Moles & Gophers

  • Published on Oct 20, 2024
  • 7 minute(s) read

Controlling Moles & Gophers

Moles and gophers are burrowing pests that can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping. While these rodents may not invade your home directly, their underground activity can lead to Soil Erosion, plant damage, and unsightly mounds, making Pest control measures essential for protecting your yard.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to identifying, preventing, and managing moles and gophers effectively, ensuring a healthier landscape.

Why Controlling Moles & Gophers is Important

While moles and gophers play roles in the Ecosystem, their burrowing behavior can create problems for homeowners:

  • Lawn Damage: Moles create raised tunnels and mounds as they burrow in search of insects, while gophers leave fan-shaped mounds of soil at the entrance of their tunnels.

  • Plant Destruction: Gophers feed on roots, bulbs, and vegetation, damaging plants, flowers, and even trees. Moles primarily feed on insects but can disturb root systems during their tunneling.

  • Soil Erosion: Extensive tunneling can weaken the Soil Structure, leading to soil erosion and potential damage to landscaping or structures.

  • Safety Risks: Burrows and tunnels can create tripping hazards, especially in high-traffic areas like lawns, gardens, and playgrounds.

Identifying Moles & Gophers

Proper identification is the first step in controlling these burrowing pests. While moles and gophers both create underground tunnels, their behaviors and signs differ:

Moles

  • Appearance: Moles are small mammals with velvety fur, pointed snouts, and large, paddle-like front feet designed for digging. They are typically 4-7 inches long.

  • Signs of Activity:

    • Raised Surface Tunnels: Moles create shallow, raised tunnels that form ridges across the lawn, often in a zigzag pattern.

    • Molehills: Moles push soil to the surface, creating circular mounds, typically with no visible hole. These mounds are smaller than gopher mounds and often more spread out.

    • Damaged Grass: As moles tunnel near the surface, they can cause patches of dead grass due to disturbed roots.

Gophers

  • Appearance: Gophers are medium-sized rodents, usually 5-14 inches long, with short fur, large cheek pouches, and strong, clawed front paws for digging.

  • Signs of Activity:

    • Fan-Shaped Mounds: Gophers create fan-shaped mounds of soil with a visible hole to one side. These mounds are larger than molehills and typically clustered closer together.

    • Missing Vegetation: Gophers feed on roots, bulbs, and plants, often causing plants to wilt or disappear entirely.

    • Plugged Holes: Gophers often plug their burrow entrances with soil to keep predators out and maintain tunnel humidity.

Preventing Moles & Gophers

Prevention is the best strategy to minimize the risk of mole and gopher damage in your yard:

1. Use Barriers

  • Install Underground Fencing: Bury hardware cloth or Wire Mesh around gardens, flower beds, and trees to prevent gophers from tunneling into these areas. The mesh should be buried 1-2 feet deep and extend above ground slightly.

  • Create Raised Garden Beds: Raised garden beds with wire mesh lining can protect vegetable gardens and flower beds from burrowing pests.

  • Use Wire Baskets for Trees and Shrubs: Place wire baskets around the root balls of newly planted trees and shrubs to protect them from gopher feeding.

2. Modify the Environment

  • Remove Food Sources: Moles primarily feed on grubs and earthworms, while gophers eat roots, bulbs, and vegetation. Reducing these food sources can discourage activity.

    • Treat for Grubs: Apply grub control products to your lawn to reduce the mole’s food supply.

    • Remove Attracting Vegetation: For gophers, consider planting gopher-resistant plants like daffodils, marigolds, or lavender, which they tend to avoid.

  • Keep Soil Moisture in Check: Overly moist soil can attract moles, as it brings more insects to the surface. Adjust your irrigation to avoid waterlogged soil.

Controlling Moles & Gophers: Traps, Repellents & Baits

If moles or gophers have already invaded your yard, effective control methods can help manage their populations.

Trapping

Trapping is one of the most effective ways to control moles and gophers:

  • Mole Traps: Place mole traps, such as scissor-jaw or harpoon-style traps, directly in active tunnels. Locate the main tunnel by probing the ground around visible ridges or mounds and set the trap according to manufacturer instructions.

  • Gopher Traps: Use box traps or pincher-style traps for gophers. Find an active tunnel by probing the ground near mounds, clear the entrance, and place the trap inside the tunnel. Cover the trap with dirt or a piece of Plywood to block light.

  • Check Traps Regularly: Inspect traps daily and remove trapped moles or gophers promptly. Relocate traps to new areas if no catches occur within a few days.

Repellents

Repellents can help deter moles and gophers from tunneling in your yard, although they may need to be used repeatedly:

  • Castor Oil-Based Repellents: Castor oil is a common ingredient in mole and gopher repellents, as it makes soil less appealing to these pests. Apply granular or liquid repellents to your lawn and garden areas, following product instructions.

  • Ultrasonic Repellents: Ultrasonic devices emit sound waves that may discourage moles and gophers from settling in an area. While results vary, these devices are worth trying, especially when combined with other control measures.

Baits & Poison

Baiting is another option for controlling gophers, but it requires careful use due to potential risks to pets, children, and other wildlife:

  • Rodenticides: Use gopher-specific rodenticides in Bait stations or place them directly in the tunnels. Always follow label instructions carefully, as some products are restricted and require professional application.

  • Safety Precautions: Use tamper-proof bait stations to minimize the risk of accidental poisoning of pets and non-target animals. Always wear gloves when handling bait.

Safe & Effective Mole & Gopher Removal

Taking safety precautions during control efforts is essential to protect yourself, pets, and other wildlife:

  • Use Protective Gear: Wear gloves when handling traps, bait, or repellent to avoid skin contact and potential contamination.

  • Keep Pets Away from Treatment Areas: Ensure pets do not access areas where traps, repellents, or baits have been applied to prevent accidental exposure.

  • Dispose of Pests Properly: If you trap moles or gophers, place dead rodents in sealed plastic bags and dispose of them in outdoor trash bins.

When to Hire a Professional Exterminator

While many mole and gopher control methods can be managed by homeowners, certain situations may require professional help:

  • Large Infestations: If your yard has extensive mole or gopher activity, a professional exterminator can implement a more comprehensive control plan.

  • Persistent Activity: If DIY control measures have been ineffective, a professional can identify the root causes and use specialized treatments to manage the problem.

  • Safety Concerns: For baiting and Fumigation, which carry risks to pets, children, and non-target wildlife, a licensed professional can ensure safe and effective application.

How Mole & Gopher Control Affects Home Insurance

Proper control of moles and gophers not only protects your landscape but can also impact home insurance:

  • Reduced Risk of Structural Damage: Controlling burrowing pests reduces the risk of damage to foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and other structures, minimizing potential claims.

  • Compliance with Insurance Requirements: Some insurance policies require regular property maintenance, including pest control, to remain eligible for coverage.

  • Lower Claim Likelihood: Preventing extensive soil erosion and structural damage reduces the likelihood of filing insurance claims, helping maintain lower premiums.

Preventing Future Infestations

To minimize the risk of recurring mole and gopher problems, take these proactive steps:

  • Continue Monitoring: Regularly inspect your yard for new signs of mole or gopher activity, such as fresh mounds or tunnels.

  • Maintain Barriers: Ensure that underground barriers, like wire mesh or hardware cloth, remain intact and well-maintained around gardens and trees.

  • Use Repellents Seasonally: Apply castor oil-based repellents at the start of the spring growing season to discourage moles and gophers from establishing in your yard.

Additional Resources

For more information on controlling moles and gophers, visit:

  • University of California Integrated Pest Management (UC IPM): Offers resources and strategies for controlling moles, gophers, and other burrowing pests. Visit UC IPM for more information.

  • National Pest Management Association (NPMA): Provides tips and advice for managing moles, gophers, and other common yard pests. Visit NPMA for more guidance.

Wrap-Up

Controlling moles and gophers is essential for maintaining a healthy, attractive yard and reducing risks of soil erosion and structural damage. By following the identification, prevention, and management strategies outlined in this article, you can protect your landscaping and ensure a safer outdoor environment.

Effective control not only improves the appearance of your yard but also supports home safety and insurance compliance.