Phoenix, Arizona’s Gopher Removal and Control Exterminator Service
ID /Biology / Behavior:
The Gopher is a medium-sized, burrowing rodent 5-14 inches in length (head to tail), with very fine, soft fur ranging from nearly black to pale brown to almost white colors; adult males are bigger than fully-grown females. The Gopher is named for their fur-lined pouches – used to carry food – outside both sides of the mouth.
Gophers have strong forequarters, diminutive necks and small, flat heads. Their forepaws end in large claws with lips close behind their large teeth – both spectacular adaptations for living underground. Gophers have diminutive external ears and undersized eyes which makes them highly dependent on their sense of touch. Their whiskers are very sensitive to touch and assist Gophers in traveling about their dark tunnels. The tail acts as a “radiator” assisting in thermoregulation for Gophers; it is sparsely haired and also serves to guide their backward momentum.
Habitat:
Gopher Control is necessitated when damage occurs caused by these rodents including (but not limited to) destruction of underground cables / pipe, consumption of forage by earthen mounds, or annihilation of lawns and gardens. Gophers may also damage trees and roots through burrowing.
Prevention Tips / Treatment:
Because of cost and inadequate feasibility, exclusion is of little use. Fencing of ornamental shrubs or landscape trees may be justified; the fence should extend downward at least 18 inches with 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch hardware cloth mesh small enough to exclude these rodents.
Commercially available sonic devices claim to repel Gophers; however, no scientific supporting evidence exists. Plants such as Caper Spurge, Gopher Purge, Mole Plant and the Castor-Oil Plant have been advertised as Gopher repellents, but there is NO evidence of their effectiveness. Additionally, we do not recommend them; they are POISONOUS to humans and pets!
Our technicians are proficient in Gopher Control. Let us serve as your Gopher ‘repellent.’ We can customize a Gopher Control program specifically for you – based on your property and any Best Gopher Control in Phoenix AZ issues.
For more information about Gopher Control in Phoenix or to receive a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, proposal for your review – call 24/7 (855) 469-2887 [855-GO WATTS].
We only use S.A.F.E. (Sustainable. Advanced. Friendly. Effective) Products - WATTS Pest Prevention is committed to being environmentally responsible. Our products are low-impact and approved by the E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency). Rest assured that our professionally applied products (when allowed to aerate and dissipate) are not only environmentally friendly, but children and pet safe also!
- IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Pest Control products, if misused, can potentially poison or otherwise harm you, your children, or your pets.
PLEASE NOTE:Professional pesticides are only permitted for use by your licensed Pest Control professional! When their use is deemed necessary, WATTS Pest Prevention technicians follow stringent policies and procedures governing such use.
We utilize an Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) approach for Arizona Pest Control. This comprehensive approach includes:
- Inspection - Service specialists conduct a thorough inspection of the property.
- Identification - Pests are identified for appropriate control measures.
- Environmental Modification - All possible environmental modification solutions are considered prior to any material application.
- Material Application - When a thorough inspection has been performed, a proper identification has been assessed, and all environmental modification options have been made (if applicable), a material application will be performed in a judicious, environmentally responsible manner.
Wildlife Control addresses a myriad of pests and issues – some apply to city dwellers, some are more suited to those who enjoy country living.
Our professionals are able to resolve any type of wildlife problem that you may encounter. However, for your peace of mind, there are some things you can do, as well. The following list is limited by space. For wildlife not referenced here, please consult with our office staff.
Rabbits
Protect shrubs and young trees with cylindrical wire guards of two or three-foot hardware cloth – several inches larger than the tree’s diameter. During growing season, use a two-foot fence of 1/2–inch galvanized mesh wire.
Raccoons
Garbage should be stored in a stout metal / plastic container with tightly closed lid wired, clamped or tied shut, as necessary. Feed pets inside or only during the day (if outside). Repair any entry points to attics. Use a commercial chimney cap.
Woodpeckers
Cover or repair any existing holes in structure(s). In small holes, squirt a small amount of linseed oil – this kills any insects attracting the woodpeckers. If using visual deterrents, move them weekly to keep the birds from becoming too used to them.
Coyotes
Secure trash containers, wildlife feeders and other food sources; keep small dogs / cats in kennels when outdoors (or supervise); don’t leave pet food outside; keep all pet vaccinations up-to-date; consider coyote-proof fencing.
Gophers
To prevent gopher infestations, using gopher bait is an effective solution. The bait targets both existing and future gophers by eliminating those that consume it, with residual properties that ensure long-term control. Trapping is another option that physically removes gophers, but it doesn’t offer lasting protection once the traps are removed, requiring ongoing maintenance. Installing mesh barriers around desirable plants is a proactive approach that shields vegetation by preventing gophers from burrowing into their root zones. Depending on your situation, a combination of these methods can provide a comprehensive strategy for managing gophers and protecting your landscape.
Rodents
Interior Considerations - Seal holes in walls and around pipes, cables and wires. Seal cracks and crevices with paint or caulk. Seal other holes ¼” or larger. Fix leaky plumbing. Correct excessive moisture problems. Remove clutter. Store Pest nesting material (fabric, paper, rug scraps, plastic, and insulation) in Pest-proof containers. Cap drains in basement floors. Store human and pet food in Pest-proof containers at least 6” above the floor. Maintain excellent sanitation conditions. Dispose of Pest- or Rodent-infested goods. Remove fecal matter (rodents, bats, birds). Sanitize animal fecal matter after removal. Investigate secondary Pest potential from primary Pest infestation (e.g. fleas, mites).
Exterior Considerations - Cut vegetation back from building walls at least 18″. Remove ivy and other vines from sides of buildings or nearby trees. Trim back tree branches that touch or rub against building. Seal and/or repair air conditioning unit(s). Seal holes in walls and around pipes, cables, and wires. Seal other holes ¼” or larger. Install screens on windows and doors if used for ventilation. Weatherstrip entry doors and ensure no light is visible around the perimeter to avoid pest entry. Repair damaged roof. Move compost into Pest-proof containers. Fix leaking irrigation. Eliminate standing water. Maintain properly functioning drains. Maintain order in storage shed(s) and/or garage(s). Store Pest nesting material (fabric, paper, rug scraps, plastic, and insulation) in Pest-proof containers. Store grass seed and pet food in Pest-proof containers. Remove debris, lumber and/or rock piles. Move firewood piles as far away from the structure as possible. Cut grass and eliminate weeds. Remove fallen fruit or nuts. Remove fecal matter (rodents, bats, birds). Sanitize animal fecal matter after removal. Investigate secondary Pest potential from primary Pest infestation (e.g. fleas, mites).
REMEMBER: All pests need 3 things to survive - FOOD, WATER, & SHELTER!
Price Promise - At WATTS Pest Prevention, we are committed to operate in a financially sound manner, considering every cost incurred, in order to provide superior services at extremely reasonable rates to you, our customer.
Product Promise - WATTS Pest Prevention is committed to not only being environmentally responsible with the materials that we use, by utilizing technologically advanced measures such as I.P.M. (Integrated Pest Management) and low impact materials approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and certified with the N.O.P. (National Organic Program), we also choose to conduct our day-to-day business operations with these same considerations toward being environmentally responsible.
Performance Promise - WATTS Pest Prevention is committed to providing a service experience that is not only exceptional and unmatched in our industry, but also custom tailored to meet your specific needs. Did I mention that it boasts an amazing “Pest-Free, Or We’ll Waive The Fee” Guarantee! Simply stated, we have perfected our unique Pest Prevention process!
My PROMISE means your PROTECTION™!
Marc A. Watts Sr.
