AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I was a professional animal damage controller. If you are having problems with squirrels, raccoons, beavers, moles, voles, etc. damaging your property, I can help give you information to resolve that damage. I was an assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology magazine and have published numerous articles as well as two books in this field.
Experience Former assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology; Master's degree in Hebrew Bible (yes I am licensed minister), Past New England Director for the National Wildlife Control Operator's Association. I have published two books, The Wildlife Removal Handbook (rev. ed) and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, and numerous articles. Perhaps a highlight was making the cover of Wildlife Control Technology. I have debated a noted animal rights activist in my own state of Massachusetts on radio and TV. http://icwdm.org
Question QUESTION: Mr. Vantassel,
I live on 5 acres in a rural location in northwestern West Texas. We have only been at this place 2 years in January. At the front of the property adjacent to the farm to market road, we have an infestation of gophers. I've tried poisoning, but am not sure I've done that correctly. I've tried alum and dishwashing liquid dissolved in water and sprayed on the ground (suggested in a book) and have tied a metal rod to the highway sign in the ditch to clang against the post when the wind blows, which is constantly. Cannot say that any of this had any effect, since the gophers are still there.
Trapping is problematic since their runs are about 2 feet deep, which makes digging to them a challenge.
Any advice that will work? I don't mind killing them, but would be happy to run 'em off permanently instead. Thanks--
ANSWER: Gophers
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I am not exactly sure what you mean by gophers because in different parts of the country, gopher can mean moles, pocket gophers, or one of the several ground squirrel species. I can't really provide much advice as I am unclear as to what species you are referring to. You see gopher means different things to different people in different parts of the country.
You may also want to visit http://icwdm.org publications tab to see even more info. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
If you can take images safely, we would love to get them as they help us in our educational mission. Tips on taking better photos can be found at http://www.icwdm.org/Photos/shootingphotos.asp We prefer high resolution, (3 mg or higher). Send to svantassel2@unl.edu or if your e-mail can’t handle large files upload to http://members.icwdm.org
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Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.
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QUESTION: These are not moles, woodchucks, 13 or 9 lined ground squirrels. They are most likely pocket gophers. The ground squirrels we had, I convinced to leave. These animals are 8 to 10 or 12 inches long and make holes about 3-5" in diameter. They do not seem to come to the surface except to push up dirt. If I could see them to get photos, I would not have a problem. Some people think prairie dogs are gophers, but not around here. We have those, too. They are fairly easy to eliminate since we are out in the country. The animals I have do not seem to ever come to the surface, at least I've never seen one if they do. All I ever see is new dirt mounds. Does this narrow things a bit? Thanks for your help.
Answer If they are pocket gophers, then the links to the pocket gopher control information is where you should begin. Digging can be hard work but pocket gophers don't reproduce very rapidly and there are generally only 6-8 per acre under ideal conditions.
So a little trapping can go a long way. By the way, each pocket gopher can move 1 ton of dirt a year.
