Not always a Cat

while specific identification would require professional inspection, the most likely culprits for digging and tearing things up under a house in Southern Indiana are raccoons, opossums, skunks, and rodents like groundhogs, moles, and rats.

Common culpritsRaccoons

• Signs: Raccoons are known for being destructive. They can tear into insulation and ductwork in your crawl space. They are also nocturnal, so you may hear them moving around at night.
• Activity: Highly intelligent and resourceful, raccoons often seek shelter in crawl spaces to have their young. 

Opossums

• Signs: Opossums are also nocturnal and may make shuffling or scratching noises. Their presence is often detected by the strong, musty odor left behind from their droppings and urine.
• Activity: They seek warmth and shelter in crawl spaces, and their presence can lead to significant contamination. 

Skunks

• Signs: A pungent odor is the most obvious sign of a skunk. They also dig near foundations and leave small, dug-up patches in lawns as they hunt for grubs and insects.
• Activity: Skunks burrow under porches, decks, and foundations, sometimes causing structural damage. 

Groundhogs (Woodchucks)

• Signs: Groundhogs create large burrows with obvious entrance holes. These elaborate tunnel systems can cause the soil under your foundation to shift.
• Activity: They are active during the day and are often found in fields or near wooded areas. 

Moles

• Signs: You'll typically notice mole activity by the presence of circular dirt mounds, as they push soil to the surface from their underground tunnels. Moles are attracted to the warmth of a house, which draws in the insects they eat.
• Activity: Their tunnels can be a threat to a home's foundation because they displace the soil underneath. 

Rats and mice

• Signs: These rodents can enter through very small cracks and holes. Signs include gnawing marks on wiring or insulation, droppings, and scratching or scurrying noises in the walls.
• Activity: They build nests in crawl spaces and can chew through insulation, wiring, and even pipes. in lawns as they hunt for grubs and insects

Prevention is key when it comes to unwanted animals in your yard, garden and flower bed.  

Here are things that work to keep cats out of your yard.  But remember you have to keep reapplying any liquid deterrent you find that works best.  There are recipes for deterrents that you can make yourself, or you can purchase from us.

Non toxic deterrents

Natural Scent Repellents

• Citrus: Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels in garden beds.
• Essential Oils: Use citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil (ensure they are diluted or used in safe, non-toxic products).
• Household Scents: Spray or sprinkle coffee grounds, vinegar, or pipe tobacco in areas to be protected.
• Plants: Plant Coleus Canina ("Scaredy Cat" plant), Rue, or Lavender. 

Commercial/Mechanical Non-Toxic Options 

• Motion-Activated Sprays: The Ssscat motion-activated air spray is highly effective for indoor use.
• Organic Repellents: Products like Colton’s Naturals or Critter Ridder are safe, organic options for gardens. 

Physical/Texture Deterrents

• Soil Covers: Place large rocks, gravel, chicken wire, or pine cones over soil to prevent digging.
• Spikes: Use plastic mats with blunt, non-harmful spikes (e.g., Cat Scat mats).
• Uncomfortable Surfaces: Place sandpaper or upside-down carpet runners in areas cats frequent.