Why Wildlife Pests Are so Destructive to Tulsa Homes and Lawns

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gopher digging hole

It is a beautiful fall day in Tulsa and everything seems to be the way it should be. But as you step out of your back porch to walk around to the driveway, you notice a few small mounds of dirt in your yard. You shrug it off because your tight schedule won't permit you to investigate at the moment and by the time you return, it’s dark and you’ve already forgotten about it. A few days later, you notice those mounds again, only now there are even more mounds than before as well as raised tunnels of earth spreading across your lawn. And you realize, to your horror, that you have a mole problem! Your story may be slightly different than this example, but this is usually how it happens. Moles move in when we least expect it, and they don't care how busy we are. They're on a different schedule.

If moles tunnel into your yard, there is one thing you can expect: those moles are going to do a lot of tunneling. How much tunneling? We can't tell you that, but what we can tell you is that studies done by the University of Massachusetts and Brown University have concluded that moles can exert a force of up to 40 times their body weight to dig through the earth and eat their body weight in food every day. That means they can do a lot of damage to your lawn as they vigorously tunnel through the dirt of your lawn in search of earthworms, mealworms, grubs, and other bugs to munch on. Believe us when we tell you, it is never good to have moles in your yard. Ever!

Another wildlife pest that can do a number on your lawn is the humble and somewhat adorable looking animal known as the gopher. These furry critters build complex underground tunnel systems, much like moles, and those tunnels can sometimes be seen on the surface. As they tunnel, gophers damage the root systems of your turf grass and cause patches of brown grass on your lawn. They also leave mounds of dirt all over the place the holes they create can become locations for yellow jackets to establish their underground nests, leading to even more pest problems!

Now you may be wondering, how much destruction can a gopher actually do? Well, an individual gopher can have a tunnel system that stretches from 200 to 2,000 square feet. If they tunnel underneath your slab, it can weaken the structural integrity of your home or cause it to cave in. They are also known to sever underground wires and damage pipes and cables. So, while they may not appear destructive, having these lawn pests on your property can lead to serious issues.

While moles are insectivores and feed on bugs in your yard, gophers eat plant matter. That means they'll be getting into your garden, nibbling on the shrubs in your yard, chewing on bulbs and roots, and munching on plant stems. They're even known to gnaw the bark off tree trunks. So lawn damage isn't the only thing you have to worry about with these pests.

Gophers are also a vector for ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. When they come into your yard in search of food, they can spread fleas and ticks around on your property. If you have pets that go outside, this can lead to an infestation in your home. And fleas and ticks are associated with a wide range of diseases that can affect both us and our pets.

If you're seeing moles, gophers, or other wildlife pests in your Tulsa yard, it is definitely time to call a professional. There are many things that can go wrong when trying to eliminate lawn pests. It is difficult to control these animals without an education in their behavior patterns. And, when DIY pest control attempts fail, it can actually make the problem worse! The best solution when dealing with an infestation of these pests on your property is to have someone who is trained and experienced at wildlife control to deal with the problem. And not only will a wildlife control specialist be able to eliminate current wildlife problems, they will also help you to make your yard resistant to future infestations!

For assistance with gopher and mole control in Tulsa, reach out to us at Montgomery Exterminating! Our team of professionals is trained to inspect for the presence of these animals, develop a plan of action, apply treatments to remove them, and follow up to make sure those critters have been completely eliminated.

Don't throw good money at bad solutions trying to control gophers and moles. Let the gopher and mole control professionals at Montgomery Exterminating make sure they're gone. Schedule a free, no-obligation inspection to get started today!