Diagnosing Small Holes in the Lawn: Chipmunks or Ground Squirrels?

A homeowner found 2-inch diameter, 5-inch deep holes in the front yard and wanted to know the cause and solution.

Likely Culprits

• Eastern chipmunk or thirteen-lined ground squirrel. Both dig vertical entrance holes that angle horizontally, making them seem shallower than they are.
• Filling a hole with water will take a long time to drain, confirming a deep burrow system.

Behavior

These animals don't create soil mounds. Chipmunks are often entertaining to watch. Both hibernate in winter.

Control (If Desired)

Place a couple tablespoons of moth crystals (naphthalene) in each hole. However, they are part of the ecosystem and rarely cause significant turf damage.

Resources

• UMN: What's Digging in My Yard?
• OSU: Eastern Chipmunk