A gopher found in Central Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

If you’ve been noticing small mounds of dirt popping up in your lawn, scattered holes in your yard, or unusual plant decay in your garden, you could be dealing with one of a number of types of rodents that live here in Des Moines IA. Moles, voles, and gophers are all commonly found in the yards of local homeowners, and although they are active year-round, spring and fall are the two best times to try to tame their activity. If you want to learn how to keep these burrowing rodents from making homes out of your yard, read on for expert advice from the technicians at Springer Professional Home Services!

How Are Moles, Voles, and Gophers Different?

Gophers, voles, and moles are all burrowing rodents that thrive in moist, cool soil. Spring and fall see the right amount of rainfall and the levels of temperatures that create the perfect environment for tunneling and ample resources for feeding. However, these rodents have some differences that set them apart from each other. Based on what they eat, they will be found in different parts of your yard:

  • Gophers prefer to eat bulbs and plant roots, thus, they will usually live under your lawn.
  • Voles eat all kinds of plant material, including grass, seeds, bulbs, tubers, rhizomes, and bark. They are much more likely to be seen at the surface than gophers.
  • Moles are carnivores with diets limited to worms, grubs, and various kinds of common insects.

Can I Do My Own Rodent Control at Home?

Now that you know a bit more about these pests, you might be wondering what you can do to prevent them from living under your lawn or garden. Because they spend so much time underground, it can be hard to tell how to best approach your DIY pest control strategies. Some people like to use strong-scented plants like thyme, daffodils, sage, and more to prevent rodent activity.

If you’re already dealing with one of these pests, though, your approach should change. Here are a few at-home treatments that you can try:

  1. Mix a tablespoon of mixed dish soap and castor oil into a quart of water. This can be poured into any burrowed holes in your lawn.
  2. Use gopher mesh or chicken wire to create an underground fence.
  3. Set a trap using apples, carrots, or peanut butter for bait.

Although these are the best ways to trap rodents living underneath your yard, we cannot guarantee that these methods will be successful.

Professional Rodent Control in Des Moines IA

We’ve found that many homeowners in the Des Moines area have dealt with rodent vulnerabilities that they couldn’t find for years on end. With the expert touch of an expert rodent control technician, your problems can go away in a matter of a visit. Our holistic pest inspection process will leave no stone unturned and no pest undiscovered. Contact our team today to find out more about how we can help you and receive a free quote on rodent control!

Moles, Voles, and Gophers: What’s the Difference?

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