Raccoons Tearing Up New Sod: It's the Grubs, Not the Grass

A homeowner installed sod 14 weeks ago. Raccoons are rolling it up and digging divots. Bird netting helps but isn't a long-term fix. The question: once sod is fully knitted, will raccoons stop?

Answer: Raccoons aren't after the grass—they're hunting grubs underneath. They'll keep destroying sod as long as grubs are present, regardless of how well-rooted the turf is.

Two-step fix:

1. Now: Apply a fast-acting "24-hour" grub killer (e.g., Dylox/trichlorfon) to stop current damage
2. Next June: Apply a preventative "season-long" grub control (imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole) before eggs hatch

Once grubs are controlled, raccoons lose interest. The netting can come off. Neighboring lawns without grubs don't have this problem—it's not about sod maturity, it's about the buffet underneath.