The University of California Master Gardeners of Butte County released guidance on April 20 for managing common garden pests including voles, moles, and gophers. The advice comes as spring marks an increase in activity from these animals, which can damage plants and landscaping.
Understanding how to identify and control these pests is important for gardeners who want to protect their investment in plants and maintain healthy landscapes. According to the official website, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs.
Voles are small rodents that live in colonies underground. They can rapidly multiply if not controlled early. Signs of vole infestation include holes near surface runways, yellowed or wilting plants, missing bulbs, teeth marks around tree bases, and trampled grass paths. Methods such as clearing dense vegetation, using mesh guards around trees, removing birdseed spillage, exclusion barriers like hardware cloth fences or baskets, repellants with capsaicin or thiram, and setting baited traps are recommended for management.
Moles differ from voles by being insectivores rather than plant eaters. They tunnel quickly underground but typically cause only minor lawn damage while aerating soil. Trapping is considered the most effective way to remove moles; other options include castor oil repellants or sonic devices that emit vibrations.
Gophers are larger rodents known for extensive burrowing systems that can disrupt rows of plants by pulling them underground. Mesh barriers or gopher baskets can help protect roots near plant bases while trapping remains the most reliable removal method. Sonic repellants may also deter them.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources promotes sustainable practices to strengthen resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to the official website. The organization manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system and operates nine research centers representing diverse ecosystems across California according to the official website.
UC Master Gardeners offer workshops on pest management strategies such as trapping techniques for gophers—details are available on their workshop webpage—and host educational events throughout the year with over 18,420 volunteers engaged annually according to the official website.