Hey, Cajungeo! First, welcome to ETX! Second, the armadillo is your most likely culprit for the small holes you're finding everywhere. They're looking for bugs just under the surface. They love fireant mounds too.
We moved to NETX in 1979 from the Dallas area. Whole 'nuther world out this way! Bought 35 acres in the middle of nowhere and put a mobile home on it. Couldn't find a job here, so I continued working in Dallas another 9 years. That's a long commute. Finally got a job with the local sheriff, and I've been at it for 18 years now.
I have several friends in the Lufkin area if you need local info.
Hmmph! Paved road. You're still a city boy.