Arizona is known for its beautiful vistas, the breathtaking majesty of the Grand Canyon, and burrowing pests. While visiting wildlife is one of the joys of having a lawn, it’s hard to appreciate those that damage your landscaping.
Wildlife removal services can help address issues from unwanted critters taking over your yard.
If you’re new to Arizona or are just wondering what’s causing those unsightly mounds in your lawn, this guide will help. We’ll discuss the most common culprits and the kinds of damage that indicate they’re around. Most importantly, we’ll provide tips on protecting your property from them.
Introducing Arizona’s Critters and Signs They’re in Your Yard
When you start noticing mounds in your yard, you’re likely being visited by Arizona’s top three offenders. These creatures can be found anywhere in the state and can cause serious problems for gardeners of all kinds. Let’s get to know these career landscape vandals, how to tell which one’s visiting you, and how to send them packing.
● Pocket Gophers: These are the largest of the pack, ranging in length from 6 to 13 inches. They sport tiny ears, a big, rounded snout, large claws, beady black eyes, and prominent teeth. Those claws make them capable of digging through almost any soil, putting your bulbs and tubers at risk. They tend to stay underground, so you aren’t likely to actually lay eyes on their brown and black fur. Instead, look for large dirt mounds and depressions in the dirt throughout your yard.
● Moles: While they’re notably smaller than the largest pocket gophers, moles can still reach a healthy 6 inches long. They have a distinctive appearance, with rich black fur, pointed snouts, and rounded heads. Unlike the pocket gopher, their ears aren’t visible, and their eyesight is even worse. A distinguishing characteristic of moles is the tunnels they leave behind, often in the middle of a dirt mound. If you spot these raised tunnels or patches of grass that look faded or dead, you might have moles.
● Voles: These are the smallest pests that can trouble your yard. They range about 5-8 inches in length and appear similar to large mice. Dark brown or black fur covers their stocky bodies and powerful legs. Unlike moles, they have visible ears and small eyes. While gophers can be quite bold, voles are skittish and prefer being hidden. Indicators that you have voles are patches of missing bark at the bottom of trees and paths chewed through your lawn.
So now that you’ve met the creatures assaulting your lawn, what do you do about them?
Controlling Arizona’s Mound-Causing Critters
The most common approach to disposing of these pests is trapping. However, this can be harder than it sounds. You have to lay traps correctly, or your lawn pests will avoid them. And your job isn’t necessarily over if you’ve captured them. These creatures leave behind habitats that are perfect for others of their kind.
Moving into an abandoned den is a time-honored tradition amongst these lawn pests. Once the scent of the former inhabitants fades, eager new residents are bound to move in. This is why you need the help of professionals like Critter Evictors serving throughout Maricopa County to ensure these creatures leave and stay away.
Contact A Professional Wildlife Removal Service to Save Your Lawn
The first step in eliminating intruders from the wild and ensuring they don’t come back is reaching out to our team of specialists. We’ve been working with home and business owners to keep their lawns critter-free and looking great. Last fall, Glendale homeowners were facing lawn and irrigation damage from gophers and we helped address and eradicate the issue.
We take pains to use humane methods of eradicating wild life infestations that ensure your lawn and property is free of pests and critters keeping them away for good. Reach out to our wildlife removal service company in Scottsdale today, and we’ll schedule a No Obligation visit to evaluate your property. We’ll get the problem under control and leave you with peace of mind and a great-looking lawn.