When it comes to pest problems in Florida, gophers and moles are two creatures that homeowners may encounter frequently. These small mammals are often confused with one another because they share some similarities in appearance and behavior. However, they have distinct differences that homeowners should understand, especially if they are dealing with a gopher infestation or mole problem on their property.
Understanding the differences between gophers and moles can help homeowners in Florida take the right steps for effective wildlife removal and prevent extensive damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping.
In this article, you will learn:
- The key differences between gophers and moles
- Why gophers and moles pose a threat to your property
- How to get rid of gophers and obtain mole removal services
What are Gophers and Moles?
Before we look at the differences, let’s start with a quick overview of each animal.
Gophers: A Closer Look
Gophers are small, burrowing rodents that are well-known for their ability to dig extensive tunnel systems underground. There are several species of gophers in Florida, but the pocket gopher is the most common. Gophers are characterized by their large, powerful front legs, which are well-adapted for digging. Their long claws help them manipulate soil and create extensive burrows, which are often visible in the form of raised mounds on the surface of the ground.
Gophers are solitary animals, meaning they usually live alone in their burrow systems, except during mating season. These rodents are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to carry food and material back to their burrows.
Moles: A Closer Look
Moles, on the other hand, are insectivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of insects, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. Moles are easily recognized by their sharp claws, broad feet, and pointed snouts. Unlike gophers, moles have poor eyesight and rely on their sensitive snouts to detect vibrations in the soil and find their food. Moles are also known for their underground burrow systems, which they use to create feeding tunnels and hunt for insects.
Moles live a solitary life, much like gophers, and typically stay underground for most of their time, only coming up for breeding during the appropriate season. Their burrows are often recognized by the raised ridges of soil that form as they dig.
Gophers vs Moles: Key Differences
1. Physical Appearance
While gophers and moles both live underground, their physical characteristics differ significantly.
Gophers have small, beady eyes, and their fur is soft and typically brown or gray. They are known for their long claws and powerful legs, which are adapted for digging. Gophers have cheek pouches on either side of their face, which they use to carry food. Their ears are small, round, and typically hidden beneath their fur.
Moles have long, sharp claws and broad feet designed for digging. Their pointed snouts and sharp teeth are ideal for burrowing through soil and consuming insects, snails, and earthworms. Moles have broad chests and are generally smaller and more compact than gophers. Their fur is soft, and their eyes are tiny, with poor vision, but their sense of touch and smell is highly developed.
2. Behavior and Lifestyle
Gophers are known for creating elaborate burrow systems underground, which can extend over a large area. These burrows are used to store food, create feeding tunnels, and protect themselves from predators. Gophers spend much of their time underground and only emerge for mating during the breeding season. They are active year-round, digging tunnels and creating mounds as they go.
Moles are also solitary animals that live primarily underground. They dig tunnels that are primarily used for feeding, but unlike gophers, moles create active tunnels that are used to chase and catch insects. Moles tend to dig shallow feeding tunnels near the surface, creating raised ridges on the lawn. They are also active year-round, hunting for food and digging tunnels to capture insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates.
3. Mounds and Tunnels
Gopher Mounds: One of the easiest ways to identify a gopher problem is the presence of large, fan-shaped mounds on the surface of your lawn. These mounds are created when gophers dig their burrows and push dirt to the surface. Gopher tunnels are typically deeper than mole tunnels, and the mounds they create are often larger and more pronounced.
Mole Mounds: Moles create smaller, more localized mounds, often forming raised ridges or bumps in the soil. These mounds are typically smaller than gopher mounds and are the result of moles pushing dirt to the surface while digging for insects. Mole tunnels tend to be more shallow than gopher tunnels and are generally visible as raised ridges in the lawn.
4. Diet and Feeding Habits
Gophers are herbivores, and their diet consists primarily of plant material. They feed on a variety of plants, including tree roots, grasses, and flower beds. Gophers often damage root systems as they tunnel underground in search of food. They may also feed on underground utility cables, which can cause significant problems if the cables are damaged.
Moles are insectivores, which means their diet consists mainly of insects, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. Moles create feeding tunnels that allow them to hunt for snails, larvae, and other insects buried in the soil. While they may damage plant roots in the process of digging their tunnels, their primary focus is on eating insects and small vertebrates.
5. Damage to Lawns and Gardens
Both gophers and moles can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens, but the damage they create is often different.
Gophers are known for their ability to create extensive tunnel systems that can disrupt plant roots, leading to the death of flowers, shrubs, and even trees. They are notorious for creating large mounds of dirt on the surface of lawns, which can damage landscaping and make it difficult to maintain a smooth, healthy lawn. Gophers may also feed on plants and tree roots, causing damage that can be difficult to repair.
Moles are more likely to cause damage to lawns by creating raised ridges and mounds in their search for insects. While their digging does not typically harm plants directly, the disturbance of the soil can lead to the uprooting of plants and damage to delicate flower beds. In addition, moles may damage underground utility cables if they are present in the area.
How to Get Rid of a Mole or Gopher Infestation
Dealing with a gopher infestation or mole problem can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can take control of the situation. Here are some steps for effectively removing gophers and moles from your property:
1. Traps and Baits
For gophers, traps can be set near the entrance of their tunnels to capture them. Gopher baskets, which are small wire cages, can also be used to protect plants and flower beds from gopher damage.
Moles can be controlled using traps placed in their active tunnels. Mole traps are often designed to capture the animal when it enters the tunnel system, making them an effective solution for mole infestations.
2. Chemical Solutions
Some homeowners may choose to use chemical repellents to deter gophers and moles from their lawns. These products are available in granular or liquid form and can be applied to areas where gophers or moles are active.
It is important to note that you should never use chemical solutions that will harm or kill gophers and moles, as they are an important part of the local ecosystem. Additionally, these chemical solutions can harm any household pets or small children who may be present on your property.
3. Professional Gopher and Mole Control Services
If you’re facing a large-scale infestation or if DIY methods haven’t worked, it’s a good idea to contact a professional wildlife removal service. Gopher control services and mole removal specialists have the tools, experience, and expertise to address these pests effectively, preventing further damage to your lawn and garden.
At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we use a humane and ethical approach to gopher and mole removal and trapping. Instead of harming them, we use live baited traps to coax them into a cage. From there, we will relocate them back into the wild or bring them to an animal sanctuary.
Get Connected to Gopher and Mole Removal
Understanding the key differences between gophers and moles is essential for homeowners dealing with these pests. Whether it’s the large mounds and deep burrows of gophers or the raised ridges and shallow tunnels of moles, each pest requires a different approach to removal.
If you’re struggling with gophers or moles on your property, consider using traps, repellents, or seeking professional wildlife control services. With the right knowledge and tools, you can protect your lawn, gardens, and plant roots from these troublesome creatures.
At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we offer reputable wildlife removal services. If your property is overrun by gophers or moles, we can remove them without harming any animals in the process. Contact us today for more information on our animal removal services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are gophers and moles harmful to my pets?
Yes, both gophers and moles can pose potential risks to pets. While they are not typically aggressive toward animals, gophers may become defensive if threatened. Additionally, the burrows and tunnels they create can be hazardous to pets, especially dogs, who might step into a tunnel and injure themselves. It’s best to monitor your pets and avoid areas where moles or gophers are active.
2. How long does it take to get rid of gophers or moles?
The time required to get rid of gophers or moles varies depending on the extent of the infestation and the control methods used. If traps are employed, it may take several days to weeks to catch the animals, especially if they are not particularly active or if there are multiple gophers or moles. Professional wildlife control services can typically address the issue more quickly due to their experience and specialized tools.
3. Do gophers or moles return once removed?
Yes, both gophers and moles can return if not all individuals are effectively removed or if the underlying conditions that attract them, such as abundant food sources (insects or plant material), persist. Regular monitoring and maintenance of traps or preventive measures can help keep them from coming back.
4. Can gophers and moles cause damage to underground utility lines?
Yes, gophers and moles can cause damage to underground utility cables and lines. While gophers tend to dig deeper tunnels that may intersect utility lines, moles can also cause issues by digging near these lines in search of food. It is important to monitor areas where utilities are buried and consider professional help if you suspect damage.
5. Are there natural ways to repel gophers and moles?
Several natural repellents can be used to deter gophers and moles, though their effectiveness may vary. For instance, planting certain herbs, like castor bean plants or garlic, around your lawn can sometimes discourage these animals. Additionally, using homemade sprays made from essential oils (such as peppermint or eucalyptus) may act as a mild deterrent. However, natural remedies are often less reliable than traps or professional control methods.
6. Can I prevent gophers and moles from entering my lawn in the first place?
Preventing gophers and moles from entering your lawn begins with creating a less inviting environment. Regularly checking for early signs of their presence, like fresh mounds or tunnels, can help you catch an infestation early. You can also install underground barriers (such as wire mesh) around gardens or flower beds to prevent burrowing. Maintaining a well-kept lawn, removing excess debris, and reducing food sources (like insects and grubs) can also help discourage these pests.
