Pocket Gopher Control
Animal Pest Management Services
Pocket gophers (Tomomys spp.), so named for their fur-lined
cheek pouches located outside their mouths, are burrowing rodents.
They are serious and difficult
to control pests for both the agricultural and landscape industries,
as well as for the homeowner. Pocket gophers destroy vegetation
and wiring; lower the aesthetic value of the landscape; and create
safety hazards due to foot, ankle and leg injuries.
Additionally, their burrowing activity
on slopes causes erosion and can be a major factor in slope weakening
and instability that may ultimately lead to slope failure in
a number of recent litigation cases in California.
Control
Selection and timing of the proper control method are the most
important factors in controlling gopher populations.
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| Macabee Trap | Box Trap |
Products used for control can
be very hazardous if used improperly and must be used according
to label directions, as with all pesticides, and require a restricted
materials permit.
Large Scale Problems
Controlling gopher infestations on a large scale basis is
difficult and requires the development of a site-specific plan
that will allow for both reducing the existing infestation to
a maintainable level and the implementation of a continuous service
program to prevent future reinfestation problems.
Control strategy is different for
every site and involves researching and evaluating many variables
that must be considered before implementing any program. Experience
is essential to considering these factors and formulating a control
program that will be the most effective for the situation.
Biology
A thorough understanding of gopher biology and habits is necessary,
to a successful control program.
- They are medium sized rodents, with their head and body ranging
in size from 68 inches (1520 cm) long, have powerfully
built upper body, a short neck, short legs, long clawed forefeet
and two pairs of large incisors protruding beyond the mouth.
- They have a short and sparse tail and whiskers.
- Their fur color is highly variable, ranging from dark brown
to very light tan.
- Pocket gophers do not hibernate and are thought to be active
year round even with snow on the ground.
To request more information please click here or call:
| Animal Pest Management Services,
Inc. (800)344-6567 (909)591-9551 FAX (909)590-1435 |
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Serving all of southern california with four locations! |
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| Corporate Office: 13655 Redwood Court Chino, California 91710 |
Orange County Office:
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| Riverside County PMB 446 31855 Date Palm Drive Cathedral City, California 92234-3100 |
Los Angeles/Ventura County 3541 Old Conejo Road Suite 115 Thousand Oaks, California 92360 |
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