Gophers are found in Arizona, establishing extensive underground networks that can impact landscapes. These rodents are common across various habitats. Understanding their presence is key to addressing potential issues.
Common Gopher Species in Arizona
Arizona is home to several species of pocket gophers, all belonging to the genus Thomomys. The most widespread species is Botta’s Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae), also known as the Valley Pocket Gopher. These rodents typically measure five to seven inches long, excluding their short, sparsely haired tail, and possess pale to dark brown fur. They are characterized by a wide head, small eyes and ears, and strong, clawed front feet suited for digging.
Botta’s Pocket Gophers are named for their external, fur-lined cheek pouches, used to transport food. Their large incisors are exposed even when their cheeks are closed, allowing them to dig without getting soil in their mouths. These gophers inhabit a wide range of Arizona’s landscapes, including deserts, grasslands, agricultural areas, and higher elevations. They are found throughout the Sonoran Desert region, particularly in areas with easily dug soils such as riparian zones, washes, farms, and golf courses.
Recognizing Gopher Activity
Identifying gopher presence involves observing specific indicators on the ground. The most distinct sign is the presence of fan-shaped or crescent-shaped mounds of fresh soil. These mounds typically have a plugged hole, the gopher’s filled-in entrance to its burrow system. This shape helps differentiate gopher mounds from those created by moles, which are often more circular and volcano-shaped with a central plug, or from open ground squirrel burrows.
Gophers create these mounds as they excavate their underground tunnel systems. The tunnels can extend for many yards, with main runways often six to eight inches below the surface; depth varies with soil type. Other indicators include plants that appear wilting, stunted, or have disappeared, as gophers feed on roots and can pull entire plants underground. Faint rustling or scraping sounds may be heard underground, indicating their movement.
Approaches to Gopher Management
Addressing gopher presence involves various strategies, often combining methods for effectiveness. One approach involves creating physical barriers to prevent gophers from accessing desirable plants or areas. This can include burying wire mesh or hardware cloth around garden beds or valuable plants, extending at least 12 to 24 inches deep and several inches above ground to block their tunneling. For individual plants, wire mesh baskets can be placed around root balls during planting.
Deterrents, such as certain plants or ultrasonic devices, are sometimes considered, though their effectiveness varies. Trapping is a widely used method for direct control, with various types of traps placed within active gopher tunnels. Successful trapping requires locating the main tunnel system and strategically placing traps. For extensive gopher activity or when other methods fail, professional pest control services offer expertise and specialized equipment. Managing gopher populations can be challenging due to their subterranean lifestyle and widespread presence.