How to Keep Gophers Out of Your Garden

A gopher is a small burrowing rodent that is known for damaging gardens, yards, and agricultural landscapes. Gophers dig extensive underground tunnels, causing soil displacement and destroying plant roots. They are especially active in Southern California, including Calabasas, where their burrowing habits can wreak havoc on your lawn, garden, and landscaping. If you’re dealing with a gopher problem, pest control Calabasas CA is essential to protect your property and keep your garden thriving.

5 Key Elements on How to Keep Gophers Out of Garden and Yard

To protect your garden and yard from gophers, consider implementing the following strategies, or contact Calabasas pest control experts for professional assistance:

1. Install Underground Barriers

  • Use wire mesh or hardware cloth buried at least 12 inches deep to block gophers from tunneling into your garden. The mesh should be fine enough to prevent gophers from squeezing through.

2. Utilize Gopher Repellents

  • Natural repellents such as castor oil or predator urine can discourage gophers from invading your property. These repellents disrupt their digestion and make your garden less attractive.

3. Plant Gopher-Repellent Vegetation

  • Certain plants, such as garlic, lavender, and marigolds, naturally repel gophers due to their strong scents. Planting these around your garden can help deter gopher activity.

4. Trap Gophers

  • If gophers have already infested your yard, setting traps in their tunnels can help capture them. Use appropriate traps and check them regularly to avoid leaving dead gophers in the ground, which can attract new pests.

5. Regular Lawn Maintenance

  • Keep your lawn and garden free from excess debris, as it provides shelter for gophers. Maintaining a tidy garden makes it less likely for gophers to take up residence in your yard.

How to Get Rid of Gopher Holes in Your Yard

Gopher holes can damage your lawn and create tripping hazards. Here’s how you can effectively deal with them using gopher control methods:

1. Fill the Holes

  • To block gophers from returning, fill their holes with a combination of soil and gravel. Tamp it down firmly to make it difficult for gophers to dig through.

2. Seal the Tunnels

  • If the gopher tunnels are extensive, consider placing large rocks or bricks over the entrances to block their paths.

3. Use Smoke or Gas

  • Smoke bombs or carbon monoxide can be used to force gophers out of their tunnels. This method requires caution as it can be dangerous to pets and wildlife.

Gopher Poop: What You Need to Know

If you’re trying to figure out if you have gophers in your garden, gopher poop is a key sign of their presence. Gopher droppings are small, cylindrical, and dark brown or black in color. They are typically found near their tunnels or burrows. If you spot gopher poop in your yard, it’s a good indication that they’re living under the surface, and it’s time to take action. For effective solutions, consider pest control Calabasas to address the issue and prevent further damage to your garden.

Professional Gopher Control Services in Calabasas

Dealing with gophers can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can protect your garden and yard. If you’re dealing with a persistent gopher problem in Calabasas, don’t hesitate to reach out to Facility Pest Control. Our team specializes in professional gopher control, offering a range of services from trapping and barrier installation to expert repellent treatments.

Call us today to schedule a consultation and keep your garden gopher-free!

FAQ: People Also Ask

Q: How can I tell if I have gophers in my yard?
A: Gophers leave behind distinctive signs, including dirt mounds and small, cylindrical droppings. You may also notice wilting plants or damaged roots due to their tunneling underground.

Q: How do gophers damage my garden?
A: Gophers tunnel underground, feeding on plant roots. Their burrowing can cause severe damage to your garden, including uprooted plants, dead flowers, and damaged irrigation systems.

Q: What is the best way to keep gophers out of my garden?
A: Installing underground barriers, using gopher repellents, and planting gopher-repellent vegetation are all effective ways to keep gophers out of your garden.

Q: How do I get rid of gopher holes in my yard?
A: Fill gopher holes with a combination of soil and gravel, or seal the tunnels with large rocks or bricks. You can also use smoke bombs or carbon monoxide to force the gophers out of their tunnels.

Q: How much does gopher control cost in Calabasas?
A: The cost of gopher control varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of your yard. Contact Facility Pest Control for a free estimate and tailored service in Calabasas, CA.