This is the entry to a Meadow Vole’s run.
Piles of natural debris such as this are signs of a wood rat infestation.
This is an example of a live trap. Notice that I got a two-for-one deal for my bait.
This is the damage one unchecked raccoon can do in a week or so.
Debris and droppings left by a rat. Notice the acacia-seed pods on which it has been feeding.
This is the bread and butter of my business— a gopher mound. It has the traditional c-shaped mound and plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is trapping the best method for getting rid of nuisance animals?
Trapping ensures that the animal is physically identified and removed from the property. Utilizing other methods (gas bombs, sonic devices, flooding with water) may simply move the animal to another portion of the property.
Why don’t you use poison?
There are three main reasons: (1) I personally don't like handling poisons; (2) many of my clients are on well systems and don't want poisons contaminating their ground water; and (3) there is a great potential for "collateral damage" to other animals. That’s a polite way of saying that if an animal is not immediately incapacitated by the poison, it may become a meal for a predator animal. Now the target animal is poisoned along with an unintended bird of prey or predator. Trapping alleviates all these issues.
I’ve tried smoke bombs, gas bombs, noisemakers and flooding with water to get rid of the gophers and moles in my lawn. Why haven’t they worked?
There are various reasons for this. The first is that people mis-identify what animal they are dealing with. Secondly, these animals have extensive runs which allow them to avoid water, smoke and gas bombs. Thirdly, gophers will usually simply block off or plug a tunnel with dirt as soon as they detect a noxious smell. I have literally caught gophers next to noisemakers, which I believe are more annoying to me than to the gophers.
I've heard of people using their car’s exhaust to kill gophers and moles. Is that a reliable method?
It is not only unreliable (see above), it is dangerous to you and against the law—see California Penal Code 597u. (a) No person, peace officer, officer of a humane society, or officer of a pound or animal regulation department of a public agency shall kill any animal by using any of the following methods:
(1) carbon monoxide gas
etc.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. I guarantee that I will trap all animals that are present in your yard. I guarantee this for two (2) weeks from the time I leave your yard. I cannot prevent intrusion from other like species after that time.
How can I determine which type of animal (Mole or Gopher) is making holes in my lawn?
MOLES will generally kick up dirt between the edges of your lawn and hardscape (edges of concrete, rock walls, rock or gravel walkways, etc.). They may also pop up in the middle of your lawn which may lead you to believe you have a gopher. MOLES will also have "feeding runs" close to the surface, and which make the ground look as if a snake has moved through the soil. MOLES make raised mounds of dirt which are circular at their base. Due primarily to their feeding habits, MOLES will generally move around the entire lawn/landscape area. Click on this link to see examples of classic mole mounds.
GOPHERS will generally kick up dirt in a centralized area (1' –10' radius depending on the degree of infestation). Their mounds are traditionally fan-shaped. If you look straight down on one you will see a plugged hole with a “C” shaped fan of dirt in front of it (see photo at right). You will normally see other mounds or plugged holes in close proximity. You should note that the plugged holes will have small round or oval shaped dirt clods in them. The dirt clods are made by the gopher scooping the dirt with his front legs. Moles do not make these dirt clods as their front feet are not shaped the same as a gopher’s. Click on this link to see examples of classic gopher holes.
Please note that MOLES are smaller than gophers, and can travel in the same “run” or tunnels. Therefore, you may have both animals in your yard and, observing signs of both animals, not realize which animal is actively working in your yard. Click on the link for an interesting video of a mole in action.
I have small SPOTS dug into my lawn and landscaped areas, but no mounds. What is causing that?
These are usually probe marks from a skunk, opossum or raccoon. These animals are omnivores and will eat all matter of bugs and carrion. If you have recently used blood meal, fish emulsion or other similar products, these animals will dig into the surface area to see if they can locate the source of the smell. They will also manifest this behavior in search of worms, bugs and other critters close to the surface of the ground or turf.
I have small HOLES in my lawn and garden, but there are no mounds or dirt around them. What is making these holes?
These are probably the entry points for MEADOW VOLES. These are also know as meadow mice. They are commonly mistaken for gophers as they are similar in appearance. A full-grown meadow vole will be about 3" long. Their fur is brown and resembles that of a mature gopher, but unlike gophers they have mouse-like ears. They are primarily vegetarian, but on occasion are cannibalistic. Click on the link for some examples of vole runs and holes.
When do gophers and moles breed?
GOPHERS breed twice a year, usually in the Spring and Fall. The female will have between 1–5 pups EACH breeding session. On the coast, it has been my experience that MOLES breed once a year. MOLES will have 1–5 pups and the mother will usually evict the pups from the den around February or March.
How many gophers or moles can I expect you to find in my yard?
This is contingent on (1) the time of year related to the breeding cycle and (2) the size of the yard. Most STANDARD yards will contain at a minimum a breeding male or female. If a female is present, you have the potential of adding 1–5 pups. The same can be said of MOLES.
It is important to remember that the female of both species will evict the pups from the den and main run areas within a few months of their birth. This forces the pups to move across your yard and surrounding neighbors’ yards in search of their own denning locations.
What do gophers and moles eat?
GOPHERS are strictly vegetarians and eat only plant material. MOLES are insectivores feeding on worms and other bugs. It is important to note that these animals are not in conflict with each other related to their diets. This is why you will find them co-existing in the same tunnel systems.
How can I keep gophers and moles out of my yard?
This is a nearly impossible task because both species move above ground as well as underground. Above-ground movement is done primarily under the cover of darkness. I routinely get the little buggers in my yard. Apparently, the word hasn't gotten out that my yard isn't a good place to hang out. You can read more about prevention by following the link in the menu to the right.
What if I decide not to get rid of the gophers/moles?
This is an option. However, your plants and beneficial worms will soon fall victim to the gophers and moles. Additionally, your yard will soon become a breeding ground, causing more trouble not only for you but for your neighbors as well.
Why do I see more dirt mounds in the spring?
When you see this explosion of mounds, think “breeding cycle”. Many of the new gopher and mole pups have been evicted from their birthing dens and now have to strike out on their own. What you are seeing are the new additions to the neighborhood.
Why don't I see much evidence of GOPHERS and MOLES during winter months (Nov–Feb)?
GOPHERS and MOLES DO NOT HIBERNATE. When the weather becomes wet and cold these animals simply go deeper underground. Additionally, GOPHERS store food in side pantries off their main runs. This means they don't have to come to the surface to obtain food and in the process be spotted by a predator or homeowner. MOLES do not store food but simply do their hunting in deeper runs away from the wet and cold.
Sometimes I see GOPHER holes that are plugged and some that are open with the GOPHER sticking his head out. Why is this?
GOPHERS plug their holes to keep predators (snakes, cats, dogs etc.) out. If you open a plugged hole and watch it for a few minutes, the gopher will come to the opening to investigate why he has a draft in his house, just as you would if you left your front door open. The GOPHER will start to plug the opening again if you stand and watch long enough. This is why you want to have a trap ready to insert in the hole as soon as you open up the run. I have literally had them start pushing the trap out as soon as I have placed it in the run opening. GOPHERS stick their heads out of their runs primarily to obtain food items that are in close proximity to the opening. I have found this to be the BEST opportunity to catch the little buggers. The reason for this is (1) you know he is close to the opening and (2) you know he will be back soon to plug the opening. By nature, he can't leave his front door un-plugged. You now have the advantage to make a quick capture. I believe they leave the hole unplugged for short periods of time to allow fresh air into the tunnel system.
Can gophers read my mind?
Click on this and see!