Overview

Rozol® RTU Field Rodent Bait is a commercial product that may be used for the control of Pocket Gophers (Thomomys spp. and Geomys spp.) on alfalfa, hay and other forage crops, rangeland, non-crop areas, lawns, and golf courses.

Areas of Use

Pocket gophers throw out low, fan-shaped mounds on either side of their underground burrows. These lateral tunnels come to the surface and are on the concave or flat side of the fan, and the entrance holes are plugged with loose soil.

Damage

  • Pocket gophers can cause substantial crop and farm production losses, damage sloped drainage, underground utility cables, irrigation lines and drip tape, undermine foundations, levees, and roads, leading to soil erosion and causing wash-outs.
  • Annual crop losses by pocket gophers to grain and alfalfa fields in Canada are estimated to be between $15 - $30 million.1
  • Gopher mounds damage farm implements, slow harvesting and can injure livestock.
  • An active infestation in rangelands can reduce forage capacity up to 49%.
  • Gopher digging brings fresh seeds to the surface, facilitating infestations of noxious weeds, which may be toxic to livestock.
  • Pocket gophers can cause major damage to lawns and golf courses.

1Gilbert Proulx (2002) Effectiveness of Trapping to Control Northern Pocket Gophers in Agricultural Lands in Canada. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference Volume 20: pp. 26–31.

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Pocket gopher damage to alfalfa
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Alfalfa and harvest equipment damage
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Pocket gopher damage to underground wiring
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Irrigation / slope damage

Helpful Application Tips / Application Directions

Manual Application

With a long-handled spoon, carefully remove the plug on the flat side of the fan. Carefully insert 15 grams (0.53 oz.) of bait as far down into the hole as possible. Replace the soil plug to close the burrow, with care so that the bait is NOT covered with soil.

Vole Damage


Make 2-3 bait placements per burrow system. Bury dead animals and spilled bait found on soil surface immediately. Maintain a constant supply of bait in the burrow system for as long as there is pocket gopher activity. Do not apply bait on the surface of soil.

Probe Application

Using a metal rod, probe 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) deep to locate the main tunnel. Consult diagram below for location to probe. Drop 15 grams (0.53 oz.) of bait into the tunnel and cover the hole so light will not enter the tunnel system.

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The right and wrong ways to use a probe for placing pocket gopher bait are shown. Bait should be placed loosely in the main runway – not in the lateral tunnels or embedded in the bottom of the runway. Drop 15 grams (0.53 oz.) of bait into the tunnel and cover the hole so light will not enter the tunnel system.
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Probe example
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Probe baiting

Make 2-3 bait placements per burrow system. Bury dead animals and spilled bait found on soil surface immediately. Maintain a constant supply of bait in the burrow system for as long as there is pocket gopher activity. Do not apply bait on the surface of soil.

Machine Application

Using “burrow builder” equipment: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the equipment used to apply this bait. Make artificial burrows at the same depth as natural burrows, about 4.6 to 9 metres (15-30 feet) apart. Apply 1.7 to 4.5 kgs. of bait per hectare (1.5 to 4 lbs. per acre).

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Make treatments perpendicular to gopher burrows to intersect them

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Make perimeter treatments to intercept gophers before they enter the field

Use the high rate in locations with greater pocket gopher activity. Apply when soil conditions allow formation of good artificial burrows. Do not treat the entire field. Apply as:

  1. A targeted treatment to the part of the field where pocket gophers have established burrows. Make 6 to 8 rows in the area infested with pocket gophers. Do not exceed 3 applications per year.
  2. Perimeter treatment to reduce potential migration of pocket gophers into the field. Make 3 rows around the perimeter of the field. Use only in locations where there is a risk of pocket gopher damage. Do not exceed 3 applications per year; one in the fall, spring and mid-summer.
Vole Pest Control Orchards

Free Best Practices DVD

Request your free copy of Using Burrow Builders and Rozol Pocket Gopher Bait Burrow Builder Formula to Control Pocket Gophers

Specimen Label and Safety Data Sheet

Label (Eng) Label (Fr) SDS (Eng) SDS (Fr)
Rozol RTU (Eng) Rozol RTU (Fr) Rozol RTU (Eng) Rozol RTU (Fr)

Literature