We Have A Million Crawdad Holes In Our Yard, Front…
Kristyna Asked
We have a million crawdad holes in our yard, front and back. How can we get rid of them?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Kristyna: In this country there are several species of crayfish, commonly referred to as crawdads or crawfish. They are freshwater crustaceans that feed on decaying material. They can be very unsightly in our gardens and lawns. It is unusual to find them where there is no water source. They dig/burrow near streams, ponds, and banks, creating chimneys in the lawn and landscape. Do you have a stream or creek on your property? They need the right environment to survive, and if you do have a water source on your property it is going to be a task to get rid of them. Eliminating them from the garden/lawn can be difficult since there is no general-purpose pesticide for crayfish control. Trapping them is one option. Fish, chicken, and other meats are used for baiting. They are an important part of the food chain but can be a nuisance if they are leaving holes/piles in your yard. They do make great bait for fishing! It sounds like you are dealing with a large number of these crustaceans and you should contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. You can reach them at (800) 858-1549 or visit their Web site at www.fw.ky.gov/navigation.aspx?cid=200. They can give you specific information on trapping.
