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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.
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.
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.
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).
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:
- 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.
- 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.
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) |
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Rozol RTU (Eng) | Rozol RTU (Fr) | Rozol RTU (Eng) | Rozol RTU (Fr) |
Literature