your lawn green again fast.
Until you're certain you've identified your mounding pest properly, err on the side of caution. Fire ants swarm, bite and sting when their mounds are disturbed, so take care when inspecting and treating them.
