How to Identify Snake Holes—and What to Do

As the temperature rises, backyards come alive with signs of animal activity, such as small holes in the ground. While some of these holes may be inhabited by rodents, turtles, or insects, others may actually be snake burrows.

Snakes often seek refuge in abandoned rodent burrows to escape extreme weather conditions. However, distinguishing between a snake hole and other types of burrows can be challenging. Here is some information to help you identify snake burrows in your yard and why you shouldn’t be overly alarmed by them.

What does a snake hole look like?

Not all snake burrows are identical in appearance. This is due to the fact that snakes themselves do not create these burrows. Instead, snakes inhabit burrows that have been dug out—and then abandoned—by rodents, insects, and even turtles.

As a result, the appearance of snake burrows can vary in terms of size and shape depending on the animal that initially dug them. Some burrows may be perfectly circular and only an inch in diameter, while others may be larger and more irregular in shape. If you are trying to determine whether a burrow contains a snake, look for either shed snake skins or snake excrement, which typically resembles thick brown liquid with a chalky white tip.

Snake Hole vs. Rodent Hole

A snake hole may have once been a rodent hole, but there are key indicators to distinguish between the two. Look for snake skin and feces near the hole, as well as signs of digging like claw marks and piles of dirt to determine the current resident.

Types of Snakes that Could Be in Your Yard

There is a wide range of snakes that may be present in your yard, and the majority of them are likely harmless. Here is a brief overview of the common snakes found in North America.

1. Rat snakes: Rat snakes are commonly found in the eastern and midwestern regions of the United States. They typically measure between 3 to 5 feet in length and are often seen in suburban areas. These snakes come in colors such as black, gray, or black and yellow, and they primarily feed on small rodents and birds.
2. Garter snakes: Garter snakes are harmless snakes that can be found throughout North America. They usually range from 18 to 30 inches in length and prefer wet and forested habitats.
3. King snakes: Similar to rat snakes, king snakes are usually 3 to 5 feet long, but they can grow up to 6 and a half feet in length. They are distributed across the United States, and some subspecies exhibit vibrant colors, like the scarlet king snake.
4. Milk snakes: The size of milk snakes varies depending on their location. Generally, milk snakes in the southern United States are larger than those found in the Northeast or Upper Midwest. They come in a variety of colors, including orange, red, and brown. Milk snakes are often mistaken for the venomous coral snakes.
5. Corn snakes: Corn snakes inhabit the southeastern United States and prefer wooded and overgrown areas. They typically measure between 2 to 6 feet in length and display bright red and orange colors.
6. Cottonmouth snakes (venomous): Cottonmouth snakes derive their name from the bright white mouth they exhibit when threatened. They reside near water in the southeastern United States and have a brownish-gray appearance. Cottonmouth snakes measure around 2 to 4 feet in length.
7. Copperhead snakes (venomous): Copperhead snakes are found throughout the eastern United States and can adapt to various habitats. They are characterized by their dark brown color with hourglass-shaped markings and typically measure between 2 to 3 feet long.
8. Rattlesnakes (venomous): Rattlesnakes, unlike many other snakes on this list, thrive in arid conditions, particularly in the American Southeast. However, a few species can also be found east of the Mississippi River. Rattlesnakes are known for their distinctive rattling sound and cautionary behavior.

What to Do About Snake Holes

If you discover that the opening in your yard is actually a snake hole, here are some steps you can take.

1. Allow them to remain undisturbed: This is the most suitable option for the majority of snakes and their holes. Snakes seldom attack unless provoked physically, and they are beneficial for controlling pests in your yard by keeping rodents away. If possible, it is best to leave snake holes alone.
2. Fill them up: In the case of venomous snakes, or if you strongly prefer to keep snakes away from your property, you can fill the holes with dirt. However, keep in mind that these holes can easily be re-dug by the creatures that originally dug them.
3. Cover them: To prevent filled-in snake holes from being dug up again, consider covering the tops of the holes with a small piece of burlap or chicken wire.
4. Seek professional help: If you are facing a recurring issue with venomous snakes, contact a wildlife or pest control expert to effectively manage the presence of dangerous snakes.

How to Prevent Snakes from Being On Your Property

Preventing snakes from entering your property completely may be challenging as many common North American snakes have adapted to various environments. However, you can make your backyard less appealing to them by regularly mowing the grass and removing brush, overgrowth, and piles of leaves.

It is important to note that the majority of snake species, approximately 90%, are nonvenomous and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. They help control small rodent and insect populations, contribute to biodiversity, and are an integral part of the food chain.