Subterranean Pest (Gopher and Mole) Control Checklist

This comprehensive subterranean pest (gopher and mole) control checklist ensures regulatory compliance with EPA, USDA APHIS, State Wildlife Agency, State Pesticide Board. Operational checklist for pocket gopher and mole control programs covering damage assessment, trapping and baiting methods, and compliance with state pesticide use regulations and wildlife control laws. Critical for protecting agricultural, horticultural, and turf facilities from root and tunnel damage. Complete all sections to

  • Industry: Pest Control & Environmental Services
  • Frequency: Per Service Visit / Weekly
  • Estimated Time: 25 minutes
  • Role: Pest Control Technician / Operations Manager
  • Total Items: 14
  • Compliance: EPA, USDA APHIS, State Wildlife Agency, State Pesticide Board

Damage Assessment and Activity Verification

Confirm active infestation before treatment.

  • Has fresh mound activity been confirmed within past 48 hours indicating active infestation?
  • Has species been confirmed (pocket gopher vs. mole) as treatment methods differ significantly?
  • Is extent of damage documented (acreage affected, root systems damaged, structures undermined)?
  • Have underground utility lines been located before probe or trap placement to avoid damage?

Trapping and Baiting Methods

Verify control methods per label and best practices.

  • Are traps appropriate for species (Macabee, Cinch, or box traps for gophers; Nash or Victor for moles)?
  • Are traps placed in active main tunnels identified by probing and blocking lateral openings?
  • Are traps checked and reset at least every 48 hours to maximize captures and reduce non-target mortality?
  • Is rodenticide bait (zinc phosphide, diphacinone) applied underground in burrow per label to reduce non-target risk?
  • Is rodenticide applicator licensed for agricultural pest control in the relevant state?
  • Are warning signs posted if poison bait used in public or client access areas?

Outcome and Records

Document control program outcomes.

  • Are all captures documented with date, location, and species?
  • Is follow-up assessment conducted 30 days after treatment to evaluate need for additional control?
  • Are habitat modification recommendations (irrigation timing, ground cover) provided to reduce future pressure?
  • Are pesticide application records complete for any bait used?

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Why Use This Subterranean Pest (Gopher and Mole) Control Checklist?

This subterranean pest (gopher and mole) control checklist helps pest control & environmental services teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pest control technician / operations manager professionals, this checklist covers 14 critical inspection points across 3 sections. Recommended frequency: per service visit / weekly.

Ensures compliance with EPA, USDA APHIS, State Wildlife Agency, State Pesticide Board. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Subterranean Pest (Gopher and Mole) Control Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 14 inspection items across 3 sections: Damage Assessment and Activity Verification, Trapping and Baiting Methods, Outcome and Records. It is designed for pest control & environmental services operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per service visit / weekly. Each completion takes approximately 25 minutes.

Who should use this Subterranean Pest (Gopher and Mole) Control Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Pest Control Technician / Operations Manager professionals in the pest control & environmental services industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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