How to Get Rid of Pocket Gophers

Pocket Gophers -you have seen these pesky dirt mound again in your lawn. And face it: Pocket gofters can cause a serious headache when retaining your yard. Their endless digging, concealment on roots, and constant tunnels are not only disappointing – they can ruin your garden and lawn.But don’t worry, getting rid of them doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. In this guide, I will discuss the best ways to get rid of pocket gophers and prevent them from coming back. If you want to handle this issue yourself or want professional help, I have covered you. Let’s jump right, we will do it?

What Are Pocket Gophers, Anyway?

Pocket gophers are those burrowing rodents that cause trouble below ground. If you’ve seen those little crescent-shaped mounds of dirt, you’ve got gophers to blame. They spend most of their lives underground, creating extensive tunnel systems that wreak havoc on your lawn and garden. These rodents aren’t just digging for fun—they’re searching for food. Gophers love to munch on plant roots, often leading to dead grass patches and dying plants. And let’s be honest—who wants that in their yard? Goffeers are primarily found in the western United States but can also appear elsewhere. When they talk about food, they do not pipe—at any root, they can get their teeth. If uncontrolled, they only dig, multiply, and feed their yard during this process.

So, how do you know that this is a gopher that causes all damage?

Well, gofters leave behind specific signals. You will notice that their mounds are usually semicircular and are often found in groups. If you are working with a gopher, the mounds will possibly be larger and more organized than those left by moles or volts. In addition, gofters do not form surface tunnels – their activity is underground.

How to Get Rid of Pocket Gophers

You wonder, “How can I deal with this problem without converting my yard into a warzone?” Okay, you have come to the right place. Here are the most effective ways to get rid of pocket gofters and keep them away for good.

1. Trapping Gophers: The Humane Approach

Trapping is a top notch method for dealing with only a few gofters. It is a straight, effective, and humane option for getting rid of these underground invaders. Now comes the best part? It is not necessary to deal with these pests with chemicals or poison. What You’ll Need:

• Gopher traps (e.g., Macabee or Cinch traps)
• A shovel or trowel
• Gloves to avoid leaving your scent on the traps

Why Trapping Works: It is a direct, targeted method that can help eliminate gofters simultaneously. While it is perfect for minor infections, it requires monitoring in a regular manner. But hey, it is human and does not contain harmful chemicals, which is always a win.

2. Poison Baits: A Quick Fix for Larger Infestations

Okay, maybe you’ve got a bigger gopher problem—your yard is full of mounds, and the traps aren’t cutting it. That’s where poison baits come into play. These baits are highly effective at eliminating gophers, especially in larger infestations. What You’ll Need:

• Gopher bait (strychnine or zinc phosphide)
• Bait applicator or small spoon
• Gloves to avoid direct contact with the poison

Why Poison Baits Work: Poison fodder is sharp and efficient, especially when dealing with a large population of gophers. However, it comes with a risk—it can be detrimental for pets and wildlife. Always follow the methods in a careful manner and be very cautious when applying it.

3. Fumigation: When You Need to Go Big

Let’s be real, sometimes traps and poison do not just cut it. If you have a huge gopher problem, Dhuman may be your best condition. This method includes using gas to fill gopher bors and suffocate rodents. What You’ll Need:

• Fumigation cartridges (gas bombs)
• Matches or a lighter
• Shovel to access the tunnels

Why Fumigation Works: Fumigation is a highly effective method, especially for large infestations. It’s great for covering a lot of ground, but keep in mind that gophers sometimes seal off their tunnels when they detect the gas, which can limit its effectiveness.

4. Natural Repellents: The Eco-Friendly Option

Let’s face the issue—sometimes you don’t want to deal with chemicals or traps. If you want to prefer a more natural approach, repellents can be your best friend. While they may not remove existing gophers, they can try to help keep new ones from entering into your property. What You’ll Need:

• Castor oil or peppermint oil
• Water
• Hose-end sprayer

Why Repellents Work: Castor oil and other natural oils irritate gophers’ digestive systems and make the ground taste unpleasant. While they won’t kill gophers, they’ll deter new gophers from moving in, making them a solid choice for long-term prevention.

5. Physical Barriers: Keep Them Out for Good

You’ve dealt with the gophers, but now you’re wondering, “How do I stop them from coming back?” That’s where physical barriers come in. By installing gopher-proof fences, you can prevent future invasions. What You’ll Need:

• Hardware cloth or gopher wire
• Shovel or trenching tool
• Staples or wire cutters

Why Barriers Work: Obstacles help you to provide long-term protection by stopping gofters from going to their yard in the first place. Although some efforts are required to set this method, a great way to ensure that the goffers did not attack again when you remove the current. With these methods at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to saying goodbye to gophers for good. Whether you go to the DIY route with mesh, poison and repellent, or choose to install obstacles, these strategies will give you the necessary equipment for the safety of your yard. So, roll your sleeve, and get to work – this is the time to recover your garden from those Pesky underground invaders! If you feel things have gone out of control, it is advised to contact pest control professionals. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively.

Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on pocket gophers and ways to tackle a pocket gopher infestation.