Mole or Gopher?
{ Mole }
The easiest way to spot a mole problem is a distinct run. Run’s are the tunnel system underground that has pushed up the yard and is visible from the surface. You will find this area is soft and can be pushed down easily. In some cases you will see the grass turning brown following the tunnel system. A mole if not eliminated can gain a well established tunneling network throughout your yard. This not only makes them harder to trap but the damage will only increase the longer they are allowed residence in your yard.
{ Gopher }
Gophers have a tunneling system underground. When creating their tunnels they dispose of the dirt above ground. They find an area where they tunnel to the surface and dispose of the dirt. This leaves large mounds of dirt above ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if you set traps and catch a non targeted animal?
A: We use special traps designed to catch the animal that is being targeted. We have a special trap for moles and a special trap for gophers. The traps are placed inside the moles’ tunnel, the gopher traps are placed inside the tunnel coming up to the large mound you see. We leave no part of the trap exposed this ensures any non targeted animal can not trigger them.
Q: I have children and or household animal that play in the yard; do I have to worry about the traps?
A: The traps that are used are fully emerged underground. The only way to identify where the trap is located is a flag that is used to mark the area. This allows the homeowner/family to continue without interruption throughout the trapping process.
Q: My yard looks infested with moles, should I anticipate there being several moles?
A: One mole can do a large amount of damage. They typically can take over a 1 acre property and establish a tunneling network throughout your yard. Not to say there is not more than one mole, but rarely do you run into a case where there is more than 8 to 10 moles in one given area. If you are a resident of a home, mostly likely a severe infestation consists of 6 moles.
Q: Do I have to worry about the mole/gopher damaging my plants/shrubs?
A: Moles will not eat your plants or shrubs, however, the moles tunneling system if running underneath your plants will uproot them causing them to die. A gophers diet does consist of plants so removing them is crucial if you have any plants at your residence.
Q: If I do not choose to trap the moles/gophers wont they just go away?
A: It is imperative to get rid of a mole/gopher when you see the problem developing. Not only will they make their home your yard but they will also begin breeding and produce a more extensive problem. Gophers can burrow in 24 hours a 100 to 150 foot of tunnel, imagine the damage if they are not removed! Moles if left alone will have the opportunity to develop a well networked tunneling system throughout your yard. If given the opportunity you could see extremely extensive damage to your yard. Not only will they make an elaborate tunneling system there is an extreme likely hood of spreading them throughout your neighborhood. If the moles are allowed these opportunities not only will the neighbors have issues the moles will always come back to their previous tunnels when food sources are low in other areas.
Q: Can I run my irrigation system while the traps are set?
A: Yes. The sprinkler system will not affect the traps; you may continue to use your sprinkler system as you normally have it set.