How to Tell If You Have a Mole or Gopher in Your Yard?

By Avi Green October 17, 2023

Identifying whether you have a mole or a gopher in your yard can be daunting, especially if you lack experience with these burrowing creatures. Many homeowners find themselves pondering the question: how to tell if you have a mole or gopher? This article will provide you with comprehensive insights on discernment between these two similar yet distinct animals.

Moles and gophers might seem like the same critter, sharing similar habitats and behaviors, but they have noticeable distinctions. Learning to identify these differences can help in addressing any pest-related issues in an effective manner.

how to tell if you have a mole or gopher

Understanding Moles and Gophers

Both moles and gophers are burrowing animals that can create havoc in gardens and lawns. However, they belong to different families and exhibit unique features.

Moles

Moles are known for their cylindrical bodies, pointed snouts, and powerful front limbs adapted for digging. They primarily eat insects and worms and often create raised tunnels that resemble ridges just below the surface of the ground.

Gophers

Gophers, in contrast, have more stout bodies with cheek pouches that allow them to store food. They primarily feed on plant roots, tubers, and bulbs, which means their presence can damage landscaping and gardens.

Physical Characteristics

When attempting to identify these burrowing creatures, pay attention to the following physical characteristics:

Identifying Features of Moles

Size: Moles weigh about 4 to 12 ounces and are 6 to 8 inches long.
Fur: They have velvety fur that can vary in color from gray to black.
Eyes and Ears: Their eyes are small and hidden beneath their fur, and they have no visible ears.

Identifying Features of Gophers

Size: Gophers are generally larger, ranging from 6 to 14 inches in length.
Fur: They have coarse fur, typically brownish, and are somewhat furry.
Cheek Pouches: The presence of cheek pouches is a significant identifying feature.

Signs of Infestation

In addition to physical characteristics, there are specific signs that indicate whether you have moles or gophers:

Tunnels and Mounds

Both creatures create tunnels, but their construction style differs:

Moles: Look for raised ridges and mounds of loose soil, known as molehills, that are often located near the entry points.
Gophers: They create large mounds, typically with soil that is pushed up from below ground, usually in a fan shape.

Damage to Vegetation

If your plants are wilting, uprooted, or have missing roots, the chances are high that you might have gophers in your yard. On the other hand, moles primarily damage by uprooting vegetation while searching for insects and worms.

Behavioral Differences

It's essential to understand that moles and gophers exhibit different behaviors:

Gopher Behavior

Gophers are mostly active during the day, digging their tunnels and searching for food. You may spot them above ground occasionally, especially during spring.

Mole Behavior

Moles, however, are primarily nocturnal, spending most of their time in their tunnels and coming out under the cover of darkness to hunt for grubs and insects.

How to Manage Moles and Gophers

If you determine that you have a mole or gopher issue, its vital to know how to manage them. Here are several strategies:

Trapping

Using traps is one of the most effective ways to eliminate these pests:

Repellents

Natural repellents can also be effective in keeping these creatures at bay. Consider using Victor Mole and Gopher Repellent.

Professionals

If your problem persists, it might be time to call in the professionals. Visiting sites like Today's Homeowner provides additional methods to explore.