Although gophers may look cute from afar, finding their burrowed holes in your yard can be a frustrating experience. After all, as these rodents get comfortable on your property, they can destroy the lawn and eat up your garden. Over time, their tunnel systems may also weaken the ground, putting any overlying structures at risk of collapse. But while these risks may be unappealing for homeowners, it doesn’t mean you should opt for the most drastic gopher control methods. If this type of animal infestation is affecting your home, here’s why you should choose natural residential pest control over lethal strategies.  

Drawbacks of Unnatural Gopher Control

Unethical

When gophers find their way onto your property, they aren’t intentionally causing any harm. As such, resolving the problem by gassing, drowning, or chemically-spraying their territory is an unnecessarily cruel measure to take. Keep in mind that these creatures simply want to find a home, so they nest at locations where they feel safe.

Hazardous to Pets & Children

Some lethal gopher control tactics could put your loved ones in harm’s way. Specifically, chemical poisons may prove toxic to curious kids or pets who spend time in the yard. Deadly traps may cause serious injury or death to those who aren’t aware of their presence.

Damage Risks

Using fire or water to chase and kill gophers out of their tunnels may be effective, but the damage it may cause won’t be worth it. Sticking a running hose in a hole, for example, could compromise the soil and cause the weakened landscape to collapse at a faster rate. Open flames, on the other hand, could kill roots and wipe out plant life.

Why Natural Gopher Control Is a Better Option

Humane

Live traps are simple and safe solutions for catching gophers. While these containers can lure and hold gophers, they won’t kill the animal. Once the trap is full, all you or your pest control service has to do is relocate the animal to a more appropriate spot away from your home.

Long-Term Prevention

When you kill invasive gophers, there’s a good chance that more will move into their place within a few weeks. Rather than continuously having to invest time into getting rid of these creatures, hire a service that uses natural methods to keep these rodents away. Professionals will install gopher mesh in the tunnels to deter encroaching animals, promoting a more humane solution.

When you want to resolve a gopher problem safely and humanely, turn to the caring professionals at Safeguard Pest Control. Serving the Sutter Creek, CA, community for more than 40 years, this local business is well-versed in natural gopher control methods, including live traps. Dedicated to providing alternatives to lethal and hazardous methods, this team will work to clear out your rodent infestation without causing more harm in the process. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this humane residential pest control company online or call (209) 267-1200.