Moles and gophers beneath a lawn or garden quickly cause widespread destruction of landscapes and plant root systems. These burrowing pests create extensive tunnel networks, undermining soil stability and damaging turf areas. Effective control requires lethal methods to stop the progressive damage caused by these subterranean animals. Successful eradication begins with accurately identifying the culprit and applying the most suitable lethal control technique.
Identifying the Target: Moles and Gopher Signatures
Proper identification is the initial step for effective control, as moles and gophers create distinctly different signs of activity above ground. Gopher activity is marked by fan- or crescent-shaped mounds of soil, where the plugged entrance hole is visible and off-center. These mounds are substantial, often measuring 10 to 20 inches in diameter. Gophers are herbivores, consuming vegetation, roots, and tubers, and their feeding tunnels are usually between 6 to 12 inches deep.
In contrast, moles create volcano-shaped mounds that are more symmetrical and composed of finely sifted soil. The entrance plug is often located directly in the center and is difficult to see. Moles are primarily insectivores, feeding on earthworms and grubs, which dictates their shallower digging habits. Their most telling sign is the presence of raised surface ridges or runways, indicating tunnels just beneath the grass layer.
Lethal Trapping Strategies
Mechanical trapping remains the most reliable method for eliminating individual moles and gophers. Traps must be placed in the main, active runway. This runway can be identified by probing near a fresh mound or by pressing down a mole’s surface tunnel and observing if it is re-raised within 24 hours. Success hinges on minimizing human scent and ensuring the trap is firmly seated to prevent the pest from pushing soil around it.
For moles, common lethal devices include harpoon, scissor, and choker traps. These are set directly into the surface runways or a deep tunnel intersection. The harpoon trap drives tines downward, while scissor and choker traps are placed inside the tunnel to snap shut when triggered. When using scissor or choker traps, excavating a section of the tunnel and placing a trap in each direction provides the highest chance of interception.
Gopher control involves placing two specialized choker-style traps, such as the Victor Easy Set, directly into the main tunnel. After locating the main tunnel by probing, the hole is opened, and two traps are inserted facing opposite directions to intercept the gopher. The trap setting should be positioned slightly below the tunnel floor. The opening should be covered with sod or a board to exclude light, mimicking the plugged tunnel and encouraging the gopher’s return. Traps should be secured with wire to prevent the animal from dragging the device deeper into the tunnel system.
Chemical and Fumigation Control
Lethal chemical control involves applying toxic baits or using fumigants to introduce poisonous gas into the burrow system. For gophers, acute rodenticides like zinc phosphide or strychnine are effective because they are formulated on grain or oats, aligning with the gopher’s herbivorous diet. These baits must be applied underground using a specialized probe or burrow builder to deposit the material directly into the active tunnel system, preventing access by non-target surface animals.
Mole control presents a challenge for baiting because their diet consists almost entirely of insects and worms, making grain-based rodenticides ineffective. Specialized mole baits mimic the appearance and texture of earthworms or grubs. These baits are placed into the main runways to ensure the mole consumes the toxicant. Toxic baits pose a risk of secondary poisoning to predators or scavengers that consume the deceased pest.
Fumigation methods, such as gas cartridges or aluminum phosphide tablets, introduce lethal gas into the enclosed tunnel system. Aluminum phosphide (ALP) reacts with moisture in the soil to release phosphine gas, which is toxic to all animals and is classified as a Restricted-Use material requiring certified application. This method is most effective when the soil is moist, which helps contain the gas within the tunnels, and requires careful sealing of all tunnel openings after application. Carbon monoxide generating devices are also used, though their use near structures may be restricted by distance regulations.
Safety Considerations and Local Regulations
The use of lethal control methods requires strict adherence to safety protocols to protect people, pets, and non-target wildlife. All mechanical traps must be placed deep within the burrow system or covered to prevent accidental injury to children or domestic animals. Toxic baits must be stored securely and applied only according to the product label instructions, which are legally binding.
Handling deceased pests should be done with gloves, and the remains must be disposed of properly, either by deep burial or by checking local waste disposal guidelines. Before initiating any control program, check local ordinances, as regulations regarding the use of specific traps, poisons, and fumigants vary widely. Certain chemicals, like aluminum phosphide, are restricted, and some regions may prohibit the use of specific toxicants due to concerns about non-target wildlife impact. Once the pests are eliminated, filling in the tunnels and mounds helps discourage re-infestation.