Mole or Gopher Control Cost

Typical costs:

• Gopher traps cost $5-$25, and mole traps can be $10-$60, depending on size, type and materials. Generally two traps are set at a time, back-to-back in the tunnel. Trapline Products provides how-to videos demonstrating basic mole trapping[1] and gopher trapping[2] techniques. Successful trapping requires skill, and many people choose to hire an experienced professional.
• Most animal removal companies use traps to kill and remove moles or gophers, although some combine trapping with fumigation; total costs for professional removal can cost $50- $500 or more, depending on local rates, the number of gophers, the size of the property and the difficultly of the terrain. For example, Texpest Services in East Texas charges a $50 trip fee plus $20 per gopher removed, with an average of four or five gophers, or $130-$150. All State Animal Control[3] in Utah charges $85-$125 per gopher, and estimates average costs at $300-$500.
• Poison bait can cost $5-$60 or more, depending on type, brand and amount. A recent development is bait shaped in the form or earthworms or grubs, which are moles' favorite food. For example, a box of just six worm-shaped pieces of Tomcat Mole Killer[4] sells for $15-$20, while a 16 ounce bottle of Roxide Revenge Mole and Gopher Bait[5] sells for $19-$21. These poisons may be banned in some states; read the label, and check with the state department of agriculture to see which poisons are limited or prohibited locally.
• Trying to kill moles or gophers by flooding the hole with a garden hose rarely works, according to the County of Los Angeles Agricultural Commissioner[6] . Stomping down tunnels to irritate the animals into leaving often doesn't work if food is plentiful, according to the Lawn Care Academy[7] . Some people report success with home remedies, such as putting gum (to clog the animal's intestines) in the tunnels, or placing repellants such moth balls, red pepper or cat hair. There is no evidence than any of these methods work, according to the Lawn Care Academy[8] .
• Ultrasonic or electronic devices that use sound or vibration can cost $20-$125, but some models are $150-$250 or more. Some people report success with these methods, but the effect is often short-lived, according to the County of Los Angeles Agricultural Commissioner[9] .
• Some products promise to get rid of moles or gophers by gassing them. For example, the Underground Exterminator[10] uses pressurized car exhaust and sells for $10-$14, while a four-pack of Roxide Revenge Smoke Bombs[11] costs $20. However, these methods often aren't always successful, according to the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program[12] .

• The first step is identification. Because the mounds created by moles and gophers are different, it's relatively easy to figure out which animal is present.
• Mounds created by moles are volcano-shaped with the dirt pushed out from the center. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management provides tips for identifying moles[13] ,
• Gopher burrows are at an angle to the surface so the resulting mounds form a crescent, horseshoe or fan shape. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management provides tips for identifying gophers[14] .
• An animal control professional will typically inspect the property to determine which animals are causing the problem, then set traps and/or poison bait. Return trips are often required.

• A gopher probe to locate tunnels and apply bait can cost $25-$35 for the probe/applicator, and $50-$250 or more for a package deal that includes poison bait. For example, Yard Butler Gopher Mole Bait Applicator[15] sell for $26-$36 for just the applicator, while the Gopher Getter Jr. 600 with 1 pound of bait[16] sells for $195-$225.

• Ask about a group discount. For example, Texpest in East Texas will charge only one "trip" fee for up to 10 contiguous homes; each household then pays $20 per animal trapped on their property.

• The Garden Counselor provides tips for choosing gopher poisons[17] and a guide for choosing and using gopher traps[18] . The University of Missouri Extension program illustrates how to use the different types of mole traps[19] .
• Search for wildlife removal experts through the National Wildlife Control Operators Association[20] or the National Wildlife Trapper Directory[21] . Ask about training and experience, and specific experience with moles or gophers. Request and check references.

1.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceCnAlhXJTU
2.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epe4DXA1yow
3.  www.allstateanimalcontrol.com/pricing_utah.php#11
4.  www.tomcatbrand.com/mole_control/1-mole-control-overview
5.  www.bonide.com
6.  acwm.co.la.ca.us/scripts/gophers.htm
7.  www.lawn-care-academy.com/lawn-moles.html
8.  www.lawn-care-academy.com/lawn-moles.html
9.  acwm.co.la.ca.us/scripts/gophers.htm
10.  www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1276044
11.  www.bonide.com
12.  www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7433.html
13.  www.icwdm.org/wildlife/mole.asp
14.  www.icwdm.org/wildlife/pocketgopher.asp
15.  www.yardbutlerstore.com/shop/gopher-mole-bait-applicator/
16.  www.elstonmfg.com/gopher-getters/ga-600-gopher-getter-jr.html
17.  www.garden-counselor-lawn-care.com/gopher-poisons.html
18.  www.garden-counselor-lawn-care.com/gopher-traps.html
19.  extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=g9440
20.  www.nwcoa.com/
21.  www.247wildlife.com/wildlifetrapperdirectory.htm

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