There are many pests that your Phoenix pest control team has to deal with on a regular basis, but few are as much of a nuisance as gophers. You can avoid these unwanted rodents by implementing the proper gopher pest control methods. But you still need to know what to look for. Use our quick guide to help you keep your property safe.
Signs Of Gopher Activity: How To Spot Gopher Mounds And Tunnels
Gophers are far from subtle rodents and leave clear signs in your yard that can tell you it's time to schedule a gopher control appointment. Here's what to look for to determine if you have gophers or some other type of rodent in your yard or garden.
- Visible mounds in the yard: Gopher mounds look like raised patches of loose dirt and can pop up anywhere in your yard or garden beds. The mounds themselves can be both tall and spread out or small; it all depends on the number of gophers you have and the amount of time they spend excavating under the soil in those areas.
- Visible lawn damage: Gophers eat roots and plants as they burrow through the dirt, resulting in visible dirt tracks or tunnels through your lawn.
- Seeing live gophers: Gophers tend to grow from 5 to 14 inches long and are brown. Most have small eyes and ears and short tails, making them look distinctly different from mice and other rodents.
If you see any signs of gopher activity in your yard, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with a technician specializing in gopher control in Phoenix.
Underground Hazards: The Risks Of Gopher Tunnels And Burrows
Though gophers aren't known to spread diseases or bacteria throughout your yard or landscaping, they can still pose a hazard and will seriously damage your plants and garden. These are a few of the risks you'll expose yourself to if you ignore the problem:
- Damaged plants: Gophers are vegetarians and feed on plants, roots, and tubers. Once they start nibbling, it will expose your plants to an increased risk of disease and damage.
- Underperforming trees: Gophers can be overly ambitious and can cause underperforming growth in your trees and even lead to premature death.
- Damaged lawns: When gophers tunnel through the dirt, they disturb the soil beneath your lawn, which can cause low areas and bare spots and make your yard look less pristine.
The damage may be cosmetic, but it can still make your yard look less impactful and, depending on the extent of the damage, can force you to spend hundreds of dollars trying to get your landscaping to recover.
Gopher-Proofing Your Yard: Effective Strategies For Gopher Prevention
Though there's no substitute for professional pocket gopher control, you can do a few things to keep gophers from causing havoc in your garden. Here are two proven tips to help you keep these rodents out:
- Install underground fencing: By burying your fencing several feet beneath the soil, you'll create a solid barrier between your plants and even the most determined gophers.
- Spread gravel underground: Gravel is one of the most effective gopher control devices at your disposal. Spread gravel around sprinkler lines and utility cables to reduce your risk of damage.
When combined with professional treatments, these tips can help you keep gophers out of your yard.
Professional Gopher Control: Expert Help For Gopher Infestations
If you're worried about gophers in your garden, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with a home pest control expert at Uni-Tech Pest Control. Our team understands which gopher control methods work and which will leave your yard vulnerable to further infestations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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