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Introduction

Much as I like badgers, I have to admit that they can cause a number of problems. Believe me, I've seen the evidence! Of course, I can see both sides of every one of the unfortunate situations that I have been called to advise on. Looking at things from the badgers' point of view, when they dig up someone's lawn they are only following their instincts by looking for food. At the same time, I can sympathise with the frustrated householder if the damage is serious. Sympathy alone is not much help however - people want solutions to their problems!

On this page I have provided a brief analysis of the problems badgers sometimes cause for homeowners and gardeners. I have also given brief details of the possible solutions, along with links to other pages in this section where further information about these possible solutions is given.

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Holes made in or under fences

The problem: Badgers following a traditional pathway often continue to follow it even when a fence is put up across the route. If a badger finds a fence in the way, the powerfully-built animal simply digs under it or breaks through it. Apart from the damage to the fence, there can be problems for dog owners, as their pets may escape through the hole made by the badgers.

Possible solutions: It is very difficult to disuade badgers from using their traditional paths, so if the fence is repaired or the hole blocked up, they are bound to find their way through again. Can the hole in or under the fence be tolerated? If not, a badger gate (effectively a wooden swing gate or "badger flap") could be positioned at the point of access, so that the badgers can continue to pass through the fence without causing damage. Alternatively, to prevent all but the smallest dogs from getting out, while allowing badgers freedom of movement, a length of pipe around 22 cm (8.5 ins) in diameter could be placed in the gap.

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Overturning and feeding from dustbins

The problem: In a number of areas, usually in urban situations, badgers have made a habit of raiding dustbins to obtain food.

Possible solution: Badgers can usually be prevented from getting into dustbins by securing the lid of the dustbin with two expanding straps with hooks at each end (they can be obtained from most shops selling car / bicycle accessories). The straps are threaded through the handle on the dutbin lid, and each end is hooked over the handles on the dustbin itself.

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Lawn damage

The problem: A large part of the badger's diet in much of Britain and western Europe consists of earthworms and grubs which they find in areas of short turf such as cattle pasture. In dry conditions during the summer, or in hard weather in winter, or in areas where foraging grounds have been destroyed by building developments, badgers may turn to garden lawns as substitute pastures. Numerous small holes may be dug in the lawns as the badgers dig for earthworms, leatherjackets, cockchafer grubs or other insect larvae.

Possible solutions: If the damage is not too excessive, can it be tolerated? If not, there are various possibilities. The use of a foul tasting chemical deterrent may persuade the badgers to keep away. [More info.] Alternatively, the erection of an electric fence around the lawn during those periods when the lawn damage is at its worst should prove to be an effective barrier. [More info.] If the damage is severe and ongoing, the erection of permanent badger proof fencing around the garden may be required. [More info.]

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Eating bulbs, carrots etc.

The problem: A number of people have reported that badgers dig up and eat their daffodil or crocus bulbs, or their carrots or other root vegetables. As with lawn damage, this tends to happen during the winter (bulbs) and in dry weather in summer (carrots etc), and may be an attempt to obtain moisture as much as it is to obtain food.

Possible solutions: If only a few carrots (or whatever) have been taken, can the damage be tolerated? If not, you could try using chemical deterrents [More info.], or electric fencing. [More info.]

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Setts undermining buildings

The problem: Very occasionally, badgers dig their setts under patios, and as the setts expand there may be subsidence damage to the patio, and a real concern that the badgers' tunnelling will extend as far as the house and under the foundations.

Possible solutions: In the case of serious damage like this, the only real option is to exclude the badgers, destroy the sett, and repair the damage. In Britain, a licence must be obtained for the exclusion of the badgers and the destruction of the sett. [More info.]

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References

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Picture credits

The Eurasian badger photo used at the head of this Article is © Steve Jackson. Credits for the photos used in the right-hand margin of this page for site navigation can be found on the Credits page.

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