Moles, Voles, or Pocket Gophers? Diagnosing and Controlling Garden Soil Disturbance

Critical Identification First

Why This Matters

The gardener describes "pushing up soil everywhere," eaten tulips, and plastic barrier disruption. This suggests pocket gophers or voles, not moles. Moles don't eat bulbs.

Mole Control (If Confirmed)

• Trapping only: scissor-jaw, harpoon, NoMole in active tunnels.
• No poisons, sonics, gum, gas—ineffective.
• Check state laws (WA, MA ban mole traps).

Vole/Gopher Control

• Trapping: Snap traps (voles), box/cinch traps (gophers) in active runs.
• Baiting: Zinc phosphide (gophers); anticoagulants (voles)—follow labels, protect non-targets.
• Exclusion: Hardware cloth baskets for bulbs; buried barrier around beds.
• Habitat reduction: Mow paths, remove heavy mulch, clear brush.

Professional Help Recommended

With 1 acre of intensive beds, consult a wildlife control operator. Contact Stephen Vantassel (UNL) at 402-472-8961 or svantassel2@unl.edu for specific guidance.