You’ve worked hard on your yard. Whether it’s a lush green lawn, a garden full of veggies, or just a clean space to enjoy, it’s part of your home. But there’s one underground menace that can ruin all that in a flash—gophers.
These small burrowing rodents may be out of sight, but they leave a trail of destruction behind. The good news? You don’t have to wait until your yard is wrecked. If you know what to look for, you can spot early signs of gophers and take action before the damage gets out of hand.
Let’s break down how to spot the trouble early—and what to do next.
1. Look for Fresh Mounds of Dirt
The most obvious sign of a gopher in your yard is a mound. Unlike moles that create volcano-shaped hills, gophers push dirt out to the side. Their mounds are typically crescent or fan-shaped and have a plug of dirt on one side.
If you start seeing multiple fresh mounds pop up overnight, especially in a line or pattern, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a gopher tunnel system.
Tip: Check for new mounds in the morning. Gophers are most active during early hours and late in the day.
2. Watch for Wilting or Dying Plants
Gophers feed on roots. If your plants or grass suddenly start to wilt, die off, or seem loose in the soil, the roots underneath may have been chewed through.
This kind of root damage doesn’t always show right away. But if your plants are struggling and you can’t see a reason above ground (like not watering or pests on the leaves), the issue may be underground.
3. Soft or Sinking Spots in the Lawn
If parts of your yard feel soft underfoot, or if you notice small sunken spots in the grass, that could mean tunnels below. Gophers dig a network of burrows, and over time, those tunnels can collapse or create weak spots in the surface.
Walk around your lawn every few days and pay attention to how the ground feels. You might catch a tunnel before it causes more damage.
4. Pets Acting Unusually in the Yard
Your dog or cat might notice a gopher problem before you do. If they’re suddenly sniffing or digging in specific spots, or barking more in the yard, they could be picking up on movement or scent underground.
This isn’t always a sure sign of gophers, but it’s worth investigating—especially if it lines up with other signs.
5. Chewed Utility Lines or Irrigation Issues
In some cases, gophers can damage underground cables, pipes, or sprinkler systems. If you start having issues with irrigation not working properly or find evidence of chewed tubing, there may be a burrower to blame.
This is one of the more expensive forms of damage, so catching it early is important.
Why Acting Early Matters
Gophers are solitary but extremely efficient. One gopher can dig hundreds of feet of tunnels in a short period. And because they breed quickly, an unnoticed problem can turn into an infestation.
The sooner you spot signs of gophers in your yard, the easier it is to get the problem under control. Early action means less damage, fewer repairs, and a better chance of keeping your outdoor space intact.
What You Can Do About It
If you’ve seen one or more of these signs, it’s time to act. You can try some basic deterrents, like:
- Installing underground wire mesh around garden beds
- Using natural repellents like castor oil granules
- Removing food sources like root vegetables and dense plantings
But in most cases, gophers are persistent—and hard to get rid of completely without help. That’s where we come in.
Genuine Pest Control Can Help
At Genuine Pest Control, we know exactly how to deal with gophers in your yard. Our team is trained to identify active tunnels, use targeted treatments, and help prevent future burrowing.
We’ll inspect your yard, come up with a plan, and take care of the issue without harming your landscape. Whether you’re dealing with your first gopher or you’ve been battling them for a while, we’ve got your back.
Let’s Save Your Yard Before It’s Too Late
The best defense against gophers is knowing what to look for. If you catch the signs early, you can protect your yard before the damage spreads.
Keep an eye out for mounds, wilting plants, soft patches, and changes in pet behavior. And if you spot anything suspicious, reach out. We’ll help you figure out what’s going on and take care of it quickly and safely.
Contact Genuine Pest Control today to schedule your inspection. Your yard deserves to be gopher-free—and we’re here to make sure it stays that way.
