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Professional Richardson Ground Squirrel Control for Homes, Acreages, Farms, and Commercial Properties
Richardson Ground Squirrels, commonly known as gophers, are among the most destructive burrowing pests found throughout Calgary and Southern Alberta. While these rodents may appear harmless, their extensive underground tunnel systems can cause significant damage to lawns, landscaping, agricultural land, and commercial properties.
At Pest Pro Exterminator, we provide professional Richardson Ground Squirrel control services designed to reduce active populations, prevent property damage, and protect your investment.
What Are Richardson Ground Squirrels?
Richardson Ground Squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) are small burrowing rodents native to the Canadian Prairies. They are highly social animals that live in colonies and create complex underground tunnel systems for shelter, breeding, and protection from predators.
Often mistaken for gophers, Richardson Ground Squirrels are commonly found in:
Residential communities
Acreages
Farms and ranches
Industrial sites
Parks and recreational areas
Commercial properties
These rodents typically emerge from hibernation in early spring and begin breeding almost immediately. A female can produce one litter per year containing up to eight pups, allowing populations to expand rapidly.
Signs of a Richardson Ground Squirrel Infestation
You may have an active infestation if you notice:
✔ Numerous burrow openings throughout your property
✔ Fresh soil mounds around holes
✔ Ground squirrels frequently standing upright near burrows
✔ Damaged grass and landscaping
✔ Uneven ground surfaces
✔ Increased wildlife activity around your property
✔ New burrows appearing throughout the spring and summer
Why Richardson Ground Squirrels Are a Problem
Lawn and Landscape Damage
Ground squirrels dig extensive tunnel systems beneath lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas. Their burrowing activity can damage turf and create unsightly soil mounds.
Safety Hazards
Burrow openings can create dangerous trip hazards for residents, visitors, employees, and livestock.
Structural Concerns
Large colonies may undermine:
Sidewalks
Driveways
Patios
Retaining walls
Outbuildings
Other structures
Rapid Population Growth
Because females can produce multiple offspring each year, a small colony can quickly become a major infestation if left untreated.
Our Richardson Ground Squirrel Control Process
Property Inspection
Every service begins with a detailed inspection of your property. Our technicians identify:
Active burrows
Colony size
High-activity areas
Potential risk zones
Customized Control Program
No two infestations are alike. We develop a customized treatment plan based on:
Property size
Infestation severity
Number of active burrows
Environmental conditions
Targeted Control Measures
Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach focuses on effective population reduction while minimizing impacts on non-target wildlife and the environment.
Follow-Up Monitoring
Monitoring helps ensure long-term success and allows us to identify any new activity before populations become established again.
Properties We Service
Residential Properties
Protect your lawn, garden, and landscape investment.
Acreages
Control large populations before they spread throughout your property.
Farms and Agricultural Land
Reduce damage to fields, pastureland, and livestock areas.
Commercial and Industrial Sites
Maintain safe and professional-looking grounds for employees and visitors.
Property Management Companies
Ground squirrel management solutions for condominium complexes, apartment communities, and commercial developments.
Why Choose Pest Pro Exterminator?
18+ Years of Pest Management Experience
Our team has extensive experience managing rodents, wildlife, and pest infestations throughout Calgary and Southern Alberta.
Integrated Pest Management Approach
We focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
Customized Treatment Plans
Every property receives a control program tailored to its unique needs.
Residential, Commercial, Agricultural & Industrial Services
We provide comprehensive pest management services for a wide range of property types.
Local Knowledge
We understand the unique pest challenges faced by property owners throughout Calgary and surrounding communities.
Service Areas
Pest Pro Exterminator proudly serves:
Calgary
Airdrie
Chestermere
Cochrane
Okotoks
High River
Strathmore
Langdon
De Winton
Bragg Creek
Turner Valley
Black Diamond
Surrounding Southern Alberta Communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Richardson Ground Squirrels the same as gophers?
While they are commonly called gophers in Alberta, Richardson Ground Squirrels are a different species from true pocket gophers.
When are Richardson Ground Squirrels most active?
They typically emerge from hibernation in early spring and remain active through late summer before returning underground for hibernation.
How quickly can a colony grow?
A single female can produce up to eight pups per year, allowing populations to increase rapidly if left unmanaged.
Do Richardson Ground Squirrels damage lawns?
Yes. Their burrowing activity can weaken lawns, damage landscaping, and create trip hazards throughout a property.
Why is early control important?
Early intervention helps prevent colony expansion and reduces the amount of damage caused to your property.
Contact Pest Pro Exterminator
Protect your property from costly ground squirrel damage.
Pest Pro Exterminator provides professional Richardson Ground Squirrel (Gopher) control services throughout Calgary and surrounding communities.
📞 Contact us today to schedule an inspection and customized control program.
Professional Pest Management. Proven Results. Peace of Mind.
Professional Gopher Exterminator – Calgary – Gopher Treatment Services
Call our 24/7 hotline at 1(833) 579-0860 - o r - Text/Call (587)500-8857
Pest Pro Exterminator – Gopher Removal – Serving Calgary & Surrounding Areas
All our gopher treatment technicians are fully licensed applicators in the province of Alberta.
Pest Pro Exterminator follows industry best practices and maintains high standards of safety, professionalism, and service quality.
Our Calgary gopher removal professional pest control technician brings decades of combined experience to every job.
Learn About Gophers: Facts, Identification & Q&A
Gophers are small, burrowing rodents that can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Known for creating mounds of dirt and underground tunnels, gophers feed primarily on plant roots, bulbs, and vegetables, which can seriously impact your yard or garden’s health.
Key Facts About Gophers
Species: Common gophers in North America include the pocket gopher.
Size: Typically 5–14 inches long with fur-covered cheek pouches for carrying food.
Behavior: Solitary creatures that spend most of their time underground.
Lifespan: Usually 1–3 years in the wild.
Damage: Uproots plants, weakens garden structures, and can cause instability in lawns, driveways, and foundations.
Reproduction: Female gophers give birth to 3–6 young per litter, usually once a year.
Gopher Identification
Signs of Infestation:
Mounds of loose dirt with a plug in the center
Collapsed patches of lawn or garden beds
Chewed plant roots and vegetables
Behavioral Clues:
Underground tunnels 2–6 inches in diameter
Active mainly during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon
Gopher Q&A
Q: Are gophers dangerous?
A: Gophers are not aggressive toward humans, but they pose serious risks to plants, gardens, and landscaping. Their burrowing can damage lawns, irrigation systems, and even concrete or foundations.
Q: How do gophers enter my yard?
A: Gophers dig extensive underground tunnels and can migrate from nearby fields, vacant lots, or green spaces in search of food and shelter.
Q: Can I prevent gophers naturally?
A: Certain methods can help, such as planting gopher-repellent plants (like daffodils or castor beans) and keeping your lawn tidy. However, professional control is usually needed for infestations.
Q: How do professionals remove gophers?
A: Experts like Pest Pro Exterminator use trapping, baiting, and targeted removal while also providing long-term prevention advice to keep gophers from returning.
Q: How quickly can gophers damage a lawn?
A: Gophers can create visible damage within days, leaving tunnels, mounds, and destroyed plants. Early intervention is key to minimizing destruction.
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