Question

I have raised flower borders that are on the back of my house, and I mean raised like 3 foot off the ground. They have been there for 20 years. The yard does not meet them, we have a patio the whole backside of the house. Last week I noticed a hole at the base (between the stone on the ground) of the borders. This morning the same size hole was in the border. The hole is about 1inch to 11/2 in diameter. Do you have any idea as to what creature this could be? I flushed the hole out with water. It seemed to go a couple a feet.
Thank you for any help you could give me.

Angie Sears

Sounds like a snake to me Angie. Only an inch diameter that would be my guess.

I agree, Angie. It does sound like a snake....but, chances are very good that it is one of the harmless natives....they eat mice, rats, moles and voles, grubs, frogs and toads and even earthworms.

There are only 3 venomous snakes listed for Virginia, but 31 harmless species that are actually rather helpful in the garden. here is a link that shows all species in VA and gives their range within the state.

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/snakes_of_virginia.htm

Thank you for your help. Harmless or not, I really don't want a snake in there. It is right beside my back door!!! Any suggestions on how to get rid of it?

Hi Angie....while out in the garden today I saw a "new" hole like you described right up next to the house....inside was a nice fat toad....perhaps that is what is living by your door. I suggest trying to watch the area for a bit and see if that is what is living there.

Ok, I will. I really hope its a toad!!! I would much rather have that than a snake. :)

I do hear you....toads won't scare you as you walk out the door.

LOL!! No they don't.

Toads / frogs eat all the snails, slugs and other insects so be kins to it IF it is a Toad, good luck. WeeNel.

Please come back when the mystery is solved and let us know who your "new neighbor" is ^_^

update: The holes are still appearing from time to time. But I still don't know for sure. Im believing it a frog. :)

I would think frog/toad also. I don't think a snake would move about that much. (she said hopefully) grin

Since it's close to your house, I'd try to think of it as a "guard snake." It's keeping mice out of your home!

Or it's a toad. :)