Learn all about gophers and moles and about the methods of getting rid of them naturally.
Moles and gophers do not hibernate like other animals, and therefore must eat all the time to compensate. The incessant digging for food is what causes the tunnels and mounds in your lawn and garden to become prominent.
There are a number of ways to control underground pests from trapping and flooding to poison but master gardener Paul James prefers using a granular form of his favorite repellent castor oil. This relatively new product does an excellent job of controlling moles and gophers.
Gophers have voracious appetites and can steal a favorite vegetable or decorative plant while you watch. The networks of tunnels that gophers and moles dig can undermine your garden or lawn. Of the various eradication methods used, some are dangerous, some cruel and some simply ineffective. Perhaps the best gopher deterrent is to line your plant boxes with gopher wire so the pesky scavengers can’t get to your plants, but that won’t save the unprotected parts of your garden. A combination of methods may convince the gophers and moles to leave, but you may have to get tough.
There are many repellents available on the market for getting rid of moles and gophers, some of which you may already have at home. Spraying a mixture of castor oil and water in the tunnels will chase them away because they cannot stand the smell. The same is true about mulch, which you can place inside the tunnels or create a barrier by burying it around the garden.
Get Rid of Gophers and Moles
Gophers feed on plants and moles rely mainly on earthworms to stuff their belly, but both of them can be equally destructive. Since gophers eat plants, a gardener can easily lose hundreds of dollars’ worth of plantation due to these creatures. Fortunately, there are many ways to eradicate gophers and moles from your yard. The most common technique is to poison them to death. However, there is always a risk involved in this method as the poison can also harm your plants. So, you may want to be wary from such poisonous sprays. Usage of fish emulsion is one of the natural ways to get rid of gophers and moles. Both these creatures dislike bad smell, and what better than fish emulsion to exhibit bad smell. In a way, you will be creating a disturbing environment for them so that they can exit your lovely garden or lawn. The best way to use fish emulsion is to water your plants daily with it. Not only will this help you deal with these creatures, but will also add to the fertility of the soil.
What do Gophers eat?
Gophers eat many things. These rodent pests tend to eat any and all types of plants be it grasses, trees, shrubs, bulbs, roots, seeds, or tubers. Gophers also eat vegetables that grow beneath the surface. They particularly enjoy peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Gophers also feed on large vegetables like carrots, garlic, and onions. They may be less drawn to yams, beets, and potatoes. They have also been known to eat cabbage, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Gophers also eat earthworms or small, soft-bodied insects. These un-picky animals will devour lettuce but have an aversion to rhubarb; therefore, it’s a good idea for gardeners to plant their lettuce next to rhubarb. Gophers may eat plants they see while looking for food or a mate. The gopher typically gnaws the roots of a plant just beneath the soil, so the damage isn’t seen. They may also claim plants by pulling them down into their home just below the surface. Once in a while gophers will make a full-body appearance above the surface to eat plants.
Get Rid of Gophers Naturally
Here are some tips to get rid of gophers naturally;
- Run a hose from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe to the nearest gopher hole. With engine running, start covering up any other open gopher holes. If you live in a rural area and a pro-gun state, have your shotgun handy.
- Running a garden hose to the gopher complex seldom works, but it is worth a try, especially if the shotgun option is available.
- Go to your hardware store and ask for advice.
- Drop gum down the gopher holes. It is rumored it will mess up their internal organs.
- Show them gay-themed gopher movies.
- Traps work when directions are followed. Gophinator seems to be popular.
- Gopher bombs sometimes work when directions are followed. The problem is the several hundred feet of tunnels; the gas just isn’t able to make it throughout the entire system.
- Macabee traps are recommended by “everybody”. They work, but require work.
Using dynamite and poison.
Get Rid of Moles Naturally
Mole removal remedies after you’ve determined that the mole has become a problem in your yard.
- Remember, if you see a few holes in the garden, but no other damage is done, you might consider leaving the mole alone and allowing him to eat the slugs that are most likely damaging your garden
- Blend together 1/4 Cup castor oil, 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper, and 2 Tablespoons liquid dish detergent. Use a blender to mix them properly.
- Add 6 Tablespoons of water and blend it again.
- Put the solution in a sealed container and keep it in storage until you see a fresh mound appear.
- When you are ready, add 2 Tablespoons of the original solution with 1 gallon of water and mix well.
- Either use a spray bottle, or simply dump the solution out onto the problem area. Pour it down the mole holes, as well as along the top of the tunnels and around the mounds of dirt.
- Once this mole bait is applied, the mole will most likely leave the area as he will no longer like the taste of the insects that he’s been eating in your yard.
