Gophers are tiny, little, fluffy rodents.Gophers and moles are unconventional, adorable animals. They both burrow underground but there are many distinct differences between themGophers were originally known as pocket gophers due to their extrinsic fur-lined cheek pockets. The pockets extend from their mouths to their shoulders to haul their food from one place to another. Gophers are capable of turning their cheek pockets inside out, according to the ADW (Animal Diversity Web).Gophers are of medium size. They are heftier than mice but generally smaller than rats at about 5-14 in (12.7 to 35.5 cm) long. They weigh only about 1lb (0.45 kg) but some species of central American gophers weigh almost 2.2 lbs (1 kg). Gophers have four large incisors that continue to increase in size throughout their life. They can shut their lips from behind, benefitting them in a way by keeping their bodies dust-free while digging. A gopher’s body is designed solely for digging and their fur color matches the dirt in which they dig. They have small eyes, ears and lack a neck. They have strong, short legs with expansive feet that have long claws.As discussed above, moles are unconventional animals as they reside underground. They focus on digging beneath the ground for their entire life. Moles originally are short, brown mammals with short and gentle fur. Similar to gophers, moles have tiny ears and eyes. Their front paws are a gift for digging, and their rear paws are barely visible. Contradictory to the fact that they are viewed as pests, they spark curiosity and many want to know more about them. They can cause havoc in your lawn, yard, and garden by delving into holes and tunnels. We will discuss the differences between gophers and moles, how to identify them, and ways to get rid of them.If you have found our facts about gophers and moles interesting, you can also check out groundhog vs gopher, and what do gophers eat? here on Kidadl.The Difference Between Gophers And MolesGophers and moles both reside underground, living in the dirt below your lawn or yard. They share similar traits and differ at the same time. Many people unknowingly believe that a gopher and a mole both belong to the rodents’ family due to their similarity in appearance, and the fact that both of them dig holes and tunnels. However, only gophers belong to the sequence Rodentia. In contrast, moles belong to the sequence Eulipotyphla.Gophers share similar traits with pocket mice and kangaroo rats. One big difference between moles and gophers is the difference in their diet and feeding habits. Moles are omnivores as they eat earthworms, insects, and grubs. Gophers, however, eat shrubs, roots, and veggies and do not consume insects as part of their diet. They can also feed on grass if no other food is available.Both of them dig holes and subterranean tunnels, yet they appear very different. Moles create tunnels closer to the surface at around 3-12in (7.62-30.48cm) beneath the ground. On the other hand, gophers dig up to 6-18 in (15.24-45.72cm) underground. Moles do not spade deep into the dirt like gophers do.Tips For Identifying Moles, Voles, And GophersThere’s a high probability that moles, voles, and gophers might reside with you in your property, and more specifically, within your lawn or yard. As they have many similarities, you may face difficulty in distinguishing between the three but you can identify them by their activities.Moles construct their mounds in volcano shapes. Unlike gophers, moles burrow just beneath the surface of the grass and create a humpy cliff through the path. However, mole mounds are circular and have a plug-in center that might not be visible. Moles and voles cause distinct troubles. Moles construct raising cliffs in your lawn and other soil places. Their tunneling activity improves the soil but forms it into cliffs. They are in constant search of worms, insects, and grubs to feast on but they do not damage roots. In contrast, voles establish their tunnels specifically for seeking roots for eating, and unlike moles, they do not construct raised cliffs.Mounds are formed when a gopher digs, allowing the dirt and loose soil to surface upon the ground and this can make your grass look unsightly. The mounds they form are fan-shaped and a clear indication of their existence. Gopher mounds made up of fresh soil are an indication of pocket gopher presence inside their tunnel system.Gopher Holes Vs. Mole HolesGophers make burrow constructions underground with an expansive tunnel network. The burrow construction comprises of a main tunnel, which is underneath the earth and connects with the neighboring burrows. Lateral burrows terminate with soil mounds on the surface level. These mounds are up to 10-20in (25.4-50.8cm) in diameter and are often seen during spring and fall when gophers come into play. They establish their habitat in soil that is stable enough to hold tunnels and avoid rocky and swampy areas. A good benchmark of gopher activity is opening the holes. If a hole is dug with soft and new dirt, that indicates that a gopher is inside the hole and is digging further. An empty burrow system indicates their departure.Moles construct 2 in (5.08 cm) cone-shaped mounds on the surface. Many people rename mole mounds as molehills. Although moles never construct diverse mounds like gophers, they build surface tunnels that are 16-18 in(40.64-45.72cm) in depth.Tunnel & Mound InspectionSince gophers spend most of their lives underground in gopher tunnels and burrow, you might have no clue if gophers are under your turf or burrowing away under your yard. The only way to determine a gopher’s presence is by checking for gopher holes and burrows. Let’s see how we can identify them.Gopher burrows, unlike mounds that are circular, are kidney or fan-shaped. The burrows can be very tall and wide in diameter. These burrows are extended from the main runways at the end of lateral tunnels and are held in place by strong ground and dirt, which also helps to keep intruders out.Gophers are solitary, yet they build massive tunnel systems, at times covering an acre underground. Their tunnels can sometimes be deep underground.How do you know if you have a gopher or mole infestation?Moles are tiny mammals with small eyes and Idaho potato-shaped bodies. They can swim underground, and they are very active and energetic but only during the early mornings and evenings during the spring season. They also step out for fresh air after warm rains.Moles feast on insects, grubs, and earthworms. Mole tunnels are almost 10 ft(3.048m) underground unless they are searching for a mate on the surface. You can identify their tunnels in your lawn or yard as they take on a volcano shape and create swellings in your yard. Surface tunnels and cliffs are also signs of mole activity.Gophers eat plants, and gopher activity involves feasting on underground plants structures such as roots, rhizomes, and tubers. Due to such acts, there’s a chance of damage to your plants. These rodents are also capable of damaging your turf and other plants that occur underground.How To Get Rid Of Gophers And MolesOne of the most efficient options to get rid of gophers and moles is to remove them from your lawn. This can mean using methods to trap and kill them, such as using gopher bait. Humane home remedies also help in getting rid of gophers and moles in your yard. Although, you can avoid them causing an issue in your garden by not allowing them to enter in the first place.You can set up a fence in your yard that prevents gophers from accessing food sources. Since gophers eat roots and tubers, setting up a fence can prevent pests from burrowing in your lawn and garden. Castor oil acts as a natural repellant as it tastes horrible and has a laxative effect on gophers. Due to its odor, it stops the gopher from wanting to enter the area.Sprinkling dried blood, tobacco, red pepper powder, or coffee grounds at the tunnel mouth is a good deterrent. In addition, placing ultrasonic devices in your lawn or garden, having a pet cat that walks over flower beds in your garden, dipping a small amount of corn in roofing tar, and placing it in their tunnels, are some other good ways to get rid of moles.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for gopher vs mole, then why not take a look at moles vs voles or Gopher facts.
Gophers are tiny, little, fluffy rodents.
