Dangers Posed by Gophers
Gophers are rarely dangerous to humans, but they pose many risks to properties. Home and business owners should be aware of the following hazards:
Landscape and Structural Damage
Gophers can damage sprinkler systems and pipes, leading to water damage and flooding. As they burrow beneath homes, sidewalks, and driveways, they cause serious structural damage.
Destruction of Gardens and Crops
Gophers feed on plants, vegetables, flowers, and crops. The damage done to gardens, lawns, and agriculture can be substantial, impacting food production.
Attracting Other Pests
As gophers dig, they can displace hundreds of pounds of soil, which may become a nesting site or attract other pests, such as ants. Additionally, other animals, including snakes, often use their tunnels as shelter.
Rabies and Other Diseases
Interactions between humans and gophers are infrequent, but they can be dangerous when they occur. Gophers can carry rabies, hantavirus, and leptospirosis, among other diseases that may be transmitted to humans.
Landscape and Structural Damage
Gophers can damage sprinkler systems and pipes, leading to water damage and flooding. As they burrow beneath homes, sidewalks, and driveways, they cause serious structural damage.
Destruction of Gardens and Crops
Gophers feed on plants, vegetables, flowers, and crops. The damage done to gardens, lawns, and agriculture can be substantial, impacting food production.
Attracting Other Pests
As gophers dig, they can displace hundreds of pounds of soil, which may become a nesting site or attract other pests, such as ants. Additionally, other animals, including snakes, often use their tunnels as shelter.
Rabies and Other Diseases
Interactions between humans and gophers are infrequent, but they can be dangerous when they occur. Gophers can carry rabies, hantavirus, and leptospirosis, among other diseases that may be transmitted to humans.