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Gophers
Gophers are burrowing rodents living and feeding almost
entirely underground. Generally, they eat roots and bulbs. However, they can
also eat plants that they pull down into their burrows. Gophers can kill vines,
shrubs and trees by eating most of their root system. Roses are very vulnerable
to gophers. Plants damaged in this
manner usually wilt, sometimes only on one side. Pocket gophers are solitary and
fiercely territorial, so only one gopher inhabits a run system at a time.
Gopher runs or burrows are between 6 to 18 inches below the
surface. The first sign of gophers is a fan-shaped mound of fresh, finely
pulverized earth in a lawn or flowerbed. The hole is usually off to one side of
the mound. It is important to know where the entrance hole is, so that you are
sure the problem is gophers. Moles make similar mounds, but the entrance to a
mole hole is in the center of the mound not off to one side.
Suggested solution
There are a number of solutions for gopher problems. Traps
are probably the most effective solution. You should probe to find the main
runway and then dig down to expose a section of it. The main runway will connect
the surface holes. Once you have exposed a section of the main runway, you
should place two traps in it, facing into the hole on each side of your
excavation. Use a chain or wire to fasten the traps to a stake on the surface.
This prevents the gopher from pulling the traps deeper into the burrow. When the
traps are in place, spray them with WD40®, to
remove any traces of human scent. Place carrot tops in the traps to act as a
bait and place a board or soil over the area to block all light.
Check the gopher traps frequently and clear the tunnels if the gopher has pushed
soil into the trap. Each time you inspect a trap, it is important to repeat the
process of spraying the traps to remove scent and adding fresh bait.
Gopher bait can also be used to eliminate gophers. However,
care should be taken when using this method as baits can be hazardous to other
animals and care should be taken to ensure the bait is not spilt on the ground.
To use the bait you must find the main runway by prodding around. Once you have
the main runway, the bait can be placed in it.
How to prevent Gophers
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Wire mesh on the base of raised beds can be an effective way
to keep gophers out of vegetables.
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Mesh baskets can also be used when planting new shrubs. These
baskets line the holes with wire mesh and will deter gophers.
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Emitters that send out a high frequency pulse into the ground
can also be placed in the ground to discourage gophers.
Products we sell at Cambria Nursery & Florist to control Gophers
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Traps
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Gopher bait
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Noise emitters
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Wire mesh baskets
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Cambria Nursery and Florist
