Introduction #
Many customers have a need for preventive or curative services for pocket gophers. In the past we have relied on baits or trapping to provide solutions for these customers. With planning and attention to detail baits and traps can provide resolution. Even so, they are time consuming, reactive, and not seen as environmentally responsible. While these tools will always be available to integrate into a service solution for our customers, Gopher Scram Professional granular repellant is being added to our material selection. It is expected Gopher Scram will be an effective, environmentally responsible year-round solution to suppress pocket gopher populations.
Gopher Scram Professional is the only animal repellent specifically designed to stop and prevent damage caused by pocket gophers. Proven by landscapers and pest-prevention operators to be both highly effective and long lasting, Gopher Scram alters pocket gophers’ environment by making their food source disagreeable to taste and making the surrounding soil smell bad. The dual-action and fast-acting formula is organic, biodegradable and environmentally safe. This dual mode of action forces the gophers to move to untreated areas of turf/soil. This product provides a safe, effective, and environmentally responsible means to rid our customers of their pocket gopher issues. With this, the mode of action doesn’t harm the species, as it simply makes the area of application undesirable for gophers to exist in.
Generally, Gopher Scram Professional is fast acting and immediately effective. However, gopher activity will appear to increase for the first 1 to 2 days as gophers become immediately uncomfortable and attempt to dig away from the treated area. Gopher Scram Professional can be used as a preventative to keep pocket gophers from entering an area as well. Keep in mind, the gopher populations/pressures from surrounding areas do not go away, creating the need for a year-round monthly application.
SERVICE CYCLE #
This protocol is a monthly service cycle. The initial month consists of 2 services 14 days apart. The subsequent months consist of single applications over the affected area. All applications are identical in nature.
LAWN AND BED APPLICATION OF GOPHER SCRAM #
In the initial service month, two treatments are required. The initial service starts with mound/tunnel treatment.
Begin with a detailed inspection of the site to locate all tunnels, mounds, and damage each time you service.
When possible, identify the mounds—whether open or not—create a 1” hole if not open and apply 3 ounces (1/8th of a scoop) into all mounds, covering the holes after application.
After completing the mound/tunnel treatment, apply Gopher Scram to all turf and beds at least 30 feet beyond noted activity (indicated by mounds and damage). Perimeter and boundary beds will require 24” barrier band applications around the beds to further repel gophers. THE PRODUCT MUST THEN BE WATERED FOR A MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES. Watering is a VITAL step in activating the product and starting the repelling process.
14 DAYS LATER, repeat the above protocol.
Monthly maintenance services include completely repeating the above protocol for DAY 1, not forgetting the crucial step of WATERING FOR A MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES. Watering is a VITAL step in activating the product and starting the repelling process.
APPLICATION TECHNIQUE #
After applying product in the runways as described above, apply Gopher Scram to the lawn and affected beds. The rate of granular to apply is 1.6 lbs. per 1000 square feet.
The Scotts handheld spreader is the preferred application tool. Assure the spreader is clean and free of any residues from other products. Based on the square footage of the area to be serviced, measure the required amount of granular into the handheld spreader. Set the spreader on #2. Calibrate your walking speed to deliver the 1.6 lbs. per 1000 square feet of turf and beds.
We will use a gridiron pattern (like the lines on a football field) for applying granular to lawns and beds. Following the representation shown, each turn will be a 12-foot turn. Start at one edge of the lawn and use the following technique for applying Gopher Scram Professional. Use this technique until you have finished that run. This application procedure will apply granular to a 10-foot-wide area per walking path.
DO NOT overlap your passes. Instruct the customer to water the treated area for at least 20 minutes.
FOLLOW-UP #
With monthly inspections/services it is not required to perform scheduled follow-ups. Though fast acting, depending on the amount of infestation and size of the turf, it may take 30-45 days to completely drive gophers from the affected area.
EXTRA SERVICE PROTOCOL #
Occasionally the customer may find and report new gopher activity. This likely will originate from a neighboring area. We will return as we do for any service request and will treat all mounds and tunnels found in the area of concern following the specifications above for mound treatment. Spot treatment along adjoining area may be required as well. Do not retreat the entire area at this time.