durbin@uiucuxc.CSO.UIUC.EDU (08/15/86)
Sounds like moles. They are much smaller than gophers, and are
very common. Gophers (groundhogs here) are tougher and much larger
than a cat or small dog. They burrow deep, so I'd say it must be moles
you have, and they sure can ruin a yard or garden fast.
They best way to get rid of gophers is with a good shotgun or rifle.
It may take 2 or 3 shots, and if you have a dog, keep it away because a
gopher can tear some mean gashes.
The moles can be taken care in several ways. They feed on grubs that
can be found in the roots of your grass, just beneath the surface, and just
burrow from grub to grub. One way to be rid of moles is to have the yard
treated to kill off the grubs. It works--no food, no moles--and the move to
the neighbors. An old trick is to put human hair in several parts of the
tunnels, the scent will drive them away (I've never tried it but many will
guarantee this method). One other thing to do is to get a couple of good
cats for the outside. They will kill the moles, but they often will leave
the dead mole on the back step, and they will remain long after the moles
are gone. The mole traps might work, but in putting them in, the human
scent will get on them, and they might aviod the area. (the scent on the
trap won't be as strong as the hair to drive them away.
Good luck in getting rid of those pests!
--_-stauffer
BLEAH!