Description
Pocket gophers (also known as just gophers) are rodents that measure 7-10 inches long and adults can weigh anywhere from 1-2 pounds, males being larger than females and nearly double the weight. Pocket gophers have brown fur that closely matches the color of the soil they live in. Pocket gophers are most known for their large cheek pouches. They have small eyes and ears, and a short and hairy tail. Pocket gophers are built for burrowing underground and each of their characteristics help with navigation through the subterranean soil.
Pocket gophers are burrowing rodents and will spend most of their lives underground. Their burrows are constructed by digging a mail tunnel up to 18 inches below the ground and then excavating a series of lateral tunnels that branch off the main one. This method keeps the pocket gophers protected as they forage for food and raise their young.
Habitat
Pocket gophers prefer to make their burrows in loose, sandy soil where the plant growth can act as both food and cover. Lawns and crop fields are ideal nesting areas for pocket gophers. Alfalfa fields are preferred, but these pests will burrow under golf courses, hayfields, and cemeteries. Pocket gophers generally live alone except when raising their young.
Entry and Damage
Pocket gophers are not known to enter homes, but their tunneling activity frequently leads the pest to invade agricultural fields, gardens, and residential lawns. The pocket gophers favorite eating choices are plants, roots, shrubs, and trees. Although they spend most of their time underground, the damages they create are highly visible and unsightly. Their diet results in destruction of gardens and flowerbeds. Pocket gophers can damage water lines and sprinkler systems with their digging and gnawing, and disrupt the flow of water. Heavily infested areas can have a population density of 60 gophers, or more, per acre.
Trapping and Removal
Wildlife Management Services technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable on pocket gopher removal and prevention. We will ensure safe and humane methods of removal for pocket gophers.
Control and Safety
Effective and efficient pocket gopher control will include underground barriers that will keep the wildlife away from gardens and other food sources. This prevention technique can be expensive, and safety precautions should be taken into account, as these pests may bite if threatened or handled. Wildlife Management Services can handle control and prevention safely and effectively, keeping these rodents out of your yard and away from your vegetation.
We will get rid of your pocket gopher problems, call us today.
Wildlife Management of Minneapolis Service Area
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Apple Valley, Eagan, St. Louis Park, Stillwater, Woodbury, Mound, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Plymouth, Wayzata, Burnsville, and Their Surrounding Areas
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