Gophers
Pocket gophers are medium-sized, burrowing rodents found primarily in the western and central United States that cause extensive damage to lawns, gardens, and agricultural land. They are named for their large, fur-lined cheek pouches used for carrying food. They live almost entirely underground in extensive tunnel systems and are identified by the distinctive fan-shaped mounds of soil they push to the surface. A single gopher can create hundreds of mounds per year and tunnel through 200 to 300 feet of soil. They are solitary and territorial, defending their tunnel systems aggressively.
Species in This Group (1)
Key Behaviors
Pocket gophers are almost entirely subterranean, rarely seen above ground. They excavate tunnel systems that include deep feeding tunnels, shallow foraging tunnels, food storage chambers, and nesting areas. They feed on roots, tubers, bulbs, and surface vegetation pulled down from below. They plug tunnel openings with soil after use, creating the characteristic crescent or fan-shaped mounds. They are active year-round and can cause significant damage in a short time.
Risks & Concerns
Gophers destroy lawns, gardens, and agricultural crops by severing roots and pulling plants underground. Their mounds damage mowing equipment and create unsightly bare patches in turf. Burrowing undermines irrigation systems, fence posts, and landscape features. They can damage underground utility lines and irrigation pipes. In agricultural settings, they cause millions of dollars in crop and equipment damage annually. Trapping is the most effective control method.
Identification Tip
Gopher mounds are crescent or fan-shaped with a plugged hole to one side, distinguishing them from mole mounds which are conical with a central plug. Gophers eat plant roots and material while moles eat earthworms and insects. Gophers create mounds; moles create raised surface tunnels. The two are frequently confused by homeowners.
Need Help With Gophers?
If you're seeing signs of gophers in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.