Signs of moles in your yard include:. As moles live underground, they can be difficult to prevent. Most states do not require a permit to trap moles. It requires patience and some trial and error but, long term, can be an effective solution. Mole baits can be similarly effective at reducing mole populations. Mole activity is at its highest in the spring so deploying baits and traps is most effective around that time of year.
When dealing with a serious mole infestation in your yard, professional help may be required. We provide hassle-free service and use organic, family, and pet-friendly mole control products in your yard.
Left: vole damage on Spirea bush Photo credit: Troy Salzer Right: Extensive vole damage on an amur maple branch diameter: four inches. Photo credit: Adam Austing Moles - Even though moles do not eat plants, their tunnels can cause damage by disturbing plant roots.
Moles dig tunnels just under the soil surface, searching for grubs, worms, and insects to eat and unintentionally damage or destroy grass roots along the way. This results in the death of the grass directly above the tunnels. Where the moles create entrances to their underground tunnel network you might also see molehills, which are mounds of dirt that the mole has pushed to the surface from below ground.
Molehills in a residential lawn. Photo credit: Troy Salzer Prevention and management Voles - Voles are very common, but there are ways to discourage them from taking up residence in your yard.
Continue to mow the lawn while it is actively growing. Avoid mowing the grass shorter than two inches as this may expose the crown of the grass plant to severe temperature extremes resulting in winter injury.
Eliminate any weeds, wild grasses, or litter from around the yard so it does not provide food and cover. Large vole populations can most effectively be reduced using toxic baits. There are some available for home use. Bait should be placed inside bait stations to reduce the risk of non-target species ingesting the poison.
When using bait stations, check them several times a week and replace any bait that has been consumed. Be sure to read and follow all directions and precautions on the label.
Bait stations should be used with extreme caution because they may pose a threat to children and pets. Most gopher activity is noticed in the spring and fall when they are the most active. These rodents also burrow near the surface of the earth and are often confused with moles. If you notice several fan-shaped mounds in your yard, you might have a gopher infestation. As the gophers dig tunnels, they push dirt to the surface and out of their tunnels which creates a small mound on the surface each time they push dirt out of their tunnels.
The good news is that gopher tunnels tend to be less extensive than mole tunnels. However, they are usually larger and deeper, up to six feet, making it more of a hassle to fix.
There are tons of solutions to win back your lawn regardless of whether you have a mole, vole, or gopher problem. There are no methods that can fully protect your lawn, but there are many solutions that can drastically reduce the risk of finding yourself battling these tunneling pests.
Check out our website for great solutions and be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter to get exclusive offers and updates. Tips for Identifying Moles, Voles and Gophers.
Identifying Moles and Mole Damage Contrary to popular belief, moles are not rodents. Barriers -- Placing decorative rocks or posts can help reduce the extent of tunneling. Water Your Lawn Less -- Moles like soft soil, so taking this away will be a deterrent to them and their food source.
Identifying Voles and Vole Damage Like moles, voles also tunnel and create runways through your lawn. Vole Prevention and Solutions Mow Your Lawn Regularly -- Voles will have less of a food source and will choose a yard with more vegetation. Reduce the Number of Plants on the Ground -- Dense vegetation provides food and protection from predators. Protect Your Trees -- Voles love to eat bark on trees.
Try a mesh fence made of hardware cloth and bury it a few inches into the ground around your trees. Identifying Gophers and Gopher Damage Gophers are by far the largest of the three and therefore can cause the most damage. Gopher Prevention and Solutions Wire Mesh -- Mesh buried a few inches below the surface can help prevent mounds and protect plants. Plastic Netting -- This method can help protect seeds and seedlings. Raised Gardens -- Building or buying raised gardens can prevent gophers from having access to plants at all.
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