In Regina, Saskatchewan, a quiet menace has been burrowing its way around the city’s underground: gophers!

While these small creatures may seem like the harmless mascot of our Saskatchewan RoughRiders, their growing population has sparked concerns among residents and city officials alike.

The City of Regina, recognizing the threat posed by gophers, has launched a comprehensive Gopher Control Program. This initiative will help manage the pest population, safeguarding public spaces and athletic fields from the damage caused by their burrowing activities.

The Province of Saskatchewan has designated gophers as pests, requiring action from municipalities to control their numbers. This directive has prompted the City of Regina to implement targeted measures to curb the gopher population on publicly owned property. One thing gophers do is create holes in public spaces and athletic fields. These holes not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also pose safety hazards for humans and pets. To address this issue, the City has identified thirty-six areas requiring pest control measures, which will be marked with distinctive yellow signage in the coming days.

The city of Regina will be utilizing ‘Rozol RTU,’ an approved product by Health Canada for controlling gophers in rough turf areas. This product will be applied in designated ‘buffer zones’ along storm channels, roadways, and railway buffers, with a focus on minimizing its impact on traditional park spaces and athletic fields.

Residents should caution and avoid areas where pest control measures are being implemented, particularly those with children and pets. Dog owners are advised to keep their pets on leashes and steer clear of marked areas to prevent unintended exposure to the poison.

Spring has been identified as the optimal time for pest control application, coinciding with the emergence of gophers from their burrows in search of food. The Gopher Control Program is set to commence today, with ongoing efforts planned for the coming weeks to ensure measures are effective.

The City of Regina will keep residents informed about the progress of the Gopher Control Program. Regular updates will be provided through Regina.ca.