Comprehensive Control Strategies for Ground Squirrels, Moles, and Gophers

Ground Squirrels

Reduce food sources (bird feeders, fallen fruit). Trap using gray squirrel trapping guide. On isolated trees, install aluminum flashing or porcupine wire around trunks to prevent climbing. Ultrasonics and mothballs are ineffective.

Moles

Confirm moles (not voles or pocket gophers). Trap with scissor or harpoon traps after proper training at molecontrol.htm. Primary diet is earthworms; grub control alone rarely eliminates moles. Trapping is the only consistently effective method.

Pocket Gophers

Use cinch traps in main tunnels. See pocket gopher video for technique.

General Advice

Habitat modification and persistent trapping are key. No single “magic” solution exists. Always comply with state regulations.