Pocket gophers are known for causing damage to lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. If you do not deal with them on time, their activities can lead to expensive repairs. Their activity also changes with the seasons, influenced by things like temperature, food availability, etc.
Spring and early summer are when they are most active. They forage more to support their young and dig new burrows. In the colder months, gophers slow down, but they may still cause damage. They are easier to spot during the summer.
In order to understand pocket gophers and how to remove them effectively from your property, hire a pest control professional. Experts know what the right course of action is when it comes to infestations, whether they are mild or extreme. Visit now to book an inspection.
Understanding Pocket Gopher Behavior By Season
Pocket gophers do not hibernate. Instead, they change their activities with the seasons. It is important to understand their activity by season to know when they are the most active and when is the perfect time to remove them.
During the spring season, from March to June, they are busy finding food, mating, and raising their young ones. This is why this is the best time to address the gopher problem. You are more likely to find newly made mounds when they build fresh tunnels. This is the perfect time to place baits as they are closer to the surface.
During the summer, from July to August, gopher activities slow down. They often dig deeper to stay cool and find moisture. But you can still control them, although it takes more time and patience.
Coming to the fall season, which starts from September and ends in November, the weather cools down, and food becomes harder to find. Therefore, gophers start to look for food more to store enough for the upcoming winter season. You might see more surface activity again, making fall another good time to take action and avoid damage later on.
Finally, during the winter season, from December to February, gopher activity slows down again. Winters are harsh for gophers, so they stay somewhat underground and mainly feed on roots. Winter is the most difficult time to control them because they are deeper and less visible.
As you see, timing is everything when it comes to pocket gophers.
Why Timing Matters For Gopher Control
The process of getting rid of gophers becomes a lot easier when you do it at the right time. They are the most active in the spring and the fall, and they are more likely to come on the surface then. It is the best time to place traps and bait to catch them.
These seasons also give you a good chance to see if your past treatments have worked and if you need to apply more.
On the other hand, trying to get rid of gophers during the winter can be really difficult. They are not as active as they are in the summer. Therefore, they are not closer to the surface for the bait and traps to come.
Why Hiring A Professional For Gopher Control Helps
Dealing with any pests on your own can be tough, and things can become particularly complex when it comes to pocket gophers. If you think getting rid of them only requires setting up a trap during the summer and fall seasons, you might have another thing coming.
This is why it is best to rely on professionals when it comes to pest control. They are trained for the job they are doing and have the complete knowledge and tools. They can work safely enough to protect your and your family members’ health.
Most importantly, professional care ensures the problem does not come back. Call a pest control company today.