Regina’s gopher control program starts Monday

A pest control program is set to begin this week in the Queen City.

Regina’s gopher control program begins on Monday, and residents are encouraged to avoid the areas where city workers are spraying, particularly when it comes to children and pets. The program will continue for several weeks.

“An overpopulation of gophers can be a nuisance, creating holes in public spaces and athletic fields that cause safety issues for humans and pets,” the city explained in a statement.

“The Province of Saskatchewan has declared gophers as pests, which requires the City to control gophers on publicly owned property.”

Spring is the best time to spray for gophers, the city said, as the rodents come out of their burrows and begin hunting for food at this time of year.

The city uses Rozol RTU, a Health Canada-approved product, to control gophers on rough-turf areas, including “buffer zones” along storm channels and roadways and railways. It won’t be applied on athletic fields or parks, the city said.

Residents can easily spot the 36 areas where pest control will take place, as city workers will mark the spots with yellow signs.

“Signs will actively be maintained for several weeks and only removed once staff are satisfied that the site is clear of product and gophers,” the city noted.

“Staff will visit sites daily for several weeks following the pest control application to clean up and ensure continued safety.”

More details on the program can be found on the city’s website.