Gophers
Why do I have Gophers?
Rich soil/recent landscaping
Gophers prefer loose, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter because it’s easier to dig through and supports the growth of the plants they love to eat.
Freshly disturbed soil, like from recent landscaping, is more inviting to gophers because it's easier to tunnel through and may expose more roots. Gophers often take advantage of newly prepared soil as they search for food.
Try this: Try castor oil or oil based repellents to move gophers away, this may not be a solution but might give some relief.
location/shade coverage
Some areas naturally have higher gopher populations. If you live in a region with a dense gopher population, it’s more likely they’ll find their way into your yard regardless of specific features.
Gophers are often more active in shaded areas, as it provides a cooler environment for them to work in. A yard with ample shade from trees or structures might offer a favorable climate for gophers, encouraging them to settle.
Try This: If location is a problem it usually means there is an abundance of gophers in your area that are not being managed.
abundance of food
Gophers are highly attracted to gardens rich in root crops like carrots, potatoes, beets.
Root vegetables are particularly inviting because they are nutrient-dense and offer gophers a convenient underground food supply that’s easy to reach.
Additionally, edible perennials, which regrow annually, create a lasting food source that encourages gophers to stay in the area long-term.
Try This: Hold off when possible on your gardening so that they no longer have a food source available to them.
Can I Do It Myself?
While DIY pest control for gophers is feasible, it can come with challenges. Two effective methods are using castor oil-based repellents and setting up vibrating stakes.
However, maintaining the effect can be tricky, as it often requires repeated applications, especially after rainfall or irrigation, which can wash the repellent away.
Vibrating stakes are another option, creating ground vibrations that disturb gophers. Yet, these stakes may be limited in range and might not cover larger areas effectively.
DIY efforts often demand patience and consistent upkeep to prevent gophers from returning, which can be labor-intensive.
P.S. Gophers are a difficult pest to DIY due to ineffective methods available that are meant to give relief to symptoms instead of resolving the issue.
When to call a professional?
If your efforts aren’t effectively controlling the gophers, or if you notice extensive damage such as multiple mounds and widespread tunneling, it’s a good time to call a professional.
Gophers can cause significant harm to lawns, gardens, and even structures by uprooting plants and disrupting soil stability.
Professionals have specialized tools and treatments, such as burrow fumigants and targeted baits, which are often more effective for large infestations.
Additionally, they can assess the situation to prevent future invasions, providing a longer-term solution that DIY methods may not achieve.
P.S. Gophers are especially resilient and if a mound has been taken care of there is often another gopher willing to take that space. Having a singular gopher is not usually common.
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