- Author: Lauren Fordyce
- Contributor: Roger A Baldwin
In this blog article we answer some frequently asked questions about moles, voles, and gophers and their management.
How can I tell if I have moles, voles, gophers, or something else?
Moles: look for circular or volcano-shaped mounds with the plug in the middle, or a plug may not be apparent. The soil of mole mounds tends to be clumpier than gophers. Moles sometimes leave a raised ridge just beneath the soil surface while hunting for food.
Voles: look for aboveground runways that connect burrow openings. Grass usually covers the burrows. Voles can girdle trees...
If you have gophers eating plants in your garden or landscape, you'll want to watch this brand new video about the Gophinator trap from UC IPM.
The Gophinator is a highly successful method for catching gophers. The video has easy-to-follow instructions on how to use and set the trap. Watch the video here!
For other information on gophers management including how to exclude them and other control methods, see the UC IPM Pest Note: Gophers.