Burrowing rodents like gophers and voles can wreak havoc on gardens, lawns, and landscaping. While they may seem similar, their behaviors, habitats, and the damage they cause differ significantly. Accurately identifying whether you’re dealing with gophers or voles is crucial for implementing effective control measures.
This guide will help you distinguish between these two burrowing pests and provide strategies to protect your outdoor spaces from damage.
Why Identification Matters
Gophers and voles may both create burrows, but their habits and the control methods required to manage them vary greatly. Misidentifying the pest can lead to ineffective control efforts and prolonged damage to your yard.
Understanding Gophers
Gophers, also known as pocket gophers, are solitary burrowing rodents that primarily damage underground structures and plant roots.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: 6–12 inches long.
- Fur: Brown, gray, or black, with short, velvety fur.
- Teeth: Large, prominent incisors used for digging.
- Tail: Short and hairless.
Behavior and Habitat
- Burrow Systems: Complex underground tunnels that can span hundreds of feet.
- Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on roots, tubers, and grass.
- Activity: Active year-round and rarely seen above ground.
- Mounds: Gophers create fan-shaped mounds of loose soil near their burrow entrances.
Understanding Voles
Voles, also known as field mice, are small rodents that create shallow burrows and runways through grass and ground cover.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: 4–6 inches long.
- Fur: Brown or gray, with a stocky body and short legs.
- Ears and Eyes: Small and less noticeable compared to other rodents.
- Tail: Short and furry, unlike a gopher’s tail.
Behavior and Habitat
- Runway Systems: Visible above-ground trails through grass and vegetation.
- Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, bulbs, seeds, and bark.
- Activity: Active year-round and often seen during the day.
- Damage: Voles damage lawns and chew bark off trees and shrubs, often girdling them.
Key Differences Between Gophers and Voles
| Feature | Gophers | Voles |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger (6–12 inches) | Smaller (4–6 inches) |
| Burrows | Deep, with fan-shaped mounds | Shallow, with surface runways |
| Diet | Roots and underground plants | Grass, bulbs, seeds, and bark |
| Visibility | Rarely seen above ground | Often seen during the day |
| Tail | Short and hairless | Short and furry |
How to Identify the Culprit in Your Yard
1. Inspect Burrows and Trails
- Gopher Signs:
- Fan-shaped mounds of loose soil.
- No visible surface runways.
- Vole Signs:
- Above-ground trails through grass.
- Entry holes without mounds.
2. Examine Plant Damage
- Gopher Damage:
- Wilting or dying plants due to root consumption.
- Holes near the base of plants.
- Vole Damage:
- Grass clipped close to the ground.
- Bark stripped from the base of trees and shrubs.
3. Observe Activity
- Gophers: Likely underground and out of sight.
- Voles: May be visible scurrying through vegetation.
Preventing and Managing Gophers and Voles
For Gophers
- Install Underground Barriers: Use mesh or hardware cloth to protect plant roots.
- Traps: Use gopher-specific traps placed inside active tunnels.
- Repellents: Castor oil-based repellents can deter gophers from entering your yard.
- Professional Help: Consider hiring pest control services for extensive infestations.
For Voles
- Reduce Ground Cover: Keep grass mowed short and remove vegetation near the ground.
- Tree Guards: Protect young trees and shrubs with hardware cloth or plastic guards.
- Traps: Place snap traps baited with peanut butter near runways.
- Natural Predators: Encourage owls or hawks by installing nesting boxes.
Protecting Your Yard
Burrowing rodents like gophers and voles can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. Identifying the pest accurately and taking swift action is essential for protecting your yard and garden. By using targeted prevention and control methods, you can maintain a healthy, rodent-free outdoor space.
Stay vigilant and proactive to minimize the impact of these burrowing pests on your property.
Relevant Links/Sources:
UC IPM: Gopher Management
CDC: Preventing Rodent Damage
National Pest Management Association: Identifying Burrowing Rodents