When home and business owners consider pest remediation, it’s usually because they’re worried about insects. Animals are often an afterthought. But they should be right next to bugs on the list of concerns. Many animal creatures are just as dangerous and destructive as creepy crawlers. In some cases, they are worse. Their larger size, paws, and fangs enable them to wreak havoc. Your personal effects could be ruined. Your San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey property could withstand some damage. Not to mention the health risks associated with these critters.
Gophers are prevalent in this region. It’s important you take time to read about them, so you’ll know what you’re in for if one or more decide to move onto your property. And keep in mind that Smith’s Pest Management can come to the rescue.
How Do Gophers Look & Behave? What Are The Risks?
There are over ten known species of gophers. Most are 5 to 14 inches long and weigh up to 2 pounds. Their thick bodies are covered in white, brown, or black fur. They have small ears and eyes and long claws. People tend to mistake them for groundhogs, but gophers are shorter and not as heavy.
Gophers are outdoor creatures, that spend most of their time digging burrows. This can be a nightmare for farmers and property owners who want to maintain their landscaping. These animals typically feed on fruit, vegetables, grass, and plant roots, including:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Dandelions
- Tulips
- Alfalfa
- Tree bark
Land with abundant clay or particularly moist soil is the most attractive to gophers. Unfortunately, ground damage isn’t the worst possible scenario with these pests. While they primarily live in their tunnels and rarely come in contact with humans, they could still bite and injure you. Further, they can carry ticks and fleas.
Two key gopher infestation signs are gopher dirt mounds and wrecked lawns, fields, and/or crops. Another major indicator is having equipment or piping that’s broken or impaired. These animals will file their ever-growing teeth on just about anything; especially if it gives them water. Their gnawing can lead to punctured cables, tubes, and utility lines.
How Can Gophers Be Prevented?
Gopher deterrence has to be a year-round effort because they are constantly active and don’t hibernate. They can populate in moderately impactful amounts. Perform these tasks to keep gophers at bay:
- Install a hardware cloth perimeter or wire mesh fence that stretches one foot or more beneath the ground. One with a curved bottom is preferable.
- Use gravel or mulch around the perimeter of your property. Gophers have an aversion to it and can’t plow through it as easily.
- Place plants in netted baskets and pots.
- Use raised planter beds for greenery and gardens, and trim matter regularly.
- Pack down the soil to make it too thick to navigate.
What Can Smith’s Pest Management Do About Gophers?
With Smith’s Pest Management, it’s all in the name. We provide an array of solutions for various pests, but gophers top our priorities. Our licensed technicians utilize specially designed baits, traps, carbon monoxide treatments, and humane approaches to get rid of gophers. We have cost-efficient plans that come with recurring visits and guarantees. Our products are environmentally-friendly and safe for humans and pets. Gophers are difficult to combat independently because of their undercover nature, but they aren’t hard for us. Call for a free quote!
