Holes in back yard!

Question

We have a rubber mat about 50 ft. long under our back deck where we store our tools. It stays there all of the time, so there is no grass growing under it. I pulled it up yesterday and found holes about the size of a quarter from one end to the other. Probably 75-100 holes. There are no mounds around them because of the mat covering them. We live in the country and our house is surrounded by trees. I know that we have rabbits, squirrels, raccoons and o’possums. I see a snake every once-in-a-while, but not very often. What do you suppose is causing these holes? Should I be concerned and what do I do about them?

Answer 1

If the holes extend down into tunnels, they could be vole holes, especially the pine vole. They are not dangerous but will eat garden plants from below the ground, so if you have voles, you would most likely see damage to any vegetables you are growing. Chipmunks can make similar holes, but I’m not sure if they’d make them under a mat. Snake holes are another possibility, since they can also be about the size of a quarter.

Here are some ideas for snake control and vole control:
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/snakes_and_your_garden
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/vole-control.htm