How do you get rid of gophers and moles?

Karen
by Karen
  6 answers
  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Sep 03, 2018

    Catch and release is the best method to relocate them

    • Karen Karen on Sep 06, 2018

      Last time we did this a hawk promptly flew in and got them. We felt so bad.

  • Cindy Cindy on Sep 03, 2018

    Hi Karen. I'm Cindy. Moles live and travel on their bellies. They cannot tolerate any vibrations to the ground. If you put a garden-size windmill by their homes, they will relocate. I think a fan would create vibrations too. Good luck with this.

    • Karen Karen on Sep 06, 2018

      I'll look for a solar power one. It may be too quiet.

      The mountain lions and coyotes are not doing their jobs. Lol. Thx!

  • TheHoneycombHome TheHoneycombHome on Sep 06, 2018

    I use a motion-activated sprinkler to keep pests out of my garden. It works great without harming them! I bought this one: https://amzn.to/2QatHNZ

    • Karen Karen on Sep 06, 2018

      I can't use that here in San Diego with our water shortage and water bills being sky high but that's good to know. I'll keep that in mind for when we move out of state.

  • Oliva Oliva on Oct 31, 2018

    Try spraying Castor Bean Oil down all holes and over three sides of your yard. The 4th side becomes their escape route. Next year, plant Castor Bean Plants in your yard.

    • Karen Karen on Dec 02, 2018

      Thx Oliva. I'll look into this. Some of our drought resistant evergreen plants are now dying. I believe the silly critters are eating the roots up as everything is dying around here in. We have to do something before the stupid HOA forces us to tear up our front yard. We can't afford that.

  • Oliva Oliva on Dec 02, 2018

    Hi, Karen,

    The castor bean oil has worked well, if you can locate a good source (not via Walmart, etc.). If you have an agricultural supply store near you, they may carry it. The castor bean plants are particularly effective! In your State, you may be able to grow them year round.

    Are you in an area that restricts water usage? I ask because some people here in the Eastern states have resorted to trying to drown them by flooding their "runs".

    If you don't have to worry about pets, try placing moth balls down the holes, until no more will fit, then crush the top most ones with a sharp stick, forcing the pieces further into their "runs". This method has also been very effective in driving them out.

    I'll keep looking for additional methods.

    Wishing you success, and soon!

  • Oliva Oliva on Dec 02, 2018

    Hi, Karen,

    Well, I've decided I'm glad we don't have pocket gophers in PA...

    I found these web sites for you, which advise against flooding the runs, because it may make your yard too spongy, but it evidently has been effective in forcing some to the surface.

    I'd first try the castor bean oil, saturating the runs and adjacent areas, but also see:

    Pestmastersocal.com/gopher-broke/

    and

    ipm/ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7433.

    I wish you luck, soon, before your HOA starts nagging you...

    The castor bean plants here have been very effective, as has been forcing mothballs down the holes, crushing some with a stick, and continuing to push into the hole.