When Cam and I first moved to the Sunset we were told about the horrible gopher problem. We heard horror stories about disappearing bulbs and new sod lawns being turned into obstacle courses. I guess we got lucky on 40th Ave, we had a gopher for about a minute. We came out one morning and there was a massive mound in the front yard. It was huge but since we didn't have any real landscaping at that point it was a none issue. We flattened the mound and that was that.
Fast forward two years and now we live on 41st. When we moved into the house, the lawns, both front and back, were lush and green. It was fantastic. That lasted about a minute.
At first it started in the back yard. Dirt piles everywhere. There went the lush green lawn. And if you've never had a gopher, not only does it make big mounds of dirt that kill the lawn because it doesn't see the sun, it all makes holes about two inches in diameter all over the lawn. Little gopher peaks and valleys if you will.
After some discussion and a trip to Home Depot we returned with sticks of gas. Yes, there was a lot of talk of Caddyshack and dynamite, which is ultimately why the sticks of gas were purchased. Since we weren't willing to risk blowing up the house to kill the gopher, we decided to gas him from his abode. Basically, insert wick in the stick of powder, light wick, cram lit stick in gopher hole. Bye bye gopher. You hope.
We thought it worked, until about two weeks later when the first mound appeared in the front yard. Ugh little bastard. The yard already looked like crap, what with half the lawn dead from a lack of water and the clover and dandelions taking over. And then add to the fact that the plumbing debacle had a pile of dirt sitting on part of the lawn for nearly a month. So really what did I care about this landscaping redesign. I CARE you see, because we are actually planning our own redesign. A great no lawn, low water yard and the last thing I want is to spend hundreds of dollars on plants just to have this gopher think he's hit the jackpot and dining at Fleur de Lys.
So off I go to Sloat Garden Center to discuss in great detail what can be done to encourage our furry friend to move along. After a 30 or so minute conversation I learn that I'm waging war on this little critter and I'm going to need to employ a multi-faceted strategy if I intend to win. Rather, hope to level the playing field (pardon the pun.)
We are currently in abate mode employing both the noxious gas and the poison granules. Yes, I said poison. I want him to go away. Don't fret though, the poison granules have not seemed to work. When little buddy was poking his head up in the neighbors lawn we quickly grabbed the can of "food" and sprinkled away. However the next day, he was at it again, this time in our yard. He was treated to yet another gas stick. I'm happy to report that it's been 72 hours since the gas stick and there are no new mounds. Perhaps he's moved on.
At any rate, the fine gentleman at Sloat also informed me that when I begin MY landscaping project I will want to put down a layer of chicken wire about 18" below the surface. This is the deterrent part of the war against these pesky creatures. Apparently he won't be able to poke his fuzzy little head up through the chicken wire. Therefore keeping my plants safe from demolition.
Let's hope it works.
By the way, Tiernan has named our gopher Gus. At first there was some guilt about eradicating Gus, but it's since passed.
Fast forward two years and now we live on 41st. When we moved into the house, the lawns, both front and back, were lush and green. It was fantastic. That lasted about a minute.
At first it started in the back yard. Dirt piles everywhere. There went the lush green lawn. And if you've never had a gopher, not only does it make big mounds of dirt that kill the lawn because it doesn't see the sun, it all makes holes about two inches in diameter all over the lawn. Little gopher peaks and valleys if you will.
After some discussion and a trip to Home Depot we returned with sticks of gas. Yes, there was a lot of talk of Caddyshack and dynamite, which is ultimately why the sticks of gas were purchased. Since we weren't willing to risk blowing up the house to kill the gopher, we decided to gas him from his abode. Basically, insert wick in the stick of powder, light wick, cram lit stick in gopher hole. Bye bye gopher. You hope.
We thought it worked, until about two weeks later when the first mound appeared in the front yard. Ugh little bastard. The yard already looked like crap, what with half the lawn dead from a lack of water and the clover and dandelions taking over. And then add to the fact that the plumbing debacle had a pile of dirt sitting on part of the lawn for nearly a month. So really what did I care about this landscaping redesign. I CARE you see, because we are actually planning our own redesign. A great no lawn, low water yard and the last thing I want is to spend hundreds of dollars on plants just to have this gopher think he's hit the jackpot and dining at Fleur de Lys.
So off I go to Sloat Garden Center to discuss in great detail what can be done to encourage our furry friend to move along. After a 30 or so minute conversation I learn that I'm waging war on this little critter and I'm going to need to employ a multi-faceted strategy if I intend to win. Rather, hope to level the playing field (pardon the pun.)
We are currently in abate mode employing both the noxious gas and the poison granules. Yes, I said poison. I want him to go away. Don't fret though, the poison granules have not seemed to work. When little buddy was poking his head up in the neighbors lawn we quickly grabbed the can of "food" and sprinkled away. However the next day, he was at it again, this time in our yard. He was treated to yet another gas stick. I'm happy to report that it's been 72 hours since the gas stick and there are no new mounds. Perhaps he's moved on.
At any rate, the fine gentleman at Sloat also informed me that when I begin MY landscaping project I will want to put down a layer of chicken wire about 18" below the surface. This is the deterrent part of the war against these pesky creatures. Apparently he won't be able to poke his fuzzy little head up through the chicken wire. Therefore keeping my plants safe from demolition.
Let's hope it works.
By the way, Tiernan has named our gopher Gus. At first there was some guilt about eradicating Gus, but it's since passed.
Little Gus on March 15, 2009
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"I'm aaaaallright, don't nobody worry 'bout me..."
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