Why Gophers Keep Coming to Your Boise Yard

Gophers are rodents that can be found throughout Idaho that no one should have to deal with. They are troublesome pests that cause damage throughout your property. They can be hard to get rid of. Especially with all of the construction going on in Idaho, there are many gophers running around. If you are seeing gophers in your yard, keep reading, then give Averse Pest Control a call and we will come and get rid of the gophers from your property!

Gopher Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Gophers?

Pocket gophers, or simply gophers, are burrowing rodents that can be found throughout your yard. They dig tunnels and burrow underground, forming mounds of dirt in your yard. Gophers are usually 6-10 inches in length

Physical features of a gopher include:

• large-clawed front paws
• fine, short fur that is usually brown or gray
• small eyes and ears
• highly sensitive facial whiskers
• teeth that keep growing, making them perfect for chewing on things

Where will I find gophers?

You will find gophers in your yard, garden area, and flower beds. They will also burrow in pastures and fields. Because they feed on roots, shrubs, and trees, your yard is an ideal place to live. 

Because of all of the construction happening in neighborhoods and on roads, gophers are more active. If you are in a new build area, or if you are doing construction on your property, you may see more gophers than others.

You may not ever see a gopher, but you can detect their presence from the mounds they form when digging around your yard. Gopher mounds are crescent or horse-shoe shaped when viewed from above. The hole, which is off to one side of the mound, is usually covered in dirt.

Why are gophers a problem?

Gophers do not hibernate, but are active year round. Even though you may not see as many mounds during the winter time, they can still be active, both day and night. 

Pocket gophers often invade yards and gardens, feeding on many garden crops, ornamental plants, vines, shrubs, and trees. A single gopher moving down a garden row can inflict considerable damage in a very short time by pulling entire plants into their tunnel from below. In snow-covered regions, gophers can feed on bark (called girdling) several feet up a tree by burrowing through the snow, although most girdling damage to trunks and large roots occurs below ground.

Gophers also gnaw and damage flexible plastic water lines and irrigation systems, particularly those types used for drip irrigation. Their tunnels can divert and carry off irrigation water, which leads to soil erosion. Mounds on lawns interfere with mowing equipment and ruin the aesthetics of well-kept turfgrass.

How do I get rid of gophers?

Get rid of gophers fast with the help of the pest professionals at Averse Pest Control. No one wants their yard torn up by pesky rodents.

We know how frustrating gophers can be, and we want to help. We offer fast response times and effective, eco-friendly pest control solutions. Our professionals will work with you to customize our services to meet your individual needs and ensure that we completely solve your pest problems. 

If you need to get rid of gophers from your Boise home or commercial property, choose to call the local professionals at Averse Pest Control!

How can I prevent gophers in the future?

To successfully control gophers, the sooner you detect their presence and take control measures the better. Prevent problems with gophers by partnering with Averse Pest Control and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Protect small areas such as flower beds by complete underground screening of the bed's sides and bottoms
• Underlay the soil of raised vegetable or flower beds with mesh wire to exclude gophers
• Remove weedy areas adjacent to yards and gardens, as well as other possible food sources, to create a buffer strip of unsuitable habitat
• You can sometimes use flooding to force them from their burrows, enabling you to use a shovel or a dog to kill the rodent