How can I determine what type of pest I have? .. and what to do?

I live in coastal NC and have noticed that not only are my well maintained oleanders are looking damaged (more so towards the bottoms) but that there are multiple sand hills in my yard (which is also fairly well cared for). Whatever it is is strong enough to push up small rocks from below the grass. Do I have voles or moles or something? And if so.. what to do? I prefer to be organic if possible.



Thanks!

How can I determine what type of pest I have? .. and what to do?
Contact your Cooperative Extension agent for your county. It may be faster to do a Google search for North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and then follow it to your county, than trying to find their phone number in the book.



The agent there can help you ID your pest and may have a booklet on how to eliminate it.
Reply:I would take a picture of the sand hills with a ruler or yardstick in the photo to demonstrate the length and height of the hills. Then take the photo to one of these several options to get their expert opinion and advice on determining the pest and the remedy:



Contact your local Cooperative Extension office and ask to be directed to a "Master Gardener" for help with the pest problem. Help and advice is almost always available free of charge as Master Volunteers donate their time and knowledge to their community.



Or you can take it to either a nursery to get an opinion, though only the better ones will employ a Master Gardener.



You can try a nearby University to see if an "Entomologist" (bug specialist) is on staff to identify it for you.



As a last resort, you can usually find an entomologist on staff at one of the larger nationwide pest control companies such as Truly Nolan, Terminex or Orkin who for a small fee (sometimes for free) will identify it for you.



It sounds like it could be a mole, vole or even a very small groundhog to me. However, a picture will usually tell us what is going on. Best of luck!