Goodbye Gophers: A Comprehensive Guide to Gopher Control
Gophers, those seemingly harmless rodents, can wreak havoc on your lawn, garden, and even the foundations of your home. Their extensive tunnel systems disrupt plant roots, create unsightly mounds, and pose tripping hazards. If you’re battling a gopher infestation, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and gardeners struggle with these persistent pests. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to effectively get rid of gophers and reclaim your property.
## Understanding Your Enemy: Gopher Identification and Behavior
Before launching your gopher control campaign, it’s crucial to understand your opponent. Gophers are burrowing rodents known for their characteristic cheek pouches used for carrying food. They are solitary creatures, except during mating season, and spend most of their lives underground.
**Identifying Gopher Activity:**
* **Mounds:** The most obvious sign of gopher activity is the presence of crescent-shaped mounds of soil. These mounds are typically fan-shaped and have a plugged hole off to one side.
* **Tunnel Systems:** Gophers create extensive tunnel systems that can span hundreds of feet. These tunnels disrupt plant roots and can cause subsidence in the soil.
* **Damaged Plants:** Gophers feed on plant roots, bulbs, and tubers. You may notice plants wilting or disappearing altogether.
* **Gnawing on Underground Cables and Irrigation Lines:** Gophers are known to gnaw on anything they encounter underground, including cables and irrigation lines.
**Gopher Behavior:**
* **Solitary Creatures:** Gophers are generally solitary animals, except during mating season.
* **Constant Diggers:** They are constantly digging new tunnels and expanding their existing systems.
* **Territorial:** Gophers are territorial and will defend their tunnel systems against intruders.
* **Active Year-Round:** Unlike some rodents, gophers are active year-round, although their activity may decrease during periods of extreme heat or cold.
## Assessing the Gopher Infestation
Before implementing any control methods, take some time to assess the extent of the gopher infestation. This will help you determine the most effective approach.
1. **Map the Mounds:** Walk around your property and create a map of all the gopher mounds. This will give you an idea of the size of the gopher population and the extent of their tunnel systems.
2. **Probe the Tunnels:** Use a long probe or metal rod to locate the main tunnels. Insert the probe into the ground near a mound and feel for a hollow space. Once you locate a tunnel, mark its location on your map.
3. **Identify Active Tunnels:** To determine which tunnels are actively being used, flatten several mounds and check them the next day. If the mounds have been rebuilt, the tunnels are active.
4. **Inspect for Damage:** Examine your plants for signs of gopher damage, such as wilting or missing plants. Also, check for damage to underground cables and irrigation lines.
## Gopher Control Methods: A Comprehensive Overview
There are several methods available for controlling gophers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most effective approach often involves a combination of methods.
**1. Trapping: A Highly Effective Method**
Trapping is generally considered the most effective and humane method of gopher control. There are several types of gopher traps available, including:
* **Macabee Traps:** These scissor-jaw traps are placed inside the gopher tunnel and snap shut when the gopher triggers the trigger pan. They are considered to be very effective.
* **Victor Easy Set Traps:** These traps are similar to Macabee traps but are easier to set.
* **Black Box Traps:** These traps are enclosed in a box, making them safer for pets and children. They are triggered when the gopher enters the box.
**How to Trap Gophers:**
1. **Locate Active Tunnels:** Identify active gopher tunnels by flattening mounds and checking them the next day. Alternatively, probe the ground near mounds to locate tunnels.
2. **Excavate the Tunnel:** Once you’ve located an active tunnel, carefully excavate it with a shovel or trowel. Expose about 6-8 inches of the tunnel.
3. **Prepare the Trap:** Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting the trap. Be sure to handle the trap carefully to avoid injury.
4. **Position the Trap:** Place two traps facing opposite directions in the tunnel. This increases the chances of catching the gopher, regardless of which direction it’s coming from.
5. **Conceal the Trap:** Cover the traps with dirt, cardboard, or burlap to block out light and air currents. This will make the gopher more likely to enter the trap.
6. **Mark the Location:** Mark the location of the traps with flags or stakes so you can easily find them later.
7. **Check the Traps Regularly:** Check the traps daily and remove any captured gophers. Reset the traps if they haven’t been triggered.
8. **Relocate (If Applicable):** If local regulations allow, and you choose to, relocate trapped gophers to a suitable habitat far away from your property. Consult with local wildlife authorities regarding relocation guidelines.
**Important Tips for Trapping:**
* **Use Gloves:** Always wear gloves when handling gopher traps to avoid transferring your scent to the traps. Gophers are sensitive to human scent and may avoid traps that smell like humans.
* **Bait is Optional:** Gophers are naturally curious and will often enter traps without bait. However, you can use bait such as peanut butter, carrots, or apples to increase your chances of success.
* **Persistence is Key:** Trapping can take time and patience. Don’t give up if you don’t catch a gopher right away. Keep checking and resetting the traps until you’ve eliminated the gopher population.
* **Safety First:** Be extremely careful when setting and handling gopher traps. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
**2. Baiting: Use with Caution**
Baiting involves placing poisoned bait inside the gopher tunnels. This method can be effective, but it should be used with caution, as it poses a risk to non-target animals, including pets and wildlife. Always check local regulations regarding the use of rodenticides.
**Types of Gopher Bait:**
* **Zinc Phosphide:** This is a fast-acting poison that releases phosphine gas when ingested. It is highly toxic and should be used with extreme caution.
* **Strychnine:** This is another highly toxic poison that affects the central nervous system. It is also very dangerous to non-target animals.
* **Anticoagulants:** These poisons prevent blood from clotting, causing the gopher to bleed to death internally. They are generally considered to be less toxic than zinc phosphide and strychnine, but they still pose a risk to non-target animals.
**How to Bait Gophers:**
1. **Locate Active Tunnels:** Identify active gopher tunnels by probing or flattening mounds.
2. **Open the Tunnel:** Carefully open the tunnel with a shovel or probe.
3. **Place the Bait:** Use a spoon or applicator to place the bait directly into the tunnel. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of bait to use.
4. **Close the Tunnel:** Carefully close the tunnel to prevent non-target animals from accessing the bait.
5. **Mark the Location:** Mark the location of the bait with flags or stakes so you can easily find them later.
6. **Monitor the Activity:** Check the area regularly for signs of gopher activity. If the gopher is no longer active, remove any remaining bait.
**Important Tips for Baiting:**
* **Use with Extreme Caution:** Baiting is a dangerous method and should only be used as a last resort. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear appropriate safety gear.
* **Protect Non-Target Animals:** Take precautions to prevent non-target animals from accessing the bait. Use tamper-resistant bait stations or place the bait deep inside the tunnels.
* **Consider Alternatives:** Before using bait, consider other, less dangerous methods of gopher control, such as trapping or exclusion.
* **Check Local Regulations:** Some areas have restrictions on the use of rodenticides. Be sure to check local regulations before using bait to control gophers.
**3. Exclusion: Creating Barriers**
Exclusion involves creating physical barriers to prevent gophers from entering your property or specific areas, such as gardens or flowerbeds. This is a long-term solution that can be very effective, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming.
**Types of Exclusion Methods:**
* **Wire Mesh Fencing:** Burying wire mesh fencing around your property or garden can prevent gophers from entering. The fencing should be buried at least 2-3 feet deep to prevent gophers from digging under it. Use a mesh size of 1/2 inch or smaller.
* **Raised Beds:** Building raised beds with wire mesh bottoms can protect your plants from gophers. The raised beds should be at least 18 inches high.
* **Tree Guards:** Wrapping the trunks of young trees with wire mesh or plastic tree guards can prevent gophers from gnawing on the bark.
* **Gopher Baskets:** When planting trees or shrubs, place them in gopher baskets made of wire mesh. These baskets will protect the roots from gophers.
**How to Implement Exclusion:**
1. **Identify Vulnerable Areas:** Determine which areas of your property are most vulnerable to gopher damage.
2. **Choose the Appropriate Method:** Select the exclusion method that is most appropriate for the area you are trying to protect.
3. **Install the Barrier:** Carefully install the barrier, making sure that it is properly secured and that there are no gaps or openings.
4. **Maintain the Barrier:** Regularly inspect the barrier for damage and make any necessary repairs.
**Important Tips for Exclusion:**
* **Bury the Barrier Deep:** Gophers are excellent diggers, so it’s important to bury the barrier deep enough to prevent them from digging under it.
* **Use Strong Materials:** Use strong, durable materials that will withstand the elements and resist gopher gnawing.
* **Inspect Regularly:** Regularly inspect the barrier for damage and make any necessary repairs.
**4. Natural Repellents: Limited Effectiveness**
Several natural repellents are marketed as gopher deterrents. While some homeowners have had success with these methods, their effectiveness is generally limited and inconsistent.
**Examples of Natural Repellents:**
* **Castor Oil:** Castor oil is a common ingredient in many gopher repellents. It is believed to irritate gophers’ digestive systems, causing them to avoid treated areas.
* **Garlic:** Some people believe that the strong odor of garlic repels gophers. You can plant garlic around your garden or place garlic cloves directly into gopher tunnels.
* **Peppermint Oil:** Peppermint oil is another essential oil that is thought to repel gophers. You can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in gopher tunnels.
* **Predator Urine:** The urine of predators, such as coyotes or foxes, can scare away gophers. You can purchase predator urine at some garden centers.
* **Sonic Devices:** These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are supposed to repel gophers. However, studies have shown that these devices are generally ineffective.
**How to Use Natural Repellents:**
1. **Choose a Repellent:** Select a natural repellent that you want to try.
2. **Apply the Repellent:** Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the repellent. For example, you may need to spray it on plants or place it in gopher tunnels.
3. **Reapply Regularly:** Natural repellents often need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or irrigation.
4. **Monitor the Results:** Observe the area for signs of gopher activity. If the repellent is not effective, try a different method.
**Important Tips for Natural Repellents:**
* **Don’t Rely on Them Solely:** Natural repellents are not a guaranteed solution for gopher control. They should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as trapping or exclusion.
* **Experiment:** Different repellents may work better for different gophers. Experiment with different repellents to see which one is most effective for you.
* **Be Patient:** It may take some time to see results from natural repellents.
**5. Professional Pest Control: When to Call the Experts**
If you’ve tried various methods of gopher control and are still struggling with an infestation, it may be time to call a professional pest control company. Professional pest control technicians have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to effectively eliminate gophers and prevent them from returning.
**Benefits of Professional Pest Control:**
* **Expertise:** Pest control technicians are trained to identify and control gophers. They can assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
* **Effective Treatments:** Pest control companies have access to a wider range of treatments than are available to homeowners. They can use professional-grade traps, baits, and repellents to eliminate gophers.
* **Long-Term Solutions:** Pest control companies can provide long-term solutions to gopher problems, such as exclusion methods and preventative treatments.
* **Safety:** Pest control technicians are trained to handle pesticides safely and effectively, minimizing the risk to your family and pets.
* **Time Savings:** Hiring a pest control company can save you time and effort, as they will take care of all aspects of gopher control.
**When to Call a Professional:**
* **Large Infestation:** If you have a large gopher infestation, it may be difficult to control on your own.
* **Persistent Problem:** If you’ve tried various methods of gopher control and are still having problems, it may be time to call a professional.
* **Damage to Property:** If gophers are causing significant damage to your property, such as undermining foundations or damaging irrigation systems, it’s important to seek professional help.
* **Concerns about Safety:** If you are concerned about the safety of using pesticides or traps around your family and pets, it’s best to hire a professional pest control company.
## Preventing Future Gopher Infestations
Once you’ve successfully eliminated the gopher population, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
* **Maintain Your Lawn and Garden:** Keep your lawn and garden well-maintained. Remove weeds and debris that can provide food and shelter for gophers.
* **Protect Young Trees and Shrubs:** Wrap the trunks of young trees and shrubs with wire mesh or plastic tree guards to prevent gophers from gnawing on the bark.
* **Install Underground Fencing:** Bury wire mesh fencing around your property or garden to prevent gophers from entering. This is particularly useful for protecting vegetable gardens or prized flowerbeds.
* **Use Gopher Baskets:** When planting new trees or shrubs, place them in gopher baskets made of wire mesh. These baskets will protect the roots from gophers.
* **Monitor for Activity:** Regularly monitor your property for signs of gopher activity. If you see any new mounds or tunnels, take action immediately to control the gopher population.
* **Encourage Natural Predators:** Encourage natural predators, such as owls, hawks, and snakes, to inhabit your property. These predators can help control the gopher population.
## Humane Considerations
While gophers can be destructive, it’s important to consider humane methods of control whenever possible. Trapping and relocation, where permitted, can be a more humane alternative to poisoning. When using traps, check them regularly to minimize the amount of time a gopher spends in the trap. Relocating gophers should only be done if it’s legal in your area and to a suitable habitat far enough away to prevent their return.
## Conclusion
Gopher control can be a challenging but achievable task. By understanding gopher behavior, assessing the infestation, and implementing appropriate control methods, you can effectively get rid of gophers and protect your property. Remember to use caution when using baits or traps, and consider humane alternatives whenever possible. With persistence and diligence, you can reclaim your lawn, garden, and peace of mind from these persistent pests.