How to Get Rid of Garden Moles & Gophers

Lawn root systems dug up with scattered mounds across the grass that seem to materialize overnight is one of the telltale signs of a mole or gopher invasion. You may never even see the culprits. Mole mounds look like inches-high volcanoes. Gophers pile their tunnel soil in a fan pattern. Both moles and gophers create their destructive lawn art as they burrow for favorite foods like earthworms and grubs. You have several options to get rid of garden moles and gophers; some are natural repellents and others require poisoning.

Things You'll Need

• Used cat litter
• Traps
• Toxic bait
• Mothballs

Instructions

1. Spread used cat litter around mole and gopher holes. Cats are natural predators and their odor in the cat litter is enough to send most moles and gophers running for safer ground. Repeat as needed.

2. Trap these pests in a humane way when possible. After trapping, take them to a wilderness area where they can forage for their favorite foods in peace. Trapping is also a safer method to use around children, pets and edible gardens.

3. Situate the poisoned bait in the mole and gopher main tunnels. Grain laced with strychnine or zinc phosphide kills instantly. Follow all label instructions for safety. You may have to treat the area several times to see success.

4. Place mothballs as repellents in and around mole and gopher tunnels. The animals do not like the smell and will vacate the premises. Mole repellents made with castor oil are on the market that may discourage certain species of moles from the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Commercially available explosive devices with a mixture of propane and oxygen can be effective in controlling gopher populations. The force kills the animals and destroys the burrow. Exercise caution to avoid damage to property or injury. These devices also may not be allowed in residential areas.

• Clay cat litter does not biodegrade. Use natural cat litters that do not pose an environmental problem as you scare off moles and gophers.

• Do not use cat litter repellents in vegetable and fruit gardens. Cat litter is known to harbor toxoplasmosis and E. coli.

References

• Pet Care Tips: Get Rid of Garden Pests using Cat's Litter, by Alfred
• University of Missouri Extension: Controlling Nuisance Moles
• University of California-Davis: Baiting With Toxic Baits

Resources

• Child’s Play Organic Lawns: Prevention and Control of Moles & Gophers