As the spring season unfolds, winter is in the rearview and new growth begins to unfold. Plants begin to wake up from their winter slumber as the warm weather returns. The arrival of spring also brings about the resurgence of gophers. These burrowing rodents, known for their voracious appetite and destructive digging habits, can destroy lawns, gardens and landscapes in short order.
The Spring Surge:
Spring is a time of regrowth with lush vegetation, tender shoots and nutrient rich soil that attracts gophers in search of food and shelter. As the days lengthen, gophers become increasingly active in an effort to feed and breed. The damp soil makes it easy for gophers to excavate new tunnels and we see a significant amount of new activity during these months.
One of the primary drivers behind the surge in gopher damage is spring is the availability of fresh vegetation. Gophers are herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants, roots and tubers. Spring provides tender shoots and newly sprouted plants for gophers to forage on.
Spring also shows an increase in breeding activity. Males will compete for territory and increase their network of tunnels. This increase in activity shows in lawns, gardens and landscapes throughout the Chico area.
Managing Gopher Damage:
Physical Barriers: Installing underground barriers is a great way to reduce gopher damage. Wire mesh and hardware cloth can be very effective.
Trapping: Trapping is the most effective measure of control. Traps can be placed in the areas of most recent activity and the problem can be eliminated quickly. Norcal Trapping offers several trapping strategies tailored to each home or property.
Conclusion:
As spring unfolds and gophers become increasingly active, it is important to have a plan in place to mitigate damage. Norcal Trapping offers proactive strategies to protect your lawn, garden and landscape from gophers and moles. We service Chico, Paradise and Durham weekly. Give us a call today to discuss the best gopher control strategy for your home.
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