Hey there, green thumb! If you’re growing a beautiful cannabis garden, you might be facing a few little intruders. We’re talking about those pesky gophers and moles. Don’t worry, though; we’re here to help you learn how to deal with these burrowing baddies.
What is the difference between a mole and a gopher?
Gophers and moles might seem like two peas in a pod, but they’re actually as different as chalk and cheese!
Moles
Moles are like little miners. They spend most of their time underground, digging tunnels with their strong front paws. These fellows are blind and rely on their super sense of smell to find food. You can tell you’ve got moles if you see mounds of soil shaped like volcanoes in your garden.
Gophers
Gophers, on the other hand, are like tiny construction workers. They also live underground, but their burrows are a bit more complex, with storage rooms and all! Unlike moles, gophers have eyes and ears, and their food of choice is your plant roots. If you see crescent or horseshoe-shaped mounds in your garden, it’s a sure sign of a gopher’s work.
What do gophers and moles eat?
These little creatures are like two sides of a coin when it comes to food.
Gophers
Gophers are vegetarians. They munch on plant roots, bulbs, and tubers. Unfortunately, this includes the roots of your precious cannabis plants.
Moles
Moles, however, are meat eaters. They feast on insects, grubs, and worms. They don’t care much for your cannabis plants, but their digging can disturb their roots and cause damage.
Do I have moles or gophers?
Figuring out if you have moles or gophers can feel like a game of hide and seek. But, remember those mounds we talked about earlier? That’s your biggest clue. Volcano-shaped mounds point to moles, while crescent or horseshoe-shaped mounds are a sign of gophers.
How do I get rid of gophers and moles?
Dealing with these critters is a bit like trying to catch a slippery fish. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. There are a few tricks you can try.
Using repellents
Gophers and moles aren’t big fans of strong smells. So, using repellents like castor oil or garlic in their tunnels might just send them packing. However, remember that this might only be a temporary fix, and they could come back.
Installing barriers
Another way to keep these burrowers at bay is by installing underground barriers around your cannabis garden. These barriers can be made from wire mesh. It’s a lot of work but can be quite effective.
Trapping
Trapping is another option, but it’s a bit like fishing – you need to be patient and check your traps regularly. Make sure to follow local wildlife regulations when using traps.
Hiring professionals
If all else fails, and you’re at your wits’ end, you might want to call in the professionals. They’ll know just what to do.
What do gophers and moles hate?
Remember how we said gophers and moles don’t like strong smells? Well, there are a few other things they’re not fond of.
Noise and vibrations
Gophers and moles like their peace and quiet. So, placing wind chimes or vibration devices around your garden can disturb them and encourage them to relocate.
Certain plants
Believe it or not, there are some plants these critters can’t stand. Planting gopher purge, daffodils, or marigolds in your cannabis garden could help keep gophers away. As for moles, they dislike daffodils and alliums.
How do I permanently get rid of gophers?
Permanent solutions are a bit like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. While it’s challenging, it’s not impossible. Here are a few things you can do:
Regular maintenance
Just like brushing your teeth every day keeps the cavities away, regularly maintaining your garden can discourage gophers. This means mowing your lawn, removing dead plants, and generally keeping things clean and tidy.
Natural predators
Invite natural predators like owls, hawks, or snakes into your garden. You could install an owl box or leave areas of your garden wild to attract these gopher hunters. Remember, it’s all part of the circle of life!
Combine methods
Using a combination of the methods we’ve discussed can increase your chances of keeping these pests away for good. So, try a mix of repellents, barriers, traps, and predator attraction.
FAQ
Can gophers and moles harm my cannabis plants?
Absolutely! While moles won’t eat your plants, their tunneling can disturb the roots and cause damage. Gophers, on the other hand, are a double threat. They can harm your plants by eating the roots and by tunneling.
Are there any benefits to having gophers or moles in my garden?
Well, it’s not all bad news. Moles, with their insectivorous diet, can help control pests like grubs and beetles in your garden. Gophers and moles both aerate the soil with their tunneling, which can improve soil health. However, for a cannabis garden, the cons often outweigh the pros.
How can I prevent gophers and moles from entering my cannabis garden?
Prevention is better than cure, as they say. Regular garden maintenance, using repellents, installing barriers, and attracting natural predators can all help keep these burrowers from turning your garden into their home.
Why are my repellents not working on gophers and moles?
Just like us, gophers and moles can get used to certain smells or sounds over time. If your repellents aren’t working, it might be time to switch things up and try something new.
So, there you have it, folks! While dealing with gophers and moles can be as tricky as a game of whack-a-mole, with a bit of know-how, some patience, and this handy guide, you can protect your cannabis garden from these burrowing bandits. Remember, every cloud has a silver lining, and every garden, a gopher or mole to contend with. But armed with this knowledge, you’re sure to come out on top. Happy gardening!
