What Animals Live in Lawns? A Guide for Fort Worth Homeowners
Lawns are more than just stretches of green. Beneath the blades and among the roots, a surprising number of animals thrive. From helpful earthworms to damaging moles and grubs, Texas lawns host a wide variety of life. Some species help maintain soil health and nutrient cycles, while others can damage your lawn or pose risks to your pets.
Understanding which animals live in your lawn is essential for maintaining a healthy outdoor environment. This guide explores 17 types of creatures you might encounter in Fort Worth-area yards—complete with tips on how to manage them.
1. Earthworms
Earthworms improve soil structure, boost nutrient availability, and enhance water absorption.
These segmented decomposers break down organic matter like fallen leaves and grass clippings. Their tunnels aerate the soil, making it easier for water and air to reach your lawn’s root system.
Example species:
- Red Wigglers
- Nightcrawlers
- Alabama Jumpers
Presence indicates a healthy lawn ecosystem.
2. Grubs
Grubs are beetle larvae that feed on grass roots, causing brown patches and dead turf.
Most lawn-damaging grubs in Texas come from:
- Japanese Beetles
- June Bugs
- Southern Masked Chafers
Signs of grub damage include soft, spongy patches of grass and increased bird or armadillo activity.
3. Fire Ants
Fire ants create unsightly mounds and deliver painful stings.
These aggressive insects are common in Fort Worth. Each colony can contain hundreds of thousands of ants. They’re drawn to moist, sunny yards and can be dangerous to children and pets.
Treatment requires specific baits or professional control methods.
4. Moles
Moles tunnel through lawns while feeding on insects and grubs.
While they don’t eat your grass, their tunnels lift and damage the turf. A single mole can create dozens of feet of tunnels each day.
Signs include:
- Raised ridges
- Soft, collapsing soil
- Mounded soil (molehills)
5. Armadillos
Armadillos dig for insects, grubs, and worms—damaging your lawn in the process.
These nocturnal mammals are common in North Texas suburbs. While they help control pests, they often dig up entire sections of lawn or garden beds.
Deterrents include: fencing, scent-based repellents, or removal by professionals.
6. Gophers
Pocket gophers tunnel underground and feed on plant roots and tubers.
Gophers are less common in densely populated areas but may appear in open residential spaces. Their tunnels and mounds can damage irrigation systems and lawns.
7. Birds
Birds contribute to pest control and aeration.
Species like robins, grackles, and blue jays feed on lawn insects such as grubs, worms, and beetles. Their presence is usually a good sign, although large flocks can disturb grass seed.
Examples:
- Northern Cardinal
- Carolina Wren
- American Robin
8. Toads and Frogs
Amphibians help control mosquitoes and insects naturally.
Toads often burrow into soft, damp soil or hide under mulch. Frogs may use lawn ponds or shady corners. Their presence often indicates healthy soil moisture and insect life.
9. Snakes
Non-venomous snakes feed on pests like mice, insects, and slugs.
In Fort Worth, most snakes in yards are harmless. Common species include:
- Garter Snakes
- Rat Snakes
- Ribbon Snakes
Avoid disturbing leaf piles and stone borders where snakes may hide.
10. Ticks and Fleas
Ticks and fleas can pose health risks to humans and pets.
These pests prefer shady, moist areas and can hide in thick grass or leaf debris. Frequent mowing, leaf removal, and yard treatments help reduce populations.
11. Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs suck nutrients from grass blades, causing large brown patches.
These insects thrive in hot, sunny areas and affect St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses. Drought-stressed lawns are more vulnerable to chinch bug damage.
12. Beetles
Beetles can be beneficial or destructive depending on the species.
While ground beetles feed on harmful insects, others like the Japanese Beetle cause severe damage by eating grass and plant leaves.
13. Mice and Voles
Rodents can burrow tunnels, chew roots, and damage landscaping.
Voles resemble mice but live underground, feeding on roots and plant stems. They can destroy entire flowerbeds and patches of turf quickly.
14. Spiders
Spiders are natural pest controllers.
Most backyard spiders are harmless and reduce the number of flies, mosquitoes, and beetles in your lawn. Examples in Fort Worth include:
- Orb Weavers
- Wolf Spiders
- Garden Spiders
15. Skunks and Raccoons
Both species dig lawns to search for insects or grubs.
While they’re helpful in reducing pest populations, their nighttime foraging can leave noticeable lawn damage. Skunks also pose odor risks when threatened.
16. Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails feed on soft grass, flowers, and garden plants.
They’re especially active after rainfall. A telltale sign of their presence is a silvery slime trail left on grass or patios.
17. Squirrels
Squirrels dig shallow holes to store food, which may disturb lawns and mulch.
They often target flower beds or areas around trees. While mostly harmless, their digging can uproot new plantings or bulbs.
Why Understanding Lawn Wildlife Matters
Each animal plays a role in your lawn’s ecosystem. Some help build healthy soil or control pests, while others cause significant damage. Knowing which species are present helps you take the right steps—whether that means encouraging helpful critters or controlling invasive ones.
How to Protect Your Lawn Without Harming Wildlife
Here are 6 ways to balance your lawn’s health and local wildlife:
- Install Proper Irrigation Systems – Prevent excess moisture that attracts grubs and mosquitoes.
- Aerate and Fertilize – Support soil health for beneficial insects.
- Use Pet- and Wildlife-Safe Treatments – Avoid harsh pesticides where possible.
- Mow Regularly – Keep pests like ticks and chinch bugs in check.
- Seal Gaps and Remove Debris – Prevent nesting by rodents and snakes.
- Call a Lawn Care Professional – Get expert help with pest management and prevention.
Enhance Your Fort Worth Lawn with Clearfork Lawn Care
Lawn life is more complex than it seems. Whether you’re dealing with fire ants, grubs, or want to encourage birds and beneficial insects, Clearfork Lawn Care has your back. We specialize in turf management, artificial grass installation, irrigation systems, and full-service landscape design.
Our Fort Worth team knows how to maintain your lawn’s health while protecting your home and local environment.
Call Clearfork Lawn Care today at 817-705-9352 to schedule lawn care, pest prevention, or turf upgrades.