Gophers as hazardous infestation?

[ZZGAMAZZ]

The subject is a good condition SFR in a residential subdivision near the city border that backs a large expanse of vacant, unimproved land. The subject lot got about 150 gopher holes. I'm unsure if gophers pose a potential hazard to the foundation, or if not whether they would be considered as an "adverse" factor, and if so, whether the appraiser would tend to complete the report subject to CB 4.

 

[Fernando]

It's hard to get rid of gophers. I tried using many poison and deterrents.
One day I saw a hawk in my neighborhood. Mother nature is best remedy to control the gophers.
And there are coyotes here. I suspect they also eat the gophers. I have a better appreciation of natural predators.

As for damage to foundation, I never seen gophers posing a threat or so close to foundation of a house.

 

[TerryRohrer]

They are natural! Eat grass and dig dirt, so not likely to impact concrete. I would mention them, but not suggest any impact one way or another. Unless, of course, the highest and best use of the back yard is grazing land, in which case they are a detriment to production.

 

[Surf Cat]

150 gopher holes sound pretty excessive. Is this for GSE?

Infestation, Dampness, or Settlement​

If the appraisal indicates evidence of infestation (such as, wood-boring insects), dampness, or abnormal settlement, the appraisal must comment on the effect on the value and marketability of the subject property. The lender must either provide satisfactory evidence that the condition was corrected or submit a professionally prepared report indicating, based on an inspection of the property, that the condition does not pose any threat of structural damage to the improvements. The appraisal should be made "subject to" repairs or alternations, or "subject to" an inspection by a qualified professional.

I would check the "Evidence of infestation" box and include a photo or two and comment.

 

[J Grant]

I agree with Surf Cat - 150 holes on a residential size lot is excessive and likely they are coming in from the large vacant parcel of land bordering it that you describe.

 

[Tom D]

can eat squirel meat, but not goher meat. they don't seem to affect the cuuent owner. wonder if the township would let you shoot them
i think the term infestation has to do with the house, not the surrounding. area. in some areas you would say to many mosquitos or flying bugs. please remove them. new york has a tremendous rat problem. so you bring up the gopher appocalyspe, then what. how about bears in the back yards looking thru the trash cans.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Pet Blue Heron.

 

[Dublin ohio]

The danger from any burrowing animal is when they undermine the foundation. Typical gopher tunnel is 18". But some chambers can be up to 6' below ground

 

[Tom D]

i guess if the house was on a slab, the tunnels under it would be protected like a concrete bunker.

 

[Tom4value]