| We have multiple what look like mole/vole/gopher holes in our garden but no mounds of dirt beside the holes. What might be the cause of such holes and how do I treat? Live in Hudson Valley area, NY Thanks |
| If you have a mole, you will see mounds of dirt and/or surface tunnels: Dirt mounds (look like piles or "puffs" of dirt shaped like a volcano) and surface tunnels (look like the veins on the back of your hand). Pocket Gophers: Damage done by pocket gophers is similar to moles, but there is a major difference. Dirt mounds are crescent-shaped (like a "C") with a "dirt plug" on one side of the mound. Ground Squirrels: The key identifier for these rodents is an exposed tunnel entrance with discarded dirt surrounding the entrance of the tunnel. You can see right into a ground squirrel burrow, unlike that of moles or pocket gophers. Voles dig small holes with no evident dirt around the outsides of their holes. From your description it sounds like vole holes. These rodents can be trapped with mousetraps baited with peanut butter or you can use baits (available at garden centers/hardware stores. Best wishes with your landscape! |
