Do I Have a Gopher Problem in My Yard?

Signs You May Have A Gopher Problem

“Great green globs of greasy, grimy, gopher guts…” should already be some indication that gophers are not pleasant creatures to have around, especially in your property. These burrowing rodents (that get their name from the fur-lined, external cheek pouches, or pockets, they use for carrying food and nesting material) can substantially ruin your property in a short amount of time.

If you grow garden crops, ornamental plants, vines, shrubs, and trees, they are likely to get eaten by gophers. Not only do these rodents feast on vegetation, but they can also damage plastic water lines and installed reticulation systems because they like to gnaw on plastic. Likewise, it’s worth noting that these rodents don’t stop — they work all-year round for their insatiable appetite.

They’re a big concern, no doubt, but perhaps many of you are asking, “Do I have a gopher problem in my yard? Is it possible that the damage was caused by other kinds of pests?”

Here’s how you know if gophers are ruining your landscape.

Aside from actual sightings of gophers, you’re likely to see gopher mounds in different parts of your yard. These are mounds of fresh soil created when gophers dig tunnels and push loose soil to the surface. Pest control specialists say that the mounds are often crescent- or horseshoe-shaped when viewed from above. Also, the plug of gopher mounds is typically off to one side of the mound.

Some folks mistake mole mounds for gopher mounds. However, mole mounds have a more circular shape; plus, their plug is in the middle. In profile, they are volcano-shaped because unlike gophers that really burrow deep, moles commonly burrow just beneath the topsoil. That’s why there’s a raised ridge which they use, by the way, to mark their path.

Once you’ve properly established that pocket gophers are the ones wreaking havoc in your yard, immediate action should be taken in getting rid of them. Pest control specialists have a number of methods provided below for controlling your gopher problem:

• • Trapping

• • Toxic baits like Strychnine-treated grain and anticoagulants

• • Fumigation

• • Exclusion

• • Natural Controls (you can use predators like cats and dogs)

• • Habitat Modification

• Repellents

These gopher control methods vary in efficiency though, so that’s something to consider. Another thing you may want to take into account is how these methods can impact your property’s dynamics. For example, fumigation will require you to vacate for a while due to the toxic gases; is this something you want to do? Toxic baits, meanwhile, may seem to be too cruel. Think about these things first and reach out to the local pest control professionals at AAI Pest Control so that the gopher control efforts done on your property can be thoroughly effective.