Gopher Extermination Hiring A Trapper

Gopher Extermination Hiring A Trapper

Gopher extermination and gopher exterminators: Things you should know

We have a section on gopher trapping, but it is not for everyone. In fact, most people probably don't want to play the role of gopher exterminator. Gopher extermination is not for everyone.

If you decide not to trap gophers, you can always hire a gopher exterminator to do it for you. There are a few things you should know before you make the call. Of course, all the same caveats apply that normally apply with other service providers, but there are a few others to consider.

• Let your gopher exterminator know of your problem as soon as you see a problem. Early detection is important for the best gopher extermination. Calling him out when there is nothing but two week old mounds will probably not be productive for you or the trapper.
• Do not disturb mounds or tunnels. Treat the area as though it were a crime scene! Every bit of information is important, and can be a clue to the critter's activity. For instance, we can tell where a gopher came from by following back the mounds from the freshest to the oldest. All information is relevant.
• When the trapper set traps or bait, please do not let pets or children into the area, and do not disturb the area. Not all weather conditions are equal. For example, in colder or wetter weather, they may tunnel deeper, and exhibit less activity. For this reason, the trapper may choose not to trap on some days.
• Trapping or baiting will not cure the problem forever. New gophers and moles will eventually pop up. This is particularly true if they also exist in your neighbor's property. Gophers and moles do not understand property ownership. They do not care where your property begins, and where your neighbor's property ends. You can expect a return visit unless you take some action to prevent them.
• Trapping is the most effective means of gopher extermination. There are other methods, a biological method for moles, and poison grain for gophers. Most other methods are far less effective, some downright dangerous, and others fall into the category of snake oil.
• A two step gopher extermination program can be effective when properly initiated and carried out. Trapping the existing ones, and baiting existing tunnels near likely points of entry. Baiting with poison grain, gives some mixed results, and could possibly be dangerous to family pets, but under some circumstances, can be effective.
• The only effective means of prevention is to install a barrier. This can be done, but can be rather expensive. If you should attempt this yourself, please locate all gas, power, water, communication, and irrigation lines before proceeding.
• The gopher exterminator will probably offer to provide you the opportunity to see any critter he traps, as evidence. If you want to see the evidence, you should let him know beforehand, so he can save it for you. You will also need to let him know where you want to store your gophers or moles, as they do not travel or store well!
• Finally, the cost should be considered. The price for trapping may seem a little high, but when it is compared to the cost of renovating a lawn, the expense pales. Your trapper may be making a living at his trade, but he is probably not getting wealthy. If he has a "stop fee", or "trip fee", it should be understood that he, like the plumber, or electrician, is coming to your home to perform a task. Calling him out when there are no fresh mounds will probably result in no animals trapped, and he has already spent time and money to get to your location.?

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