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Gophers vs. Prairie Dogs: What's Tearing Up Your Yard and How to Stop It
If you live in the White Mountains and notice dirt mounds, holes, or your yard beginning to collapse, there's a good chance you're dealing with burrowing pests. Two of the most common culprits? Gophers and prairie dogs. While they may seem similar at a glance, they behave very differently—and require different control strategies.
At Neff Exterminating, we’ve helped hundreds of property owners eliminate both pests quickly and effectively. Here's how to tell them apart, what kind of damage they cause, and most importantly—how to stop them.
What’s the Difference Between Gophers and Prairie Dogs?
Gophers
- Solitary burrowers
- Create crescent-shaped mounds with no visible hole
- Rarely seen above ground
- Feed on roots, grass, and plant bulbs underground
- Build deep, complex tunnel systems under yards, gardens, and landscapes
Prairie Dogs
- Live in large social colonies called “towns”
- Build dirt mounds with wide, visible holes
- Frequently seen sitting or standing outside their burrow
- Eat grasses, weeds, and plants above ground
- Cause damage over larger surface areas more rapidly
While gophers are more stealthy and difficult to spot, prairie dogs make their presence known. The signs they leave behind are easy to distinguish once you know what to look for.
How Gophers and Prairie Dogs Damage Property
These burrowing pests create significant problems for both residential and commercial property owners in the White Mountains. Here are some of the top concerns:
- Yard Destruction: Both species dig tunnels that can cause soft, collapsing ground, dead grass, and ruined landscaping.
- Irrigation System Damage: Underground networks often damage sprinkler systems, irrigation lines, and utility conduits.
- Livestock & Pet Hazards: Holes left by prairie dogs or gophers can lead to sprained or broken legs in horses, cattle, or even dogs.
- Pest Attraction: Uncontrolled colonies may bring in fleas, ticks, snakes, and other predators.
- Rapid Spread: Especially in the case of prairie dogs, once a colony establishes itself, it can grow quickly and spread across entire properties.
Why DIY Control Fails
Many people try to control gophers and prairie dogs with smoke bombs, repellents, or over-the-counter poisons. Unfortunately, these methods rarely address the full scope of the infestation. Burrows can extend hundreds of feet underground, and missing just a few individuals allows populations to quickly bounce back.
What’s needed is professional elimination using targeted strategies.
Neff Exterminating Offers Proven Solutions
Our team provides proven, effective methods to eliminate prairie dog colonies and gopher tunnels safely. We don’t just treat the symptoms—we solve the problem.
What you can expect:
- On-site inspection to confirm whether you're dealing with gophers, prairie dogs, or both
- Tailored treatment plans depending on location, activity level, and risk factors
- Discreet and professional service that minimizes disruption to your land
- Safe methods for use around families, pets, and livestock
Learn more about how we eliminate burrowing pests and reclaim your land here: www.neffexterminatinginc.com/pest-rodent-control
Where We Provide Service
We provide gopher and prairie dog removal throughout the White Mountains region, including:
For a full list of our service areas, visit: www.neffexterminatinginc.com/select-your-area
Stop the Damage Before It Spreads
The sooner you take action against gophers or prairie dogs, the easier and more affordable the solution will be. If you’ve spotted fresh mounds or holes on your land, don’t wait for the problem to grow.
Call Neff Exterminating today at (928) 536-6862 or schedule your service online here.
We’ll help you reclaim your yard, pasture, or property—and stop the destruction for good.
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