Why Are There Holes in My Backyard?

Burrowing animals spend a significant portion of their lives underground. Although this predisposition for subterranean life can make for some interesting critters, homeowners generally don’t want burrowing animals on their property.

Here’s a closer look at the types of burrowing animals you may encounter. Plus, how to identify their burrows.

Prairie dogs

Prairie dogs are known to dig extensive underground tunnel systems. As social creatures, these tunnel systems can house hundreds or thousands of prairie dogs.

Typically, humans complain of the inconspicuous holes created by prairie dogs. The holes can pose a tripping hazard for humans and livestock on rangelands. Additionally, these animals tend to avail themselves of anything they find in a healthy garden.  

You’ll need to look closely to spot these holes, ranging in diameter from 4 to 8 inches. The vegetation around the hole is often cleared away to create a small mound.

Groundhogs and woodchucks

These animals create burrows with openings of 10 to 12 inches in diameter. The critters can damage underground watering systems and wiring. Plus, the series of holes could lead to human injuries while working in the yard.

Beyond the underground mayhem, groundhogs are happy to eat whatever they find in your garden. In addition to the fruits and vegetables, groundhogs may eat the ornamental plants in your yard as they prepare for winter.

Gophers and pocket gophers

Gophers create burrows up to 18 inches below ground with a mainline that shoots off multiple branches. As they settle into an area, they can create a tunnel system of up to 600 feet.

Although the animal remains largely out of sight, its digging activity leaves large mounds of dirt above ground. The dirt mounds are unsightly and can lead to issues with lawn care. You will likely notice extensive damage to your garden and other landscaping features if gophers are present.

You can easily spot gopher activity if you find mounds of dirt 12 to 20 inches in diameter surrounding small holes.

Moles

Moles build extensive tunnel systems in an effort to find insects and earthworms to eat. Although the critters primarily eat bugs, they may enjoy a meal from your garden or landscape if available.

Molehills are identified by their circular and conical mounds. These mounds of soil are typically a foot wide and up to 2 inches tall. In addition to these hills, you may also spot raised tunnel tracks across your lawn.

Voles

Voles are commonly mistaken for small mice. But these critters are more capable diggers that can build large tunnel systems shrouded by dense vegetation to conceal their entrances effectively.

These little creatures can cause major damage to your yard. Specifically, these rodents can damage gardens and tree trunks. Beyond above-ground behaviors that lead to damage, these rodents can damage your lawn.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to spot a vole hole. The entrances to their tunnel systems can be as small as a dime. The best way to spot a vole infestation is to look for vole runways, which are pathways of dirt-colored trails that lead from one hole to the next.

Armadillos

Armadillos are known for their unique appearance.

These nocturnal burrowing animals might want to move into your yard. In addition to their burrows, armadillos create small holes while foraging for food. The result of all these holes is possible foundational damage to your home.

Although you may not spot the armadillo itself during the day, you can find evidence of their presence with the holes it leaves behind. Typically, you’ll find holes of 3 inches deep and 5 inches across if an armadillo has been foraging in your yard.

Chipmunks

Chipmunks are relatively cute animals that can create massive tunnel systems around your house. Like others, these tunnel systems can lead to electrical or structural damage to your home. Plus, the chipmunks themselves may eat up the goodies in your garden.

If you have chipmunks on your property, you’ll likely hear extensive chirping to alert you to their presence. But you might have trouble spotting their burrow holes, which are only the size of a silver dollar.

Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels are most comfortable in their underground tunnel homes, which can extend for up to 30 feet. But when not in their burrow, they can cause extensive property damage through their gnawing and seemingly unlimited appetite.

The entrance hole to their large homes is a small hole of approximately two inches in diameter. Worn grass around the entrance hole can be a sign of extensive use.

Skunks

Skunks dig holes for two reasons. They dig shallow holes looking for food and create deeper burrows to den. Their burrows can lead to structural damage to the buildings on your property. 

The stink that accompanies a skunk is the best way to uncover their burrow. If you follow your nose, you’ll likely find the entrance to a burrow with freshly removed dirt. But make sure to keep your distance — these creatures can spray their foul-smelling oil up to 10 feet!

Rabbit

Rabbits create a series of tunnels called a warren. These warrens can cause structural damage to your home. But the bulk of damage caused by rabbits will be to any above-ground plants you have on your property. The critters are known to nibble on plants and ultimately destroy crops.

You’ll likely find the entrance hole to a rabbit warren on a slope or bank that allows for effective drainage. The entrance holes are typically between 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Piles of dirt and tufts of rabbit fur will often be found outside of these holes to indicate the presence of a rabbit.

Fox

Foxes are intelligent creatures with a cunning nature that seems to keep them one step ahead at all times. Typically, foxes will avoid contact with humans. But they may take the opportunity to raid your home or garbage cans for a free meal.

In some cases, foxes may construct a burrow on your property under your home or near the base of a tree. The hole can be 4 inches in diameter or larger. But the telltale sign of a fox burrow is the likely presence of feathers or bones that indicate the remains of their prey.

Raccoons

Raccoons dig while searching for food like grubs and other insects. In late fall, grubs serve as a staple to a raccoon’s diet.