Homeowners tipped off to critters burrowing below the surface of their Arizona yards are sometimes left with the question- ‘what damage could these critters cause if I just let them be?’ To help answer this question lets first identify some of the common critters that burrow in Arizona yards.
Ground Squirrels – Ground squirrels are a colonial creature found in most of Maricopa County. Their colonies usually range from 4-10 squirrels per tunnel system. Their underground tunnels consist of sleeping chambers, food storage locations, drainage tunnels, main runs and escape routes to the surface.
Pocket Gophers – Pocket gophers are generally solitary unless its mating season. Much like ground squirrels their tunnels consist of areas to sleep, feed, travel, drain water and escape to the surface. Although these critters generally measure in under 12 inches, a single gopher is capable of moving up to 2000 lbs of soil a year.
What are some potential problems caused by these critters? While both pocket gophers and ground squirrels aerate soil and help move seeds and fertilization to the surface their tunneling can come with a few issues.
Damage to Irrigation Lines- Underground irrigation lines in the routes of pocket gophers and ground squirrels are susceptible to damage from chewing. Both critters are designed to move dirt and will chew through natural and synthetic materials buried underground. Homeowners noticing pools of water in the yard or faulty sprinklers may have a water line chewed underground from one of these critters.
Damage to Underground Electrical Wires- Pocket gophers and ground squirrels can chew through electrical wires with little resistance. If lights with underground wiring stop working there’s a chance the wires below have been chewed or damaged.
Sinking Pavers & Cracked Concrete- While moving soil and sand for their tunnels, foundations of concrete and brick pavers above may sink due to the lack of support below.
Trouble Growing Trees, Vegetation & Flowers- Pocket gophers feed their appetite by eating the roots of vegetation, flowers and trees. Ground squirrels are equipped with front teeth that constantly grow and need to be whittled and shaped by chewing on hard surfaces. When the roots of flora are consumed by pocket gophers or ground squirrels the plants, grass and trees above struggle to survive.
At the end of the day pocket gophers and ground squirrels are beneficial in aerating soil, moving nutrients packed deep in the soil/sand to the surface and transporting seeds. The negative effects range from damage to irrigation and electrical lines, flora struggling to survive and pavers/concrete sinking due to a lack of foundation below.
If you’re struggling with pocket gophers or ground squirrels on your property contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors for your complimentary inspection!