For Gopher Problems –
We’ve Got Answers!

We Get Rid of Gophers.

Pocket Gophers are the most common gophers and can tear up a landscape in no time!

Fresh gopher mound and vent holes forming in grass.

GOPHERS FACTS

• Gophers present serious problems for property owners year round.

hidden

• They tend to be most severe in the spring and fall and in locations with rich, moist
  soil.

hidden

• Gophers are vegetarians capable of quick and extensive destruction to roots, seeds,
  bulbs and other landscape plants

Squirrels and gophers can cause hundreds, even thousands of dollars in property damage. Ground squirrels and gophers burrowing under improvements can create serious problems.

• Gophers eat approximately 60% of their body weight per day.
• They favor tree bark, particularly that of stone fruits, and can girdle trees.

Damage caused by gophers include:

• Economic losses in lawn and garden plantings, such as valued roses.
• Destruction of young trees and crops.
• Erosion that may undermine, offset or crack structures such as walkways and in-ground
  pools.

As squirrels and gophers burrow, they damage roots, kill plants, and ruin landscapes. Gophers will pull down your prized plant – right by the roots!

• Psychological stress, knowing that your property is constantly being damaged by out of
  control gophers
• Wild attempts at self-treatments, leading to severe ground pollution and poisoning of
  non-target animals.

With both structural and landscape / agricultural licensing, Hearts Pest Management has been able to bundle effective treatment for gophers and squirrels with a variety of home and garden services.

We offers a two stage solution, involving a remediation program and warranty for the existing gopher infestation, followed by a maintenance program due to the potential for re-infestation from neighboring yards, canyons or fields.

Due to regulatory changes from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), residential properties, hospital, day care and day care grounds can no longer be treated by ground fumigation, with the exception of athletic fields. In non-residential settings, ground fumigation can occur when treatments are done 100 feet beyond inhabited structures.

While this ruling makes treatment more difficult, more time consuming and expensive for both customers and your pest control company, we support this new EPA ruling enacted to further safeguard the public.

See this EPA announcement on the use of aluminum phosphide.

Can you get rid of squirrels?

Absolutely!

SQUIRREL FACTS

Burrows can run long and deep. Squirrels breed once per year in winter and early spring, having litters of 6-8 members.Colonies can include several dozen members. During the depth of winter and for shorter periods in the heat of summer, squirrels will go into a hibernating state.

Squirrels are primarily herbivores, eating grasses, fruits, vegetables and roots. They cause significant damage to crops and home gardens. But they also can cause enormous damage by burrowing through wires and pipelines, as well as undermining foundations and general erosion.

Squirrel tunnels can cause the ground to be unsafe for walking.

Stepping in a squirrel or gopher burrow could cause you to fall and potentially be injured.

Squirrel control is geared to the seasonal life-cycle. In the spring and fall, baiting can be very effective, as squirrels are heavily feeding on seedlings during this time. Timely treatment during ground nesting periods is very effective. Resting and feeding patterns will determine the best combination of baiting, trapping and fumigation to achieve optimal control.

Ground fumigation, while highly effective, has come under intense control and regulation for good reason. Instructions for homeowners are very important to create a partnership, with rules for controlled access to treated areas.

Once treatment is completed, it is best to destroy the tunnel system. Simply closing up holes will not stop squirrels from re-engineering the tunnels. Removing access to food and hiding places friendly to squirrels will also help to keep the infestation from reoccurring.

California Voles are not very common but do sometimes find their way into a landscape.

Signs of voles occasionally found in southern California.

 

Gophers are invading a groomed horse run. Imagine the possible damage to this prized horse, not to mention the rider, from a perilous fall into a gopher hole.

Hearts has been providing reliable service for gophers and squirrels for many years. We are a true solution provider, partnering with you and the people you care most about.Our gopher and squirrel services are discounted when combined with general pest control.

Nuisance Pests?

Gophers and squirrels are more than nuisance pests. They can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your landscape. Don’t forget that they can also cause serious injury to people and pets. This is particularly problematic for the elderly, children who run and play, heavy individuals and pets.

Call Hearts Pest Management, the pest control company that knows how to treat gophers and squirrels, while protecting the ones you love. Don’t let your pet or loved one damage an ankle or have a bad fall due to gopher activity.