Dangers Posed by Gophers
Gophers pose unique threats to homes and businesses in Raritan, NJ. They rarely interact directly with humans and pose a larger threat to property than to human health. These are the hazards to be aware of:
Landscape and Structural Damage
Gophers will burrow beneath driveways and sidewalks, leading to cracks, uneven pavement, and sinking. They can also damage sprinkler systems and pipes, which may result in flooding.
Destruction of Gardens and Crops
Gophers are known to damage yards and gardens. They chew through roots, killing plants, or pull entire plants into their tunnels. Damage to agriculture and food production can be substantial.
Attracting Other Pests
Other pests, such as ants and snakes, are drawn to gopher tunnels for shelter. The displaced dirt serves as a nesting site for certain animals.
Rabies and Other Diseases
Although rare, gophers can carry rabies, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and other diseases that may be transmitted to humans.
Landscape and Structural Damage
Gophers will burrow beneath driveways and sidewalks, leading to cracks, uneven pavement, and sinking. They can also damage sprinkler systems and pipes, which may result in flooding.
Destruction of Gardens and Crops
Gophers are known to damage yards and gardens. They chew through roots, killing plants, or pull entire plants into their tunnels. Damage to agriculture and food production can be substantial.
Attracting Other Pests
Other pests, such as ants and snakes, are drawn to gopher tunnels for shelter. The displaced dirt serves as a nesting site for certain animals.
Rabies and Other Diseases
Although rare, gophers can carry rabies, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and other diseases that may be transmitted to humans.