Critters and Concrete: Animal Infestation

Could Critters be Creating Voids Under Your Concrete?

Animal infestation can cause serious problems for your concrete. Seen here a mole digging into the ground.

Photo to right by Jared Belson.

Finally! Across the U.S., signs of spring are beginning to bloom. After a long winter, many homeowners are ready to enjoy warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the return of chirping birds. But those rising temperatures bring more than just sunshine. As the ground heats up, so does the activity underground.  Burrowing critters like ground squirrels, moles, chipmunks and other burrowing animals often emerge in full force, and they can spell trouble for your concrete.

As these critters dig tunnels beneath sidewalks, driveways, patios, stairs, and even your foundation, they create hidden voids that can compromise the stability of your concrete slabs. Over time, voids caused by animal infestation can lead to settling, cracking, or even dangerous tripping hazards around your home.

Common Burrowing Animals That Cause Concrete Problems

You may not notice the damage right away, but animals can wreak havoc underground long before there are visible signs on the surface. Burrowing pests that may be active in your area include:

  • Moles

  • Ground squirrels

  • Chipmunks

  • Shrews

  • Rabbits

  • Foxes

  • Otters

  • Ants (especially carpenter ants)

If these animals make a home in or near your property, they can undermine soil stability. Once the supporting soil is gone, your concrete is at risk.

What Can You do About Animal-Related Voids and Concrete Settling?

1. Get Help with Animal Removal

Before repairing the damage, it’s essential to stop the source. Pest control professionals can identify the type of animal and remove it safely and effectively. Each critter requires a different removal strategy, so trying to DIY may just make things worse—or result in a recurring problem.

2. Repair the Void with Polyurethane Foam (Polyjacking)

Once the animals are gone, it’s time to repair the damage. This is where concrete leveling comes in. Many homeowners think they need to replace entire slabs, but voids caused by animal infestation can often be filled quickly and cost-effectively with polyurethane injection, also known as polyjacking.

Through our nationwide network, many of our contractors use PolyPier concrete lifting foam from Earth Contact Products. This product is a high-density, structural-grade polyurethane designed to fill voids, compact soil, and lift sunken concrete—all without excavation or disruption.

The process is simple:

  • Small holes are drilled into the affected slab.

  • Polyurethane foam is injected beneath the surface.

  • The foam expands to fill the void and lift the concrete.

  • The area is ready for use within hours.

The poly used in PolyPier is manufactured by NCFI Polyurethanes, a trusted name in environmentally safe and durable foam solutions.

Why Act Now?

Spring is the perfect time to fix concrete issues before they get worse. Not only are animals active, but increased rainfall can further erode soil beneath your slabs. Addressing voids early can prevent bigger foundation or trip hazard problems down the road.

Get a Free Inspection from a Local Contractor

If you’ve noticed cracking, sinking, or uneven slabs around your home—or suspect animal activity—contact us today at 888-611-1527.. Our network of certified contractors provides free estimates and can help determine if your concrete damage is related to an infestation or other cause.

We connect homeowners with experts in foundation repair, concrete leveling, crawl space repair, and waterproofing across the U.S. Don’t wait until a small void turns into a major problem.