Gopher vs Mole
Megan Pinneo
Gopher and Mole Removal
Gophers and moles are often mistaken for one another, and though they may look alike in many ways and dig holes destroying beautifully maintained lawns, they have several differences. Amongst these differences they also require a different method for eradication.
Black Knight Pest Control provides service for both gopher and mole removal.
Gopher
Gophers seem to be the more common of the two. No strangers to the Temecula Valley and reaching far beyond. Gophers prefer areas with firmer soil to provide stability for under ground tunnels and burrows they build. The tunnels are used for foraging, food storage, latrines, and nesting. Gophers are solitary animals and live alone. A single gopher can create between 30-40 mounds on a lawn. However, when mating their population can reach upwards of 60 per acre if there is enough food for them to eat. Gophers push dirt to the surface while they dig which produces long mounds at the surface, making It is apparent when you have a gopher problem. These holes can create many issues for any property owner. Not only are they unsightly but can be a walking hazard and created costly underground damage. Farmers often struggle with gophers eating a large portion of their crops. Not only will gophers destroy maintained lawns and lush vegetation, but will also cause major damage to underground cables and pipes by chewing straight through them. You will typically see a rise in gophers during the spring and fall, this is when they are most active.
Gopher Tip: If you see fluffy loose dirt at the top of a mound you have an active gopher.
Mole
Moles are not seen as much as gophers by humans and usually create less of an issue. Moles mostly feed on insects and earthworms, and will rarely feed on vegetation. Good news for farmers, moles will usually leave their crops untouched. Like gophers, moles use their underground tunnels for foraging and storing food, dwelling and latrine areas. While moles still do create cone-shaped mounds throughout a property they create less than gophers. Moles are often found close mountain properties with land surrounding a home. Rain is perfect weather for moles and are active during spring and early summer months. You are most likely to see mole activity after a rain. Though moles do create less damage than gophers they still do create unsightly mole hills throughout a property and their underground tunnels do also disturb and uproot flowers, bulbs and stunt grass growth.
Moles Tip: A moles biggest predator is the owl. Install an owl nesting box in the winter or early spring for when an owl begins to nest.
Difference in appearance
Gophers
Small eyes and ears
Whiskers
Thin tail hair used for navigation in tunnels
Medium sized rodents
About 12 inches tall
Sharp long claws
Moles
Small mammals
Pointed snouts
Paddled - like feet and claws
Average 6-8 inches in length
No external ears like gophers
Moles eyes are almost invisible they are tiny
Gopher prevention tip: Plant sage and daffodils around the perimeter of the property to deter them.
Conclusion
Whether you are dealing with a mole or a gopher problem it is not something you want to get out of hand. There are several things that you can do to help prevent against a pest infection on your property but most times it is recommended that you call in a Pest Professional. Gophers can cause costly damage if given the time. Moles and gophers require a different baiting system and the Technicians at Black Knight know all about it. With there over 20 years of experience they have the answers to all your questions and will prevent pests from returning to your property.
For more gopher information - Gopher Problems
Gopher hole