goghers and moles - Knowledgebase Question

Tishomingo, Ok
Question by pawwillis
June 30, 2010
How do I get rid of these pest? I have used poisoned peanuts, poison worms for moles, etc. and have had no luck. They pull my tomato plants down into the ground until the plants are gone. Please help me, they are destoying my garden and my roses have died because the roots have been eaten ! I am desperate.


Image
Answer from NGA
June 30, 2010

0

 Moles and gophers can be exasperating when they take up residence in a yard. The critters tunnel through the soil feeding on grubs, worms and beetles. Sometimes they chew through plant roots and bulbs, causing damage to the plants. The best way to control these pests is by trapping. Invest in one or two scissors-type traps and set them in the active runs. The best approach is to use a stiff metal probe (like a straightened wire coathanger) to find the main runs. Start at a mound of soil and explore the ground with the probe, finding the longest tunnel. You'll be able to tell by whether or not the probe penetrates into the soil easily. Short tunnels are used infrequently, so your best chance of trapping will be by placing a trap in a frequently used main run. Once you?ve found a likely tunnel, set the trap and cover it with a section of turf or a board to exclude daylight. Keep setting the trap until you stop catching moles and gophers. It may take an entire season, but persistence pays off and eventually you'll reduce the population of the creatures. Healthy soil naturally has a large population of insects. As long as the insects inhabit the soil, moles and gophers will be attracted. Wish there were an easier way to eliminate moles and gophers from the landscape. Voles can be trapped with simple mouse traps baited with peanut butter or bacon. Good luck with your project!

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

Username:

Password:

[ Join now ]

Garden.org Homepage
Help using the site
About
Contact
Terms of Service
Privacy
Memberlist
Acorns
Links
Ask a Question
Covid-19 Gardening
Newsletter

© 1972 - 2020 National Gardening Association

Times are presented in US Central Standard Time

Pinterest
Facebook
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram

Today's site banner is by dirtdorphins and is called "Spring"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.