How to Get a Gopher from Under Your Deck in Michigan: Urgent Steps to Protect Your Property

Discovering a gopher under your deck in Michigan can feel like an unwelcome surprise. These small, burrowing rodents, known as pocket gophers, may seem harmless, but their tunneling can wreak havoc on your yard, deck, and even your home’s foundation.

Spotting mounds in your yard

If you’ve spotted mounds of dirt or felt the ground shift beneath your deck, it’s time to act fast. This guide will walk you through how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan with practical, safe, and effective methods. Let’s dive in and reclaim your outdoor space!

Why Gophers Are a Problem in Michigan pocket gophers thrive in Michigan’s sandy and loamy soils, particularly in rural and suburban areas like Oakland or Washtenaw Counties.

These rodents dig extensive tunnel systems, pushing up crescent-shaped dirt mounds that can destabilize decks. Their burrows weaken soil structure, posing risks to your deck’s posts or concrete supports. Moreover, gophers chew on roots, damaging landscaping and gardens.

Ignoring a gopher problem can lead to costly repairs. That’s why understanding how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan is critical. Acting quickly prevents further damage and keeps your property safe.

Steps to take to confirm it’s a gopher

Step 1: Confirm You’re Dealing with a Gopher – Before taking action, ensure it’s a gopher and not another critter like a mole or groundhog. Pocket gophers are small, about 6-10 inches long, with small eyes, short tails, and large front claws for digging. Their telltale sign? Fan-shaped dirt mounds with a plugged hole off to one side, unlike the open holes of moles.

Check under and around your deck for these mounds. If you’re unsure, don’t guess—misidentifying the pest can waste time and money. Still wondering how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan? A professional can confirm the culprit and recommend solutions.

Step 2: Assess the Damage – Once you’ve confirmed a gopher, inspect your deck and yard. Look for uneven ground, soft spots, or leaning deck posts, which signal extensive tunneling. In Michigan, where freeze-thaw cycles already stress decks, gopher damage can accelerate structural issues. Document the damage with photos. This helps when consulting professionals or filing insurance claims. Understanding the extent of the problem guides your approach to how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan.

Step 3: Try Safe, Non-Lethal Deterrents first – Gophers are sensitive to disturbances, so start with non-lethal methods. These are humane and comply with Michigan’s wildlife regulations, which encourage avoiding unnecessary harm to animals.

• Vibration Devices: Insert battery-powered vibrating stakes around your deck. Gophers dislike vibrations and may abandon their tunnels.
• Natural Repellents: Spread castor oil granules or plant gopher-repellent plants like marigolds near the deck. These create an unpleasant environment for gophers.
• Flooding Tunnels: Use a garden hose to gently flood active tunnels. This may encourage gophers to leave but avoid over watering, as it can weaken soil further.

These methods work best for minor infestations. However, if tunnels persist, you may need more robust solutions to address how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan.

Step 4: Set Traps for Persistent Gophers – If deterrents fail, trapping is an effective option. In Michigan, trapping pocket gophers is legal, but check local ordinances in places like Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids, as regulations vary. Use humane or lethal traps designed for gophers, such as cinch or box traps. Here’s how to trap safely:

• Locate an active tunnel by probing near fresh mounds with a stick.
• Dig a small hole to access the tunnel and place the trap inside.
• Cover the hole loosely to block light but allow air circulation.
• Check traps daily to avoid prolonged suffering.

Trapping requires patience and precision. If you’re uncomfortable handling traps, it’s time to call in experts who know how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan.

Step 5: Seal Your Deck to Prevent Re-Entry – Once the gopher is gone, prevent future invasions. Gophers can squeeze through small gaps, so inspect your deck’s perimeter. Install metal mesh or hardware cloth at least 18 inches deep around the deck’s base to block burrowing. In Michigan’s clay-heavy soils, ensure the barrier is secure against digging. Additionally, clear debris like wood piles or dense vegetation near the deck, as these attract gophers. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of another gopher setting up shop.

Step 6: Repair and Restore Your Property – Gopher tunnels can leave your yard uneven and your deck unstable. Fill in tunnels with compacted soil and level the ground. For decks, consult a contractor if you notice structural damage, especially in Michigan’s harsh winters, where shifting soil can worsen cracks. Replant damaged grass or landscaping to restore your yard’s appeal. This step ensures your property looks great and stays gopher-free.

Call a pro over DIY

When to Call a Professional Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If you’re facing multiple gophers, extensive damage, or simply don’t have time, professional pest control is the answer. Experts in Michigan understand local gopher behavior and use advanced tools like carbon monoxide devices or specialized traps, which are regulated for professional use only.

Don’t let a gopher problem spiral out of control. Professionals can quickly and safely handle how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan, saving you stress and preventing further damage. Why Act Now? Gophers don’t wait, and neither should you.

Each day they burrow, your deck’s stability and your yard’s beauty are at risk. In Michigan, where seasonal changes amplify property damage, delaying action can lead to costly repairs. Whether you try DIY methods or call for help, addressing the problem now protects your home and peace of mind.

Best tips for Michigan homeowners

Final tips for Michigan homeowners to keep gophers away long-term, maintain your yard and deck regularly. Check for new mounds after heavy rains, as Michigan’s wet springs can attract gophers to softer soil. Stay proactive by combining deterrents, barriers, and professional inspections.

If you’re overwhelmed or unsure, don’t hesitate to seek help. Knowing how to get a gopher from under your deck in Michigan is half the battle—acting on it is the key to success.