1.
Pocket Gophers
Biology, Trapping and
Baiting

2.
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.
 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.
 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.

3.
The Underground Life style
 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.
 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.
 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 horse-shoe-shaped when viewed from above. The hole, which is off to one side
of the mound, is usually plugged.

4.
Gopher Run System

5.
Trapping
 For smaller infestations the use of traps should be considered.
 2 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.

6.
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.
 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 run off 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.
 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.

7.
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.
 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’s
burrow.

8.
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.
 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.

9.
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.
 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.
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.