In the Know: Colorado Gopher Insights
Protect your landscape from underground destruction with expert advice and control strategies for gophers in Durango.
Gophers are solitary, burrowing rodents common in Durango’s soil-rich properties. They tunnel underground—leaving fan-shaped dirt mounds, burrow networks, and damage to lawns, gardens, and irrigation lines. In southwest Colorado, pocket gophers are the most prevalent and destructive species.
Understanding Gopher Behavior in Colorado
These pests dig extensive tunnel systems beneath the surface, often up to 45 feet per month. Their networks consist of main tunnels, lateral runways, nesting chambers, and feeding areas—all of which can cause serious property disruption.
Signs of a Gopher Infestation
- Fan‑shaped dirt mounds scattered across lawns or garden beds
- Soft or uneven spots in soil from collapsed tunnels
- Browse damage to roots, shrubs, or garden vegetables
- Sudden wilting of well-irrigated plants
Damage Caused by Gophers
Left unchecked, gophers can undermine irrigation lines, weaken foundations, and create hazards under sidewalks, patios, or driveways. Their tunnels also attract snakes and burrowing insects, compounding risk and property damage.
Durango Pest Removal’s Gopher Control Approach
Our method includes thorough property inspection, precision trap placement, and safe, humane removal techniques. We use subsurface baiting when appropriate, install exclusion fencing, and conduct follow‑up visits until the colony is eliminated.
Why DIY Often Fails
Gophers can excavate hundreds of feet of tunnel monthly. Store‑bought repellents and sonic devices rarely stop them. Without locating the correct tunnel and setting traps properly, attempts often prolong the infestation while increasing lawn damage.
Gopher Prevention Tips
- Reduce irrigation in high‑risk areas and keep grass trimmed
- Use underground fencing or gopher baskets around gardens
- Remove brush piles or debris that provide cover
- Monitor for new mounds and call experts at first sign
Advanced Visual: Gopher Tunnel Diagram
Gopher tunnel systems typically include a main foraging tunnel, lateral branches to surface vents, food storage chambers, and nesting areas. Tunnels usually range from 1¾ to 3½ inches in diameter and may sit several feet below ground.
Understanding their subterranean layout helps improve control accuracy and reduces missed captures.