Gopher Control
Do you need to get rid of gophers? We can help!
Gopher Removal Strategies
Gophers can be a significant nuisance, causing extensive damage to lawns, gardens, and underground utilities. If you’re struggling with a gopher problem, it’s crucial to employ effective control methods to prevent further damage. At Trutech Wildlife Service, we provide reliable gopher control solutions to help you reclaim your lawn and garden.
Gophers are burrowing rodents found across the U.S. They’re the largest of the common rodents that tunnel through urban and suburban yards. That means they can cause extensive damage. Not only can they put numerous dead patches in your lawn in one night, but they’re also known for causing expensive damage at commercial farms.
Gopher Problem
Signs of a Gopher Infestation
Recognizing the signs of gopher activity is essential for taking appropriate control measures and differentiating from other burrowing pests.
The most obvious signs of a gopher infestation are gopher holes and burrows. Freshly dug mounds of soil in a crescent or horseshoe shape are primary indicators of gopher activity.
Other signs of gophers include damage to your lawn and garden. Gophers eating roots as they tunnel will cause serious vegetation damage. Your lawn will begin to have yellow runways that mimic their tunnel routes. Flowers and vegetables will turn yellow and die as their roots have been eaten.
Dangers of Gopher
Gophers damage lawns, gardens, and structures with their burrowing and dietary habits. Both large-scale irrigation and small sprinkler systems can be rendered ineffective by rodents. Some species of gophers are also disliked for their readiness to kill conifer seedlings and saplings by eating the roots of the trees.
Tunnels dug beneath driveways, paths, sheds, and house foundations can cause structural weaknesses and upheaval.
Gopher tunnels weaken the soil structure, causing erosion, uneven ground, and water drainage issues. The holes pose a tripping hazard to people and pets.
Extensive tunneling crossing throughout your lawn makes it nearly impossible for a homeowner to know exactly where a gopher is.
Gopher Control for Your Yard
Gopher Inspection
Individuals should not expect to see gophers inside buildings, though they may take up residence in lawns with appropriately textured dirt. Soils that are loose and frequently watered attract them, while hardened and thick clay-like soil repels the pests. Property owners usually become aware of infestations when they encounter gopher mounds left over from burrowing, which usually have distinctive crescent shapes. These mounds are plugged to keep intruders out and measure about 10 inches across.
Gopher Control
Trapping takes time and money and can result in failure if not done by professionals. Trutech gopher removal experts should be called to take care of any existing problems. Our detailed assessment of properties ensures all existing gophers are taken care of. Trutech associates ensure pest problems are treated with the best possible care.
Gopher Exclusion
Following up inspection is essential after gopher treatment. If new activity is found, we will perform another round of gopher control. Gopher exclusions include skirting around fencing and structures in yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many animals leave holes in your yard. Gopher holes span 12 to 24 inches in diameter and are telltale signs of infestation. They are typically surrounded by mounds of dirt that resemble crescent moons and may appear to be plugged, though gophers use them regularly to enter and exit their underground burrows. When gopher infestations are present, property owners will find several holes accompanied by moon-shaped mounds around yards.
Landscape damage is the most apparent problem associated with gopher holes in lawns, as the mounds hinder upkeep and kill vegetation. The pests’ diet also cause issues since they feed on various garden crops, shrubs, and trees. Additionally, as gophers must constantly gnaw to keep their teeth at a manageable length, they may damage expensive water lines and sprinkler systems imbedded in the ground.
There are a number of ways to prevent the pests from foraging through backyards, including fences and barriers. Unfortunately, these gopher deterrents are usually ineffective since the rodents can burrow beneath obstacles.
Though there are some ways to deter these pests, there are no registered gopher repellents. Property owners can try moth crystals and noise devices, but neither has been proven to work.
Gophers gain access to gardens by digging expansive burrows underneath fencing or simply wandering onto personal property. The pests use the gardens as sources of food, as they typically contain their favorite meals. Gophers forage for the roots and bulbs of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other domesticated plants.
Gophers thrive in a variety of soil types, including the dirt found in yards. They create burrows underground where they then spend much of their time. As such, property owners rarely see adult gophers, even when infestations are present in yards. Instead, individuals will notice mounds of displaced dirt, typically shaped like horseshoes, around burrow entrances. On rare occasions, property owners may also spot gophers feeding along the edges of these openings.
