Pocket Gophers

Authors

Mark Nelson, Utah State UniversityFollow
S. Nicole Frey, Utah State UniversityFollow
Earl Creech, Utah State UniversityFollow
Kalen Taylor, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jacob Hadfield, Utah State UniversityFollow
Linden Greenhalgh, Utah State University ExtensionFollow
Cory Farnsworth, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jody Gale, Utah State UniversityFollow
Melanie Heaton, Utah State UniversityFollow
Justin Wyatt Clawson, Utah State UniversityFollow
Steve Price, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

7-30-2024

First Page

1

Last Page

11

Abstract

Pocket gophers can damage agriculture and human development infrastructure. In agricultural fields, pocket gophers cause conflicts by directly consuming plants, destroying plants when their soil mounds cover them, and causing premature loss of field stands such as alfalfa, necessitating expensive alfalfa stand replacement. They can chew through electrical, internet, and other utility cables, damaging irrigation pipes, and compromising the integrity of canals and ditch banks. They also cause significant damage to lawns and gardens in urban areas. Understanding pocket gopher habits, especially the burrow system, is the key to effective control. Management methods include trapping, hand or mechanical baiting, fumigation, combustion, and cultivation/habitat modification. This fact sheet reviews methods for effective control.

Recommended Citation

Nelson, M., Frey, N., Creech, E., Taylor, K., Hadfield, J., Greenhalgh, L., Farnsworth, C., Gale, J., Heaton, M., Clawson, J., & Price. S. (2024). Pocket gophers [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.