Presents: Gophers

6 to 10 inches long

o Gophers reach sexual maturity at about 1 year of age and can live up to 3 years. o Gophers feed on roots they encounter while digging. o They will surface feed around 6-10 inches from their tunnel opening. o They lead an almost total subterranean life, except: to push dirt out seek new territory to graze o Gophers pull vegetation into the tunnel from below. Gopher Introduction

The gopher's lips can be closed behind the four large incisor teeth to keep dirt out of its mouth when it is using its teeth for digging.

o Gophers do not hibernate and are active year-round. Fresh mounding may not be seen. o They can also be active at all hours of the day. o They may occur in densities of up to 16 to 20 gophers per acre. Gopher Behavior

o Females produce 1 to 3 litters per year. 5 to 6 gophers per litter o Breeding usually occurs in late winter and early spring. o Don’t irrigate! In irrigated areas females can have up to 3 litters per year. Under irrigated conditions they can breed year-round. Litter size may be as high as 10. Gopher Reproduction

o Burrows extend 6 inches to 6 feet in depth depending on climate and are 2.5 to 3.5 inches in diameter. o Burrows are generally plugged to keep temperature, humidity and even predators out. o Territories range from: 200 square feet for young gophers 2200 square feet for old established gophers o Non-social except during breeding season. Intruding gophers are violently repelled. Gopher Burrows

o Each gopher can push one to three mounds per day. o The mounds give an indication of areas with the greatest feeding or nesting activity.

Gopher Burrows (A) Seen from above: Shaded portions are filled with excavated soil (B) Vertical profile: Showing nest and food chambers

Do Not Bait These Areas Gopher Nest Feeding Hole

o Gophers gnaw plastic water lines, lawn sprinkler systems and yard lights. o Their tunnels can divert and carry off irrigation water and lead to soil erosion. o Mounds on lawns interfere with mowing equipment. o Mounds ruin golf course aesthetics of well-kept turf grass. o Gophers can cause problems with driveways made of interlocking pavers. Damage

Damage to hill slopes Damage to weed control cover

Landscape pavers sinkingDamage around paving stones

Damage to Sprinklers

Mole TrapsGopher Traps

Locating Runways

Kills Gopher Bait is a first generation anticoagulant rodenticide.

Bait Placement

First Aid

o Many mammals, large birds, and snakes eat gophers and depend on their activities to create suitable living conditions. o Salamanders, toads, lizards and other creatures take refuge in unoccupied gopher burrows. o Gophers offer free soil aeration, and help with improved quality of soil. Benefits of Gophers

Questions?