Gopher it! These little earth-moving mammals may be out of sight, but they’re certainly not out of mind – especially for homeowners who find their yards riddled with unsightly mounds of dirt. But before you grab the shovel and declare war, let’s dig a little deeper (pun intended) and learn more about these fascinating subterranean residents.

Gopher Geography: A Burrowing Bunch

There are over 35 species of gophers in North America, with pocket gophers being the most common. These industrious burrowers are found throughout the western half of the United States, particularly in grasslands, prairies, and desert regions. While they’re not exactly social butterflies, gophers tend to live in close proximity to each other, creating elaborate underground tunnel systems.

Gophers are most active during the day. They spend most of their time underground, burrowing tunnels and searching for food. Speaking of food, gophers are herbivores, with a particular fondness for roots, tubers, and bulbs. Their sharp incisors are perfectly adapted for gnawing through tough vegetation.

Fun Fact:  Gopher’ make sounds that are so high-pitched that humans can’t actually hear them!

Signs of a Gopherly Guest

If you suspect you have a gopher living rent-free in your yard, there are a few telltale signs to look for:

• Mound Mania: The most obvious sign of gopher activity is the presence of mounds of dirt. These expelled piles of earth, often volcano-shaped, mark the entrance and exit points of their underground tunnels.
• The Lawnmower Massacre: Gophers love munching on roots and tubers, which can wreak havoc on your lawn. Patchy, uneven areas or dead spots in your grass could be a sign of gopher activity.
• Tunneling Terror: If you see small holes or depressions in your yard, it might be the work of a burrowing gopher. These openings can also pose a tripping hazard.

Gophering It for Love: Breeding Season

Gopher breeding season varies depending on the species and location, but it generally occurs in the spring and early summer. Gestation periods are typically around 4 weeks, and females can have up to 5 litters per year! The young gophers, called pups, are born blind and hairless, but they develop quickly and are ready to venture out on their own within a few months. This reproductive pace allows gophers to repopulate quickly but not nearly as fast as other neighborhood pests like roof rats or even the common field mouse!

Gopher-Proofing Your Property: Keeping Your Yard Gopher-Free

Gophers can be persistent critters, but there are ways to deter them from taking up residence in your yard. Here are a few tips:

• Fortify Your Fortress: Exclusion is key! Installing a physical barrier, like metal mesh fencing, around your property line can help to prevent gophers from burrowing in.
• Plant Power: Certain plants with strong root systems, such as marigolds and castor beans, are said to deter gophers. While the effectiveness of this method is debated, it might be worth a try.
• Trapping Tactics: When dealing with a large population of gophers, trapping becomes the best option to address these underground pests. While live trapping is possible, the effectiveness of them is extremely low. Most often resulting in the need to use lethal traps that humanely dispatch the gopher.

Living in Harmony with Our Subterranean Neighbors

Gophers may be out of sight, but when you are dealing with them in your yard… they are far from out of mind. Gophers may be a vital part of our natural world but as we convert more ranches into housing developments, they can become more nuisance than help. Prickly Pear can help you to coexist peacefully with these fascinating burrowing creatures.