2. Pocket
Gophers,
Biology
Trapping &
Baiting
This course is about Pocket Gophers
and their biology. It will provide
information regarding inspections,
treatments, and necessary
information regarding the practical
application of IPM techniques for
their eradication. The focus will be on
educating technicians about proper
control while explaining the proper
identification of these pests, and
symptoms of infestation.
4. Biology
Pocket Gophers are burrowing
rodents that get their name from
their fur lined external cheek
pouches. Gophers use them to
carry food and nesting materials.
There is one on each side of their
face.
•Pocket Gophers are medium
sized rodents ranging from 5-14
inches long.
5. Biology
•There a 5 species that are
common to California but the
most common is “Bottas
Pocket Gopher.”
•Their fur is very fine and
soft with colors ranging from
nearly black to light brown to
almost white.
Although at times gophers
can be seen throwing dirt
from a burrow or peeking
out, they spend most of their
time underground.
6. Biology
•Gophers are very well
adapted to their
environment, and are
accustomed to living
underground. Pocket gophers
are herbivorous and feed on a
wide variety of vegetation,
but generally prefer
herbaceous plants, shrubs,
and trees. Gophers use their
sense of smell to locate food.
Most commonly they feed on
roots and fleshy portions of
plants they encounter while
digging.
7. The Underground Lifestyle
They have a short neck with a head that is small and flattened. This is part of
their adaptation so that they move more easily underground.
Their forepaws contain large claws that assist with digging.
They have small external ears, and small eyes
They have lips that close behind their large incisors so that they may use them
for digging and not get a mouth full of dirt.
8. The Underground Lifestyle
•They have highly sensitive facial whiskers to assist movements underground.
•They commonly feed on roots and the fleshy portions of plants, but may go
one body length out of the burrow for nearby food.
•They have small external ears, and small eyes.
•Lateral tunnels are used to throw dirt from the tunnel but may not be reused
however the main burrow system will continue to be used over and over.
Mounds of fresh soil are the best sign of a gopher's presence. Gophers form
mounds as they dig tunnels and push the loose dirt to the surface. Typically,
mounds are crescent- or horseshoe shaped when viewed from above. The
hole, which is off to one side of the mound, is usually plugged.
10. Trapping
For smaller infestations the use of
traps should be considered.
•Two common brand names are
the Victor easy-set and the
Macabee Trap.
•The common name for this style
of trap is the 2 pronged pincer
trap.
•In some instances however this
may not provide the level of
relief that the customer might be
expecting.
11. Considerations
for baiting
•Trapping may be very
unsuccessful if the pressure
from neighboring properties is
too high, or if the customer’s
tolerance level is too low.
•Baiting should be done in the
most effective way that will
limit the use of the bait within
reason.
•Baits should be applied at the
label rate, and never more.
12. Considerations
for baiting
•Baits should never be applied
to areas restricted on the
label.
•Example: labels for products
such as ZP oat bait say not
use the product in areas
where runoff will likely occur.
•The entire label must be read
however, more restrictions
can be found in the label, and
reading the entire label is the
law.
13. Considerations
for baiting
•Always avoid situations where
poisoning of non-target pests
can occur.
•If a dry bait product is spilled:
The best solution is to clean it
up and then use it for normal
treatment.
14. Baiting
•First locate areas of gopher
activity by finding fresh
mounds that can be identified
by their dark moist soil.
•Use the gopher probe to
identify the main runway.
Remember: bait placed in the
main runway has a better
chance of being eaten than
bait placed in a lateral tunnel.
15. Baiting
•The Main runway can be
found by probing about 8 to
12 inches from the plug side
of the mound.
•It is usually 6 to 12 inches
deep.
•You will notice a drop of
about 2 inches when you
finally hit the gopher burrow.
16. Baiting
•Several brands of baits can be used such as ZP (which comes with
different carriers), Gopher Getter (several active ingredients), and JT
Eaton’s Answer.
•Which bait you use isn’t as important as where you put it
•If gophers continue to show up in the same areas consider switching
to another bait with another attractant.
17. Baiting
•It is more likely that the gophers weren’t attracted to the bait, then
they were immune to it.
•New gophers reuse old runs, so consider when a treatment appears
to be ineffective whether the bait didn’t work or if it did and new
gophers infested.
•Always stuff the holes you make with newspaper or the bait may
become lost in the dirt, or unattractive to the gophers.
18. Final Thoughts
Consider drawing a map
of the property. Include
hot spots, and suspected
areas of ingress. This will
help you identify new
areas, and areas with
continuing issues.
Make a mental note of
what products have been
used, and verify with your
office previous products
used when problems
persist.
19. Final Thoughts
Your probe should always
be in working order
because you need it to
feel for the gopher runs.
Remember that traps
need to be checked
consistently.
Change your techniques
as needed, remember
that gophers are tricky.
20. •The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the
purpose of providing specific information. American Pest CEUS
does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and
references to them in this publication do not signify our
approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable
composition. All chemicals should be used in accordance with
directions on the manufacturer's label. Use pesticides safely.
Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label.
21. You have completed the course.
•You are ready to take the quiz and receive your credit.
•You must have a score of 70% or better.
