To get an animal out of a burrow, effective and often humane methods include flooding the tunnels, using live traps, or applying natural deterrents to encourage the animal to leave and relocate.
When animals like gophers, moles, groundhogs, or even larger creatures create burrows on your property, they can sometimes cause damage or become a nuisance. The goal is typically to encourage them to vacate their current dwelling safely.
Understanding Burrowing Behavior
Animals create burrows for various reasons, including shelter from predators and weather, raising young, and storing food. Their presence can sometimes lead to damaged landscaping, gardens, or structural issues, making removal a priority for many homeowners.
Effective Strategies for Animal Removal from Burrows
Several methods can be employed to safely and effectively encourage an animal to leave its burrow. The choice of method often depends on the type of animal, the extent of the burrow system, and local wildlife regulations.
1. Flooding the Burrow
One of the most direct methods to encourage an animal to leave its burrow is by introducing water into its underground network. Pouring water into burrows and causing flooding to their feeding and traveling tunnels will drive them to the surface. These animals will then fearfully dash elsewhere in search of safety. This immediate inundation makes the burrow uninhabitable, prompting the animal to emerge and seek a new, dry location. This approach is particularly effective for smaller burrowing animals.
- How to implement:
- Identify the main entrance and any visible secondary exits of the burrow system.
- Insert a standard garden hose deep into one of the primary entrances.
- Turn on the water to a moderate, steady flow, allowing it to gradually fill the tunnels.
- Keep an eye on all entrances and exits for the animal to emerge.
- Be prepared for the animal to quickly surface and move away in search of an alternative shelter.
2. Live Trapping and Relocation
Live traps offer a humane way to capture and then relocate an animal to a more suitable environment.
- Steps for success:
- Identify the species: Knowing the animal helps in selecting the correct size of trap and appropriate bait.
- Strategic placement: Position traps near active burrow entrances or along clear travel paths the animal uses.
- Effective baiting: Use bait specific to the animal's diet (e.g., vegetables/fruits for herbivores, pet food or fish for omnivores/carnivores).
- Regular monitoring: Check traps frequently (at least every few hours) to minimize stress and ensure the animal's well-being.
- Safe relocation: Once captured, relocate the animal several miles away to a safe, natural habitat, adhering to all local wildlife regulations. Consult your local wildlife authority for specific guidelines.
3. Natural Repellents and Deterrents
Certain scents, sounds, or physical deterrents can make a burrowing area less appealing, encouraging animals to move on without direct intervention.
- Common deterrents:
- Castor oil solutions: A mixture of castor oil and water can be sprayed into burrows to deter moles and gophers.
- Strong scents: Pungent substances like garlic or peppermint oil, or even commercial predator urine (e.g., fox, coyote), can signal danger or simply make the area undesirable.
- Vibration devices: Solar-powered sonic or vibratory stakes inserted into the ground can create constant disturbances that discourage sensitive burrowers.
4. Professional Fumigation
For extensive or persistent infestations, particularly with rodents, professional fumigation might be considered. This method involves introducing gas into the burrow system. Due to the nature of the chemicals and the need for precise application, this is generally performed by licensed pest control professionals who can ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations. It is not a recommended DIY approach.
5. Exclusion and Prevention
Once an animal has been successfully removed, implementing measures to prevent future burrowing is essential for long-term control.
- Physical barriers: Install buried hardware cloth or mesh fencing around garden perimeters or building foundations to block entry.
- Habitat modification: Eliminate attractants such as fallen fruits, accessible pet food, or dense vegetation that provides cover and food sources.
- Regular maintenance: Fill in abandoned burrows promptly and maintain a clean, well-kept yard to make your property less inviting.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
- Humane treatment: Always prioritize methods that cause the least stress or harm to the animal.
- Personal safety: Wear protective gloves and other gear when handling traps or repellents, as wild animals can carry diseases or inflict bites and scratches.
- Legal compliance: Be aware of and follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding wildlife removal and relocation. Contacting your local animal control or wildlife agency is recommended.
- Avoid direct confrontation: Do not attempt to physically handle or confront a wild animal.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
If you are uncertain about the animal species, the burrow system is extensive, or if you prefer not to manage the situation yourself, contacting a professional wildlife control service is the best course of action. Professionals possess the necessary expertise, equipment, and permits to handle animal removal safely, humanely, and legally.
Summary of Burrow Animal Removal Methods
| Method | Description | Best For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooding | Introducing water into tunnels to force animals out. | Moles, Gophers, Voles | Quick and direct; ensures animal seeks new shelter; requires monitoring for emergence. |
| Live Trapping | Capturing animals in a cage for humane relocation. | Most burrowing mammals | Humane but requires frequent checks, proper baiting, and adherence to relocation laws. |
| Natural Repellents | Using strong scents or vibrations to deter animals from the area. | Moles, Gophers, Voles | Slower-acting, requires consistent application; effectiveness can vary by species. |
| Professional Fumigation | Introducing gas into burrows by licensed experts. | Rodents, specific burrowing pests | Highly effective but requires professional expertise, careful handling, and strict safety protocols; not a DIY method. |
| Exclusion & Prevention | Installing physical barriers and modifying habitat to prevent future burrowing. | Long-term solution for all burrowing animals | Most effective after current animals are removed; requires ongoing maintenance. |
By employing these methods thoughtfully and safely, you can effectively manage burrowing animals on your property.
