Slither or scurry? Learn how to spot the difference
Snake holes measure 2 to 4 inches wide with smooth surfaces, while chipmunk holes are smaller at 1 to 2 inches and show fresh dirt from digging.
Chipmunk holes appear near bushes, gardens, or patios where food is available, while snake holes sit near foundations, stone walls, or grassy fields your yard provides.
You can spot chipmunk activity through paw prints and chewed nuts near holes, while snake holes show little evidence except occasional shed skin around the entrance.
Hiring a local exterminating professional helps you manage chipmunk or snake issues safely through effective removal strategies, prevention guidance, and ongoing yard protection.
You’ve spotted a hole in your backyard and wonder what lies below the surface. Is it a chipmunk hole or a snake hole? Let’s review how to identify which critter is responsible for the digging (or slithering) so you can get rid of chipmunks or snakes safely.
The key difference between chipmunk and snake holes is that snakes burrow in pre-existing systems while chipmunks build their own. This leads to identifying factors that set the two apart, including size, location, depth, activity, and prevention.
| Type of Difference | Chipmunk Hole | Snake Hole |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1–2 inches | 3–4 inches |
| Location | Near bushes, gardens, patios | Near foundation, stone walls, grassy fields |
| Activity | Paw prints, food shavings | Shed skin |
| Prevention | Sealing entry points | Eliminate food source |
One of the easiest ways to tell chipmunk holes from snake holes is by looking closely at their size, shape, and surroundings.
Depending on the size of the snake, most snake holes measure 2 inches to 4 inches wide. This is bigger than the average chipmunk hole, which tends to be 1 inch to 2 inches wide. If the hole looks bigger than a chipmunk, it likely belongs to a snake.
Since snakes slither in and out of their holes, they leave behind a smooth surface where they burrow. They also inhabit existing rodent burrow systems, so there’s no mess involved. On the flip side, chipmunks dig their own holes, so you can expect to find fresh dirt nearby or evidence of digging.
Chipmunk tunnels are surprisingly deep and complex, often extending several feet underground with multiple chambers for nesting, food storage, and escape routes.
However, snake holes are usually shallow and simple, often an entry point into an existing rodent burrow or a small cavity for shelter. While chipmunks invest in a full underground home, snakes are more like short-term tenants, using whatever space is available.
Snake holes are commonly found near your home’s foundation, stone walls, or in grassy fields. On the other hand, chipmunk holes are found near bushes, gardens, patios, or trees. You can find them in areas that provide a source of food or shelter for the small rodents.
You won’t find signs of much activity near a snake hole, but you will find evidence of livelihood near a chipmunk hole. Check for paw or claw marks, as well as chewed nuts, acorns, or acorn shells near the entrance.
If you see any of those signs, it’s safe to say there’s a chipmunk in your yard. On rare occasions, you may find evidence of shed snake skin near a snake hole, though it’s less common.
When it comes to prevention, chipmunks and snakes call for different strategies. Chipmunk holes can be managed by sealing entry points near foundations, installing garden fencing, and reducing access to food sources like seeds or nuts.
Snakes are less interested in your landscaping itself and more in the prey living there. Keeping rodent populations under control, mowing tall grass, and clearing wood or rock piles makes your yard less appealing to them. If you have trouble getting rid of or preventing either critter, it’s time to call your local exterminator.
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