Holes in a garden do not automatically mean rats. Voles, chipmunks, ground squirrels, groundhogs, moles, skunks, rabbits, birds, insects, irrigation washouts, and decaying roots can all leave holes, tunnels, or disturbed soil. Correct identification matters because the control method for voles is different from moles, rats, or groundhogs.
Start with the hole size, soil mound, runway pattern, nearby damage, droppings, tooth marks, and what is being eaten. Then choose exclusion, habitat modification, trapping, or professional help based on the animal and local rules.
If tomatoes are being eaten at night, read How to Stop Rats From Eating Tomatoes. If browsing damage is above ground, compare Best Deer Repellent for Vegetable Gardens and Rabbit-Proof Garden Ideas That Work.
Last updated: June 6, 2026.
Quick Answer
Identify garden holes by size and pattern. Voles make small holes and surface runways. Moles make raised tunnels and volcano-like soil mounds but usually eat insects, not vegetables. Rats make 2- to 3-inch burrow openings near cover, walls, compost, or food sources. Chipmunks make small clean holes with little soil. Groundhogs make large openings, often 10 inches or more, with major soil piles and heavy plant feeding. Use signs, not one hole alone.
Hole Identification Table
| Animal | Hole clue | Other signs |
|---|---|---|
| Vole | 1 to 2 inch holes, surface runways | clipped stems, bark gnawing low |
| Mole | raised tunnels, mounds | turf heaving, few eaten vegetables |
| Rat | 2 to 3 inch burrows near cover | droppings, gnawed fruit, tracks |
| Chipmunk | 1.5 to 2 inch clean hole | seed, bulb, fruit feeding |
| Ground squirrel | larger burrow openings | soil piles, daytime activity |
| Groundhog | large 10+ inch entrance | major vegetable damage |
| Rabbit | shallow forms, no true burrow in garden | clipped stems, pellets |
| Skunk | cone-shaped digging | grub hunting in lawn |
Look at Plant Damage
Plant damage narrows the suspect.
- Tomatoes partly eaten low or dragged: rats, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs.
- Seedlings clipped cleanly: rabbits, cutworms, voles.
- Roots eaten underground: voles, gophers in some regions.
- Raised tunnels with no eaten vegetables: moles.
- Bark chewed near ground: voles or rabbits.
- Ragged browsing up to several feet: deer.
For browsing height and fence choices, read Rabbit-Proof Garden Ideas That Work.
Voles vs Moles
Voles are rodents that eat plants. Moles are insectivores that eat earthworms and soil insects. Moles can damage lawns by tunneling, but they usually are not the animal eating tomatoes or lettuce.
Vole clues:
- surface runways in grass
- small openings
- girdled bark
- clipped vegetation
Mole clues:
- raised ridges
- volcano-like mounds
- tunnels under turf
- little direct vegetable feeding
Rat Burrow Clues
Rat burrows are often found:
- along walls
- near compost
- under sheds
- under decks
- in dense vegetation
- near animal feed
- near chicken coops
- near fruit trees
Signs include capsule-shaped droppings, grease marks, gnawing, tracks, and feeding at night.
What to Do After Identification
- Photograph holes and damage.
- Measure hole width.
- Look for droppings and tracks.
- Remove food and cover.
- Protect crops with fencing or hardware cloth.
- Use traps only when you know the target.
- Follow local wildlife rules.
- Call a professional for rats, large burrows, or unsafe situations.
FAQ
What makes small holes in garden beds?
Voles, chipmunks, insects, birds, and washouts can make small holes. Look for plant damage and runways.
Do moles eat vegetable roots?
Moles usually eat insects and earthworms, not vegetable roots. Their tunneling can disturb roots indirectly.
How do I know if I have rats?
Look for 2- to 3-inch burrows near cover and food, droppings, gnawed fruit, nighttime activity, and greasy rub marks.
Should I fill the holes?
You can fill inactive holes, but first identify the animal and remove food or cover. Active burrows may reopen.
Related Reading
- How to Stop Rats From Eating Tomatoes
- Rabbit-Proof Garden Ideas That Work
- Best Deer Repellent for Vegetable Gardens
- Grubs in Lawn: Signs, Damage, and Treatment