Moles and gophers are recognized pests in the landscape and can cause significant damage but in different ways. Likewise, the suggestions for control of the two are similar but different.

Moles, voles and gophers all create tunnels and are active underground, but what they eat and the damage they cause varies.

Some other widely advertised gopher control methods are largely ineffective. Identifying gopher problems Gophers and moles should both be blocked and trapped, but methods vary.

Moles are active all year, but they typically don’t inflict severe damage to gardens. Sometimes you can spot mole feeding tunnels up near the surface. In that case, they can be managed like gophers.

Sonic repellants my also deter these rodents. Voles, moles and gophers can cause havoc in the garden, but they can be managed using various methods to control, deter or eradicate.

Gophers and moles should both be blocked and trapped, but methods vary. Also, several poisons are effective for gophers, but not for moles.

What’s the difference between moles and gophers? Here’s how to tell which of the creatures are digging up your yard — and what to do about them.

So, to get rid of the unwanted gophers, James uses the castor oil granules. Keep in mind that castor oil products don't actually harm moles or gophers, they simply send them scurrying elsewhere.

For more information on gophers, moles and other vertebrate garden pests, see "Wildlife Pest Control around Gardens and Homes," (Salmon, Whisson & Marsh, ANR Publication 21385) available at ...

Pocket gophers are burrowing rodents, which live almost entirely underground. They are well adapted to their underground existence, with stout forelegs and strong, curved claws for digging.