Why Are There Small Mounds of Dirt in My Yard After Rain?

Did you notice small mounds of dirt popping up in your Tulsa yard after the last rain? If so, you’re not alone and you might be wondering what’s causing them. These tiny dirt piles are often the work of common lawn pests, such as earthworms, moles, mole crickets, or gophers. Knowing who’s responsible is the first step in protecting your lawn and keeping it looking its best.

Common Causes of Dirt Mounds in Your Lawn

Earthworms – Nature’s Lawn Helpers

• What they do: Earthworms are especially active in moist, heavy soils during fall and winter. They push small soil castings to the surface, creating tiny mounds that resemble miniature ant hills.
• Why it matters: These castings are harmless and actually benefit your lawn by aerating the soil and providing natural fertilizer.
• What to do: If the castings are thick, simply rake them into flower beds or use them as natural garden fertilizer.

Moles – Tunnel Experts

• What they do: Moles dig intricate tunnels underground in search of food, like earthworms and grubs. Their mounds are cone-shaped and often appear after rain, when the soil is soft and easy to dig.
• Why it matters: While moles don’t eat your grass, their tunneling can uproot plants and create uneven patches in your lawn.
• What to do: Control options include mole traps, natural repellents, or hiring a professional pest control service to handle stubborn infestations.

Mole Crickets – Grass Root Feeders

• What they do: Mole crickets live in the soil and feed on grass roots and other organic matter. Their tunneling can cause rough, uneven patches and mounds in your lawn, particularly in winter.
• Why it matters: Left unchecked, mole crickets can damage your grass and reduce its overall health.
• What to do: Treat infestations with targeted insecticides, beneficial nematodes, or professional lawn pest control services.

Gophers – The Lawn Bulldozers

• What they do: Gophers dig extensive underground burrows, pushing soil to the surface in crescent- or horseshoe-shaped mounds.
• Why it matters: Unlike earthworms, gophers can damage plants, flower beds, and your carefully tended lawn.
• What to do: Effective control often requires the use of traps, repellents, or professional pest management services.

Quick Tips for Tulsa Homeowners

• Rake harmless earthworm castings to improve garden soil.
• Repair mole or gopher damage promptly to prevent stress on your lawn.
• Consider professional lawn pest control for ongoing issues.
• Stay aware of seasonal patterns; fall and winter bring higher activity for many of these pests in Tulsa’s moist soil.

Turn to the Professionals for a Healthy Lawn

Don’t let dirt mounds disrupt your lawn this season. Nutri-Green Tulsa is your local lawn care expert and we're ready to help you identify and control lawn pests. Whether it’s moles, gophers, mole crickets, or anything else digging up your yard, our team will diagnose the problem and create a tailored plan to restore your lawn to its best condition.

Contact Nutri-Green Tulsa today for a free inspection and expert pest control solutions. Let us help you reclaim your yard so you can enjoy a smooth, green lawn all year long.

This blog was originally published on November 6, 2023, and has been updated to include new information.