Finding small holes scattered all around the yard can definitely be puzzling. These mysterious openings could belong to any creature, but the common suspects here are chipmunks and snakes. Understanding the differences between chipmunk holes and snake holes is important for identifying them correctly. This will also allow you to take appropriate measures to fix the issue.
Although both of them create holes in the ground, their habits and the clues they leave behind are quite different. This blog discusses how to identify which animal might be living in your yard.
Understanding the Reason Behind the Holes
Chipmunks are small rodents that actively dig their own burrows. These nest rooms serve as sleeping places for them or store nuts, seeds, and other foods. They often dig deeper tunnels to protect themselves from outside elements.
Snakes, on the other hand, do not typically dig their own burrows. Most species prefer to use existing holes abandoned by smaller rodents like chipmunks and prairie dogs.
How to Identify Whose Hole It is?
Understanding the features of holes in the ground can help you identify which animal made them. Here are some important details to look for:
Size and Shape
One of the first things to observe is the size of the hole. Chipmunk holes are usually about 2-3 inches in diameter, roughly the size of a silver dollar. It is large enough to allow their bodies to pass through easily. The holes are cleanly dug and perfectly round, which helps chipmunks block the entrance with their small, bushy tails when they retreat inside.
Snake holes range from half an inch to three inches in diameter. These openings may be circular or oval and have clean or jagged ends. The tunnels beneath can vary depending on the type of snake. For example, rattlesnakes often reside together in communal dens during the cold winter months.
Digging Activity Around the Hole
Chipmunks are active diggers and can move a surprising amount of soil when making their burrows. They use their small but strong front paws to dig and push the dirt out. This creates huge piles of loose soil near the entrance of their holes.
The soil is usually powdery and freshly dug, and you might see natural debris of leaves, sticks, small rocks, or acorns mixed in. Rodents like chipmunks also use different kinds of debris to build their nests inside a burrow. So if you find things like shredded plastic, cardboard, fabric, string, etc near a hole, then it likely belongs to a rodent.
On the other hand, snake holes might not have piles of soil around them primarily because they are repurposed from other animals. Snakes take over abandoned chipmunk burrows, enlarge openings under rocks or logs, or natural gaps or cracks in the ground.
Since they don't dig, the area around a snake hole is usually undisturbed. You may find no signs of fresh soil being pushed out. Any dirt or debris found near the hole would likely be left behind by the previous occupant.
Signs of Activity Around the Hole
Chipmunks often leave behind tiny tracks and claw marks in the dirt as they move. Their front paws have tiny nails that create faint, paired lines. This shows their quick bounding movement. Their prints are usually about 1–2 inches long, with clear claw tips. You might also notice small cone-shaped holes near walls or rocks, which lead to their burrows and food storage spaces.
But snake holes show different signs. A clear indicator is freshly shed snakeskin near or inside the hole. Another sign is snake droppings, which are dark, tubular, and often streaked with white chalky urine. You might see faint lines from their large belly scales dragging through dirt or even subtle marks from their backbone ridges.
Prevention and Response Measures
After identifying whether a hole belongs to a chipmunk, squirrel, or snake, taking the right response measures is important to protect the yard and maintain safety.
Chipmunk Prevention Tips
Usually, physical barriers such as fencing or placing hefty stones can help in keeping them out of your lawn or garden. If building barriers isn't possible, then herbal repellents can be opted for owing to their eco-friendly approach. For a tech-savvy solution, ultrasonic devices are available that emit high-frequency sounds that deter rodents without bothering humans or pets.
Snake Control and Habitat Management
Snake holes can be filled in with dirt. However, a more effective method is to cover the holes with materials like wire mesh, netting, or burlap. This prevents snakes from returning and nesting under structures such as porches.
It is unlikely that any yard can be made completely snake-free. Since snakes help control rodent populations and are an important part of the ecosystem, their removal is only necessary if they pose a direct threat. Homeowners can take the following steps to make the yard less inviting to snakes:
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Keep the grass trimmed and mowed.
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Avoid overwatering and ensure the lawn has proper drainage.
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Clear away overgrown vegetation.
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Add snake-deterring plants such as garlic.
Conclusion
Distinguishing chipmunk holes from snake holes helps in managing wildlife around your home safely. There is also a very low chance that the homeowners may find their yard completely free of snakes or chipmunks. However, with certain preventive measures, you can make your yard less inviting to these animals.