Finding holes in your garden can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know what’s causing them. Unearthed soil, damaged plants, or mounds around the yard may signal the presence of burrowing pests. But not all holes are made equal, and not every visitor is harmful.
The key to protecting your garden is identifying what’s responsible. Different animals leave different signs—and understanding these clues will help you determine whether to take action or let nature run its course.
This complete guide helps you identify common burrowing pests, their typical signs, the size and shape of their holes, and what you can do to safely and effectively manage them.
Why Identification Matters
Not all burrowing animals are bad for your garden. Some aerate the soil or control harmful pests. Others may destroy root systems or eat your crops.
Before acting, it’s important to determine:
- What species is causing the holes
- Whether it poses a threat to plants or structures
- What methods are safe, legal, and effective for control
Misidentifying a burrow could lead to ineffective treatment or even harm protected or beneficial species.
1. Moles
Signs of Mole Activity:
- Raised, winding surface tunnels
- Volcano-shaped mounds of loose soil
- No visible entry hole (sealed when not in use)
Hole Size:
- 1 to 2 inches wide, often hidden beneath soil
- Tunnels are just under the surface, soft and spongy underfoot
Behavior:
Moles feed on insects, grubs, and earthworms. They don’t eat plants but can disturb roots and create an uneven lawn.
Management:
- Use grub control if insect populations are high
- Flatten tunnels and observe if they return
- Consider ultrasonic repellents or castor oil-based deterrents
2. Voles (Field Mice)
Signs of Vole Activity:
- Small, round entry holes in turf or garden beds
- Surface runways through grass or mulch
- Gnawed bark at the base of shrubs or young trees
Hole Size:
- 1 to 2 inches in diameter
- Often found near dense vegetation or compost piles
Behavior:
Voles feed on plant roots, stems, and bulbs. They can cause serious damage to perennials and trees.
Management:
- Keep grass and weeds trimmed
- Use hardware cloth collars around trees
- Set snap traps in vole runways for control
3. Gophers
Signs of Gopher Activity:
- Fan- or crescent-shaped mounds of soil
- Tunnels visible beneath grass or in planting beds
- Missing plants pulled underground
Hole Size:
- 2.5 to 4 inches across
- Main tunnel is plugged with soil, often not open to air
Behavior:
Gophers eat plant roots and tubers. They can destroy gardens and underground irrigation systems.
Management:
- Install underground mesh barriers when building beds
- Use traps or gas cartridges (where legal)
- Encourage predators like owls and snakes
4. Groundhogs (Woodchucks)
Signs of Groundhog Activity:
- Large dirt mounds near hole openings
- Wide, clean entry hole with worn paths leading to it
- Damage to vegetables and broadleaf plants
Hole Size:
- 8 to 12 inches wide, often under sheds or decks
- Multiple openings (main burrow and escape holes)
Behavior:
Groundhogs eat a wide variety of crops and can undermine foundations or fences.
Management:
- Use heavy fencing buried 12 inches deep
- Block access under decks with hardware cloth
- Consider humane trapping or exclusion
5. Rabbits
Signs of Rabbit Activity:
- Small, neat holes in soil or mulch
- Nesting material like fur or grass in shallow depressions
- Chewed stems and clipped plants close to the ground
Hole Size:
- 3 to 5 inches across, shallow and open
- Often located in tall grass or under shrubs
Behavior:
Rabbits typically dig nesting holes rather than tunnels. They prefer to chew soft greens and young vegetables.
Management:
- Use fencing at least 2 feet tall, with a buried edge
- Protect raised beds with wire mesh
- Remove brush or cover near nesting areas
6. Skunks
Signs of Skunk Activity:
- Small, cone-shaped holes in lawns
- Strong musky odor
- Torn trash bags or overturned compost
Hole Size:
- 3 to 4 inches wide, shallow and circular
- Scattered across lawns or near insect-rich soil
Behavior:
Skunks dig for grubs, beetles, and other insects. They may also use crawl spaces for denning.
Management:
- Remove attractants like pet food or compost
- Use motion-activated sprinklers to scare them off
- Seal crawlspaces and under decks with wire mesh
7. Raccoons
Signs of Raccoon Activity:
- Rolled-up sod or mulch
- Wide, shallow digging marks
- Tracks or droppings near garden beds
Hole Size:
- Varies—usually more shallow scrapes than actual burrows
- May dig into compost piles or root around raised beds
Behavior:
Raccoons search for worms and grubs but also raid vegetable beds and fruit trees.
Management:
- Secure trash cans and compost bins
- Use garden netting or fencing with an electric line (if needed)
- Avoid feeding pets outside at night
8. Armadillos (In Southern Regions)
Signs of Armadillo Activity:
- Shallow, cone-shaped holes in lawns
- Uprooted plants and scattered soil
- Trails or tunnels under shrubs
Hole Size:
- 3 to 5 inches wide
- For larger burrows: up to 7 inches with crescent-shaped mounds
Behavior:
Armadillos dig for insects and grubs. They rarely eat plants but may cause extensive lawn damage.
Management:
- Fence off gardens with buried hardware cloth
- Use motion-activated sprinklers or lights
- Reduce insect populations in lawn soil
9. Insects and Invertebrates
Sometimes, holes aren’t made by mammals at all.
Insect-Caused Holes:
- Ants: Small mounds with fine soil grains
- Cicada killers (wasps): Quarter-sized holes near sandy soil
- Earthworms: Small open holes, often surrounded by castings
These creatures are usually beneficial and require no control unless they become a nuisance.
How to Identify the Culprit
To identify what’s digging holes in your garden, look for:
Clues to Watch:
- Hole size and shape
- Fresh soil or debris
- Feeding or chewing damage nearby
- Droppings or tracks
- Time of activity (day or night)
Use a trail camera if activity happens at night. Take photos of holes and compare them to known examples.
If in doubt, contact your local extension office or a wildlife control expert for identification help.
When to Take Action
Not every hole is a cause for concern. However, consider intervention when:
- Plant damage is ongoing or severe
- Burrows pose a safety risk (tripping, undermining structures)
- You suspect nesting near your home
- Pest populations are increasing rapidly
Use non-lethal methods first, especially if dealing with protected or beneficial species.
Safe and Effective Control Methods
Always match the method to the pest and your local regulations.
General Tips:
- Install physical barriers: fencing, hardware cloth, raised beds
- Use scent-based or motion-activated deterrents
- Keep your garden tidy: remove debris, trim grass, secure trash
- Avoid poisons, which can harm pets and non-target wildlife
Humane control respects the environment and keeps your garden in balance.
Conclusion
Unidentified holes in your garden can be puzzling—but they always mean something. By looking at hole size, location, and surrounding signs, you can identify whether moles, voles, gophers, rabbits, or other animals are responsible.
Some burrowers are beneficial, others are destructive. When control is necessary, choose safe and targeted methods—like barriers, repellents, or habitat changes—to solve the problem without disrupting your garden’s ecosystem.
With awareness and observation, you can protect your plants, support local wildlife, and maintain a healthy, thriving garden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if a hole is from a mole or a vole?
Mole holes are often hidden under soil mounds or surface tunnels. Voles leave small, open holes with visible runways in grass or mulch.
Do rabbits dig burrows or just shallow holes?
Rabbits usually dig shallow nests for breeding. Deep tunnels or multiple-entry systems are more likely caused by groundhogs or gophers.
Should I fill in animal holes in my garden?
Yes, but only after confirming the animal is gone. Sealing active burrows can trap animals and cause further damage.
Is it safe to use traps or poison?
Traps may be legal depending on location, but poisons are strongly discouraged. Always check local wildlife laws and use humane options.
Will burrowing animals return if removed?
If habitat conditions remain the same, new animals may take their place. Long-term prevention requires addressing food sources, shelter, and entry points.