Teg Blog & News

Gophers can wreak havoc on your Fresno, CA, lawn with their burrowing habits, causing significant damage to your yard's overall aesthetics and health. As they create extensive tunnel systems underground, gophers uproot grass and plants, leaving unsightly mounds of soil scattered throughout the lawn. These mounds can be tripping hazards and make mowing or maintaining the property difficult. Additionally, gophers feed on the roots of plants, causing them to wither and die, leading to bare patches and uneven growth. The destruction caused by gophers for homeowners in Fresno can result in an unhealthy and unattractive lawn, requiring extensive repairs and restoration efforts. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Identify Gopher Activity

The first step in gopher control is identifying their presence. Look for freshly dug mounds of soil throughout your yard, often in a crescent or horseshoe shape. Gopher holes typically have a characteristic shape with a plugged or raised entrance. Gophers are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, so observing their activity during these times can help confirm their presence.

2. Maintain a Clean and Tidy Yard

Pruning your yard is an important preventive measure against gophers. Remove debris, fallen leaves, and piles of wood or rocks that can provide hiding spots for gophers. Trim shrubs and vegetation near the ground. Reducing the available shelter and food sources can make your yard less attractive to gophers.

3. Install Underground Barriers

Installing underground barriers is an effective method to prevent gophers from invading specific areas of your yard. Use hardware cloth or wire mesh to create a barrier around garden beds, trees, and other vulnerable areas. Dig a trench around the perimeter and bury the barrier at least 2 feet deep to prevent gophers from burrowing under it. Ensure the border extends above the soil surface to deter gophers from climbing over it.

4. Use Gopher Traps

Trapping is a common and effective method for gopher control. Various types of gopher traps are available, including box and cinch traps. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper placement and baiting. Set the traps near gopher tunnels, wearing gloves to minimize human scent. Check the traps regularly and remove any captured gophers. Trapping is a humane method that allows you to remove gophers without chemical pesticides.

5. Consider Repellents

There are several natural repellents available that claim to deter gophers from your yard. These repellents usually contain ingredients like castor oil, garlic, or other strong-smelling substances that gophers find unpleasant. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and apply the repellents as directed. Remember that the effectiveness of repellents may vary, and they may need to be reapplied periodically.

6. Seek Professional Gopher Control Services

If your gopher problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to call in professional gopher control services. Experienced pest control companies specializing in gopher control have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to eliminate gophers from your property effectively. They can assess the extent of the infestation, implement targeted control measures, and provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure long-term gopher control.

7. Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies

Integrated Pest Management is an environmentally conscious approach that combines multiple control methods to manage pests effectively. In the case of gopher control, IPM may involve a combination of trapping, barrier installation, habitat modification, and ongoing monitoring. By implementing an IPM approach, you can achieve sustainable gopher control while minimizing pesticide use and promoting your yard's overall health.

Gopher control is crucial to maintaining a beautiful and safe yard for Fresno, CA homeowners. The Experienced Gardener offers reliable and effective gopher control services that can help eliminate these pesky rodents from your property. Don't let gophers ruin your lawn or garden any longer - contact The Experienced Gardener today and take back control of your outdoor space.