Re: Moles vs. gophers
- To: <perennials@mallorn.com>
- Subject: Re: Moles vs. gophers
- From: "* C* <r*@neptune.on.ca>
- Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 22:08:14 -0400
Technically speaking, moles are not rodents, any more than shrews are.
Neither are they carnivorous, they are insectivores.
Bob Campbell
Practicing Pedant
----------
> From: Pesznecker, Sue <SPesznec@lhs.org>
> To: 'perennials@mallorn.com'
> Subject: Moles vs. gophers
> Date: Friday, July 31, 1998 11:01 AM
>
> A comment..... If the little furry varmints ate your bulbs, what you
> probably have is gophers, not moles.
>
> Moles are primarily carnivorous, and 99% of their diet consists of
> earthworms, insects, grubs, etc. They only rarely eat any type of
> vegetation. the main damage they do in gardens, besides the visible
> "mounds", comes when their burrowing exposes roots or tips plants over.
>
> Gophers, on the other hands, are rabid vegetarians. These are the guys
> that will, literally, suck an entire plant underground, leaving only a
> hole. They love to munch on plants, roots, bulbs, etc, and have
> voracious appetites.
>
> In general, gophers cause a lot more problem in gardens than do moles.
> In moderation, moles can even do a fair amount of good, re: their
> ability to move and aerate soil.
>
> If either rodent is such a serious problem in your yard that you are
> planning a campaign of eradication, it's important to know which one
> you've got.
>
> (I keep trying to get Ernie the poodle interested in digging for moles,
> but he just won't 'bite.')
>
> Sue P.
>
> SPesznec@lhs.org Portland, Oregon
> (USDA zone 8, Sunset zone 6)
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > I ordered from Breck's about ten years ago.
> > I recall they sent nice, beautiful, bulbs and have a
> > great guarantee policy. After about two years, the
> > moles around here loved most of them and gave them
> > the thumbs up, said they were wonderful for late-night
> > snacks.
>
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