Mole & Gopher Control
Moles and gophers can wreak havoc on the soil and landscaping in Oklahoma. At Emtec Pest Control, we offer integrated pest management services that remove these pesky pests and keep your yard happy and healthy. Whether you need a one-time treatment or recurring services, our pest control experts specialize in responsible and safe mole and gopher control services in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Why Do Moles and Gophers Enter Oklahoma Yards?
There's nothing more disappointing than stepping outside to enjoy your yard only to find sinkholes or mounds where dirt has been pushed up to form a tunnel. From homes to golf courses, no yard is safe from the extensive damage that moles and gophers can create as they tunnel around in search of food. New mounds will be built whenever they are satisfied with a meal or need a breath of fresh air.
Although there is a common misconception that moles and gophers enter yards searching for grub worms, they aren't as picky about their food choices as you might think. In fact, the more maintained a yard is, the better chance that they will be nearby in search of insects or plant roots. Some of the top food choices for moles include earthworms, snails, frogs, millipedes, insect larvae, or mice. Gophers, however, tend to be strict herbivores. Unfortunately, they can destroy a lawn's ecosystem and make grass turn brown in a very short period.
While many pest control professionals will tell you that moles and gophers hibernate throughout the winter months, they actually just burrow deeper into the ground to avoid the freezing temperatures. As the temperatures begin to rise again in the spring, they move closer to the ground's surface since that is where their food migrates as well. This means that moles could be waiting until the spring to continue to damage your landscaping, even during the winter.
Oklahoma Mole Species
In Oklahoma, only one species of mole has currently been identified – the Eastern mole. While known as pests, these moles are pivotal for proper soil aeration and the removal of larvae within the state's ecosystem. Since they rely on underground burrows, they are highly effective at fertilizing the soil in fields, woods, gardens, and lawns. However, they can quickly become a problem if large groups are present in residential or commercial areas.
Moles are medium-sized and can be identified by their primarily gray color. Although, these visible characteristics are often overlooked at first due to their large, spade-like forefeet used to dig tunnels quickly. Each day, a mole will consume anywhere between 25% and 100% of its own weight in food and has no trouble traveling in search of adequate food sources. The Eastern mole is abundant in Oklahoma and is of low concern to conservation experts.
Oklahoma Gopher Species
Although there are over 25 different species of gophers in the United States, only two species of pocket gophers are found in Oklahoma. This includes the plains pocket gopher, which can be found statewide, and the Mexican pocket gopher, which is primarily found in the Oklahoma Panhandle. These medium-sized rodents are characterized by their light brown to dark brown color accompanied by a lighter buff color.
Gophers will generally have compact bodies and broad flat heads with short snouts, small ears, and small eyes. In addition to these physical characteristics, gophers will also have hairless tails that are a shade of brown with a white tip. To help them dig, gophers will utilize their short, powerful front legs and strong nails. Each of their five toes has strong nails and fringed hairs that help aid them in the digging process.
Mole and Gopher Removal in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dealing with moles and gophers almost always requires professional assistance for the best outcome. While many DIY approaches promise a quick fix, they often only treat a symptom of the problem and will have little effect on the moles or gophers that are present. Depending on the number of moles or gophers on the property, specific steps can be taken to minimize their presence; however, contacting a pest control professional is the only proven solution for mole and gopher removal.
If you are struggling to protect your lawn from moles and gophers, the talented team at Emtec Pest Control is here to help. Our Tulsa mole and gopher removal experts can create a customized plan to eliminate each pest on your property. Once they are gone, we can even start an exclusion plan to keep them from coming back. Our pest control technicians are just a phone call away, no matter what questions or concerns you might have about mole and gopher control.