Gophers in Northwest Oregon: What To Know

What Exactly Is A Gopher?

It might sound silly, especially on our part, to begin by stating that gophers can actually be pretty cute critters — that is, until they’re tunnelling through your yards. Five types of pocket gophers inhabit Oregon, with the camas, western, and northern pocket gophers being the most common species in the northwest region of the state. 

The camas is the largest and, despite being herbivores, most vicious but all three are ready to flee predators at a moment’s notice. Like most animals, their appearance changes with the seasons — fur growing longer in colder months and shorter and lighter in color as the weather warms. 

Gophers’ large, clawed paws equip them for building their extensive tunnel systems approximately four to 12 inches underground. For this reason, gophers are terrific at aerating grass and soil, despite the less-than-desirable aesthetic appeal these holes and tunnels leave. They get the name pocket gopher because of their extra-large cheeks in which they carry food and other supplies.

How To Spot a Gopher On Your Property

The great thing about gophers is you’ll know when they’ve moved in. Piles of fresh grass and soil will sit next to the holes they’ve dug for their tunnels. You might catch them in the act, but gophers are skittish creatures and will most often flee if you come to close. The camas gopher is more likely to be caught in the act, due to its size and protective nature. Western and northern pocket gophers are much smaller in size. 

While all three species are known for their tunneling, how they construct them is different and some careful inspection will help you — and pest control — know which type of gopher you’re sharing land with.

Is Gopher Control Really Necessary?

The passages gophers build are mostly harmless, unless you operate a farm —  which, in Northwest Oregon, is more common than you may think. Gophers’ tunnels damage the roots of plant life and, in turn, cause a serious economic impact on your business, whether you operate a vineyard, a cherry orchard, or something in between. Even for Oregonians not in the agricultural industry, gophers can cause other problems on your land. The holes through which they enter their underground world can be up to two feet in diameter and accidentally stepping or tripping over one could lead to a physical injury, like a sprained ankle.

But controlling gophers doesn’t equal total annihilation. There are natural, humane, and non-toxic methods to get your gopher problem in check. For instance, setting traps in their tunnels signal to these mammals something is amiss and, when triggered, gophers often relocate their habitats. Another natural method for gopher control is through the invitation of a barn owl, which some of you may already have if you’re operating a farm. Barn owls prey on gophers and are nature’s deterrent. Baiting gophers is another option, but this approach can not only harm these animals, but also disturb plants and wildlife on your land.  

It’s your decision whether to rid your property of gophers and, with the help of pest control, decide the best course of action. As these creatures are small and not carnivorous, they’re unlikely to harm you personally, but we can’t guarantee the same for your plants or lawn. Contact us today to learn more about gopher pest control.