Do you have a yard or garden that’s been damaged by burrowing creatures? If you’re dealing with gophers or moles, it’s important to understand the differences between the two for effective pest control.
While they may seem similar at first glance, there are several physical and behavioral differences between gophers and moles that can inform the eradication methods you use.
In this article, we’ll delve into these differences, as well as the mound and tunnel differences between the two species. We’ll also explore the economic damage caused by gophers and the aesthetic damage caused by moles and provide tips for identifying physical and behavioral differences between the two.
Whether you’re looking to control gophers for economic reasons or moles for aesthetic reasons, this guide will help you identify the right pest control strategies for your needs. So if you’re ready to take control of your yard or garden, read on to learn more about gophers vs. moles.
Key Takeaways
- Gophers and moles have physical and behavioral differences, as well as differences in their mounds and tunnels.
- Gophers cause economic damage to crops and gardens, while moles cause aesthetic damage to lawns and gardens.
- Eradication methods for both pests include trapping, baiting, and repellents, and humane options should be considered.
- When choosing a pest control company, look for licensed and insured companies with experience, check references and online reviews, and consider eradication methods and customer service.
Physical Differences Between Gophers Vs Moles
You can easily distinguish between gophers and moles by looking at their physical characteristics. Gophers have beady eyes, chisel teeth, whiskers, round ears, long skinny tails, and clawed feet. They’re vegetarians, feeding on plant roots, stems, and bulbs.
In contrast, moles have elongated, pinkish snouts, nearly invisible eyes, enlarged feet with claws, and bright pink feet. They’re carnivores, feeding on insects, earthworms, and small mammals.
The physical differences between gophers and moles also extend to their size and fur. Gophers are larger, measuring 6 to 12 inches long and weighing up to one pound, with brown or gray fur. Moles are smaller, measuring 4 to 8 inches long and weighing up to 4 ounces, with dark brown or black fur.
Behavioral Differences of Gophers and Moles
Gophers and moles have different habits and behaviors that can influence the effectiveness of pest control methods.
Gophers, for example, live alone but have a higher population density than moles. They mate year-round and can cause significant economic damage to crops and gardens.
Knowing their mating habits can help you determine the best time to set traps or use repellents to control their population.
On the other hand, moles live alone and have a lower population density. They burrow year-round and mate in Feb/March.
They are carnivores and have a high energy requirement, eating up to 70-80% of their body weight daily.
This means that their food sources can be targeted to control their population. Understanding their burrowing patterns and food preferences can help you choose the most effective pest control methods, such as trapping or using pesticides to kill their food sources.
Mound/Tunnel Differences of Gophers and Moles
Identifying the physical features of the mounds and tunnels created by these burrowing creatures can aid in determining which pest is present in your yard or garden.
Gopher mounds have a fan, horseshoe, or semi-circular shape, with the entrance located on the open side. The tunnels created by gophers are mostly invisible, making it difficult to locate their network of burrows.
On the other hand, mole mounds are volcano-shaped, with the entrance in the center and tunnels visible everywhere. The mounds created by moles can be easily identified, but locating their burrows can be challenging since they often have multiple entrance and exit points.
To further understand the differences between gopher and mole mounds and tunnels, the following table provides a visual comparison:
| Features | Gopher | Mole |
|---|---|---|
| Mound Shape | Fan, Horseshoe, or Semi-Circular | Volcano |
| Entrance Location | Open Side | Center |
| Tunnel Visibility | Mostly Invisible | Visible Everywhere |
Eradication Methods For Gophers And Moles
Consider various options for eradicating these burrowing pests. When it comes to gophers, trapping is often the most effective method. Live traps can be used to catch the gopher and then release it elsewhere, or lethal traps can be used to kill the gopher.
Baiting is also an option, with poisoned baits being placed in the gopher’s tunnel system. Sonic and chemical repellents, as well as fumigation, can also be effective in getting rid of gophers.
As for moles, trapping is also a common method of eradication. However, it’s important to note that there are different types of mole traps, such as scissor traps and harpoon traps, and each type may work better in different soil conditions.
Baiting can also be effective, with mole-specific baits that are toxic to their diet of insects and worms. Sonic and chemical repellents can also be used to deter moles from entering a certain area.
Economic Damage Caused by Gophers
You may not realize the extent of the economic damage that these burrowing creatures can cause to your yard, garden, or field. Gophers, also known as pocket gophers, are especially notorious for their destructive habits.
They feed on plant roots, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields in crops. In addition to damaging plants, gophers can also cause soil erosion and create hazardous conditions for livestock.
To give you an idea of the potential economic impact of a gopher infestation, here is a table showing the estimated cost of gopher damage in various industries:
| Industry | Estimated Cost of Gopher Damage |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $100 million annually |
| Landscaping | $50 million annually |
| Golf Courses | $30 million annually |
As you can see, gophers can be a significant threat to the financial health of businesses and individuals alike. It is important to take action to control gopher populations before the damage becomes too severe.
Aesthetic Damage Caused by Moles
Unlike gophers, moles are not vegetarians and don’t feed on plant roots. Instead, they feed on insects and grubs found in the soil. However, their burrowing habits can still cause significant damage to your lawn or garden.
Moles create a network of tunnels underground, which can result in raised ridges and mounds of soil on the surface of your lawn or garden. These unsightly mounds can make your lawn look unkempt and can even interfere with mowing and other lawn care tasks.
Additionally, the tunnels created by moles can damage plant roots and make it difficult for water and nutrients to reach your plants. If left unchecked, mole damage can lead to a decline in the health and appearance of your lawn or garden.
Finding a Local Exterminator for a Gopher or Mole Infestation
If you’re dealing with a burrowing pest problem and want to find a local exterminator, comparing different pest control companies can help you make an informed decision.
Look for companies that are licensed and insured and have experience dealing with gophers and moles specifically. Ask for references and check online reviews to get an idea of their reputation.
When comparing companies, consider their methods of eradication and their level of customer service. Do they offer guarantees or warranties? Do they provide free inspections and estimates? Do they have a responsive and knowledgeable customer service team?
Conclusion
When it comes to pest control, identifying the culprit is crucial. Gophers can cause damage to lawns and gardens, while moles can disrupt landscaping and leave unsightly ridges. By knowing which pest you’re dealing with, you can employ targeted methods to deter or remove them.
For gophers, options such as trapping, fencing, or repellents can be effective. Implementing measures to protect plants and using exclusion techniques can also help in gopher control. For moles, traps specifically designed for their digging behavior, sonic devices, or natural repellents can be useful tools in discouraging them from your property.
Prevention is key to long-term pest control. By maintaining a well-maintained lawn, removing potential food sources, and addressing any moisture issues, you can reduce the likelihood of gopher or mole infestations.
