Stop Lawn and Landscape Damage From Burrowing Pests
Burrowing pests such as gophers, moles, and voles can cause extensive damage to lawns, gardens, and irrigation systems in a short period of time. Because each species behaves differently, effective control starts with correct identification followed by targeted removal of active tunnels and nesting areas.
Pestcom Pest Management provides professional burrowing pest control services throughout southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon, helping property owners quickly reduce damage and protect landscapes long-term.
What’s Damaging Your Lawn?
Gopher vs. Mole vs. Vole
Correct identification is critical because control methods differ by species.
Gophers
- Crescent- or fan-shaped soil mounds with a plugged opening
- Extensive underground tunnel systems
- Feed on roots, bulbs, and plant material
Moles
- Raised surface tunnels and soil ridges
- Symmetrical or conical mounds
- Feed primarily on earthworms and soil insects
Voles
- Shallow surface “runways” in grass, mulch, or ground cover
- Grass clipped to the crown and gnawing on tree or shrub bark
- Small mouse-like rodents active near dense vegetation
Common Problems Caused by Burrowing Pests
- Lawn and landscape destruction from tunnels, runways, and mounds
- Root and bulb damage in gardens and planting beds
- Chewed irrigation lines and buried utilities
- Trip hazards from raised turf and collapsed tunnels
- Increased predator activity when populations grow unchecked
Why Burrowing Pests Show Up
- Irrigated turf and soft, workable soil
- Dense ground cover and mulch that provide shelter
- Edible plantings, roots, and bulbs
- Greenbelts, canal corridors, and unmanaged landscape edges
Activity is often highest during seasons when soil moisture is consistent, but damage can occur anytime conditions are favorable.
Our Burrowing Pest Control Process
1) Inspection & Species Identification
- Survey turf, garden beds, fence lines, and landscape edges
- Identify mound shape, surface runs, and feeding patterns
- Locate active tunnels and travel routes
- Map areas of recent and ongoing activity
2) Targeted Removal
Control methods are matched to the pest and the active location:
- Gophers: Trap sets or tunnel placements at fresh plug lines and active burrows
- Moles: Main-run traps placed in straight surface tunnels between mounds
- Voles: Exterior stations along edges combined with burrow treatments and habitat reduction
This targeted approach avoids unnecessary blanket treatments and focuses on where pests are actively moving.
3) Prevention & Habitat Adjustments
- Recommendations to protect beds and root zones (such as tree guards or underground barriers)
- Irrigation guidance to avoid oversaturation
- Ground cover and mulch management to reduce shelter
- Follow-up visits to confirm inactivity and prevent re-infestation
Preparing for Service
Before We Arrive
- Flag fresh mounds or surface runs seen in the last 24–48 hours
- Mark or describe irrigation lines, drip zones, and pet areas
- Mow or trim overgrown borders to expose runways
- Pause sprinklers the morning of service
- Unlock gates and secure pets
After Treatment
- Keep children and pets away from flagged areas and devices
- Avoid collapsing tunnels for 48 hours
- Adjust watering schedules to mornings only
- Maintain clearance between turf, beds, and dense ground cover
- Watch for new activity and report it promptly for follow-up
Prevention Checklist
- Thin mulch and dense ground cover near foundations and fences
- Protect vulnerable plantings with underground barriers when practical
- Correct low spots and excessive irrigation
- Remove dropped fruit and bulky yard debris
- Mow regularly and edge beds to expose vole runways
Gopher, Mole & Vole Control Near You
We provide burrowing pest control for residential and commercial properties throughout southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon.
Start here: Ada County • Canyon County • Owyhee County • Payette County • Gem County • Malheur County
Ready to Protect Your Lawn?
Fresh mounds, raised tunnels, and clipped grass rarely resolve on their own. Early, targeted intervention helps prevent widespread damage and repeat infestations.
Contact us online or call 208-795-3298.
Pestcom Pest Management
16201 N 20th St, Suite 110, Nampa, ID 83687
Mon–Fri 8–5
Licensing: All services performed by Idaho State Department of Agriculture–licensed technicians; continuing education maintained with ISDA.
Our Three-Step Process
-
Same-Day InspectionOur technicians are familiar with the way that gophers, moles, and voles move and the signs they leave behind. A lot of the damage from these pets takes place underground, and it can be difficult to understand the extent of the problem without the knowledge and proper tools. During the inspection, our technicians will:
- Identify which pest(s) species is causing the problems in your yard
- Locate the gophers, moles, or voles in or around your home
- Search yard for any vulnerabilities or entry points
Using the information from the inspection, we create a treatment plan designed to effectively remove all gophers, moles, or voles from your Boise area home.
-
Gopher, Mole, and Vole Treatment for Your Home
Gophers, moles, and voles can cause extensive damage to your yard. Your need to partner with a trusted pest removal company to eradicate these dangerous pests from your property. At Pestcom Pest Management, we use the latest, most effective treatments available. On the day of treatments, this is what you can expect:
- Our specialists will arrive promptly at your home ready to get to work
- We use proven treatments and methods to get rid of gophers, moles, and voles
- Inspect the home to ensure all pests were properly removed
Pestcom Pest Management is your No. 1 source for gopher, vole and mole removal. Do not hesitate one minute longer – contact Pestcom Pest Management today to get rid of these rodents and wildlife from your property and eliminate the possibility of any more damage.
-
Mole, Vole, and Gopher Prevention
If you want to make sure these pests never return, you should consider our prevention services. We will return on a regular basis to perform inspections. With our trained eye, we will be able to notice any warning signs of gophers, moles, and voles, and we will be able to take care of the problem before you notice any lawn or landscape damage.
When you partner with us, you will never have to see another gopher, mole, or vole in your yard again.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 208-795-3298 today!
-
Do you monitor after it’s resolved?Yes - monitoring and rechecks can be added, especially for canal-adjacent lots, open-field edges, or foothill neighborhoods.
-
How many visits are typical?Initial setup + 1-2 follow-ups resolves most homes; severe cases may require additional checks and sealing.
-
Will I need interior service or just exterior for rodents?We service both - interior where activity is present and exterior to stop new entry and pressure.
