Gophers can be a major nuisance in your yard, digging up your plants and leaving unsightly mounds of dirt. But don’t despair, there are a number of effective ways to get rid of gophers without resorting to harmful chemicals or traps. In this article, we’ll share some of the most effective methods for getting rid of gophers, so you can enjoy a beautiful, pest-free yard once again.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of gophers is to make your yard less attractive to them. Gophers are attracted to yards with plenty of food and water, so by removing these sources, you can make your yard less appealing to them. Start by removing any potential food sources, such as pet food, bird seed, and fallen fruit. You should also make sure to keep your lawn mowed and free of weeds, as these can provide cover for gophers. Additionally, gophers need water to survive, so be sure to fix any leaks in your irrigation system and avoid overwatering your lawn.
In addition to making your yard less attractive to gophers, you can also take steps to make it more difficult for them to dig. Gophers are burrowing rodents, so they need soft soil to dig their tunnels. By making your soil harder, you can make it more difficult for them to dig and therefore less likely to invade your yard. One way to do this is to add sand or gravel to your soil. You can also compact your soil by rolling it with a lawn roller or driving over it with a car. Finally, you can plant deep-rooted plants in your yard, as these will help to hold the soil in place and make it more difficult for gophers to dig.
Understanding Gopher Behavior
Gophers, also known as pocket gophers, are tunneling rodents that live in the western United States and Canada. They are characterized by their stout bodies, short legs, and large claws. Gophers are also known for their elaborate tunnel systems, which they use to forage for food, shelter from predators, and raise their young.
Physical Adaptations
Gophers have several physical adaptations that make them well-suited to their burrowing lifestyle.
- Stout bodies: Gophers’ stout bodies help them to withstand the pressure of digging through soil.
- Short legs: Gophers’ short legs allow them to move quickly through their tunnels.
- Large claws: Gophers’ large claws are used for digging and pulling food into their tunnels.
- External cheek pouches: Gophers have external cheek pouches that they use to store food. They can fill their cheek pouches with food until they are nearly as large as the gopher’s head.
- Large incisor teeth: Gophers have large incisor teeth that they use for gnawing on roots and other vegetation.
Social Behavior
Gophers are generally solitary animals, except during breeding season. They are territorial and will defend their tunnels from other gophers. Gophers communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including chirps, squeaks, and whistles.
| Behavior | Description |
|—|—|
| Tunneling | Gophers construct extensive tunnel systems that can be up to 100 meters long. They use their tunnels to forage for food, shelter from predators, and raise their young. |
| Feeding | Gophers are herbivores and eat a variety of plants, including roots, tubers, and vegetation. They use their incisor teeth to gnaw on plants and pull them into their tunnels. |
| Reproduction | Gophers typically mate in the spring or fall. The female gopher gives birth to a litter of 2-5 young after a gestation period of about 30 days. The young gophers are weaned after about 6 weeks and become independent after about 3 months. |
| Communication | Gophers communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including chirps, squeaks, and whistles. They also use their tails to communicate with each other. |
Identifying Gopher Infestation
Detecting gopher infestations require observant eyes and keen recognition of their prominent signs and behaviors. These clues are crucial for initiating effective control measures.
Identifying Gopher Mounds
Gopher mounds are characteristic earthen structures created by these burrowing rodents. They are typically cone-shaped with a central opening, resembling miniature hills. The mounds range in size, with diameters varying from 6 to 18 inches and heights reaching up to 6 inches. Freshly excavated mounds are loose and crumbly, while older ones may become more compact and vegetated over time.
| Signs of Gopher Infestation | Description |
|---|---|
| Gopher Mounds | Cone-shaped earthen structures with a central opening |
| Tunneling Activity | Raised soil ridges or sunken areas along runways |
| Clipped Vegetation | Severed plant stems at or near ground level |
| Holes and Burrow Openings | Small, round holes leading to underground burrows |
| Gnawed Roots and Bulbs | Damage to plant roots and underground structures |
Other Indications of Gopher Presence
Aside from mounds, other clues can point to gopher infestation. Tunneling activity is evident in raised soil ridges or sunken areas along their runways. They also leave behind clipped vegetation, where plant stems are severed at or near ground level. Holes and burrow openings are smaller in diameter compared to mounds, typically measuring around 2 to 3 inches. Additionally, gophers may gnaw on plant roots and underground bulbs, causing damage to gardens and landscapes.
Humane Gopher Removal Methods
Gophers can be a nuisance in your yard, but there are humane ways to get rid of them without resorting to harmful traps or poisons. Here are a few effective methods:
1. Exclusion
One of the most effective ways to keep gophers out of your yard is to make it physically impossible for them to get in. This can be done by:
- Installing a fence around your property that is at least 2 feet deep and has an apron that extends at least 6 inches underground.
- Burying chicken wire or hardware cloth around the perimeter of your garden beds.
- Planting gopher-resistant plants around your yard.
2. Repellents
There are a number of natural and commercial repellents that can be used to keep gophers away from your yard. These include:
- Castor oil
- Garlic
- Hot pepper
- Commercial gopher repellents
To use these repellents, apply them around the perimeter of your yard or garden beds. Be sure to reapply them after rain or irrigation.
3. Trapping and Relocation
If other methods have failed, you may need to resort to trapping and relocating gophers. This should be done humanely, using live traps. Bait the traps with fruits, vegetables, or nuts. Once you have caught a gopher, transport it to a new location at least 5 miles away from your property.
Here are some tips for trapping gophers:
- Use live traps that are large enough for the gopher to move around comfortably.
- Place the traps in areas where gophers are active, such as near their burrows or food sources.
- Bait the traps with fresh fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
- Check the traps regularly and transport any captured gophers to a new location immediately.
Additional Tips
In addition to the methods listed above, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent gophers from entering your yard:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep your yard free of debris. | Gophers like to build their burrows in areas that are cluttered with debris. |
| Water your lawn deeply and regularly. | Gophers are less likely to dig in lawns that are well-watered. |
| Fertilize your lawn regularly. | A healthy lawn is less likely to be attractive to gophers. |
Natural Repellents for Gophers
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil is an effective natural repellent for gophers. The scent of castor oil is unappealing to gophers, and it will deter them from entering your yard.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another natural repellent for gophers. The strong scent of peppermint oil will keep gophers away from your property.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a natural insect and rodent repellent that can also be used to deter gophers. Plant garlic around your yard or garden to keep gophers away.
4. Castor Oil Packs
If you are looking for a more targeted approach to gopher control, you can make castor oil packs. To make a castor oil pack, soak a cotton ball in castor oil and place it in the hole or runway where the gophers are entering your yard. The scent of the castor oil will deter the gophers from using the hole or runway.
Here is a table summarizing the natural repellents discussed in this article:
| Natural Repellent | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Castor oil | Apply around yard or garden, or make castor oil packs |
| Peppermint oil | Apply around yard or garden, or diffuse in the air |
| Garlic | Plant around yard or garden |
Exclusion Strategies for Gophers
Physical Barriers
Buried Fencing:
Install a wire mesh or plastic fence buried underground at least 2 feet deep. Extend the fence above ground by a few inches to prevent gophers from jumping over it.
Habitat Modification
Remove Plants:
Gophers prefer to nest near dense vegetation. Remove any shrubs, bushes, or trees that provide them with cover.
Compact Soil:
Gophers burrow more easily in loose soil. Compact the soil around your property using a roller or by watering it deeply.
Flood Burrows:
Locate gopher burrows and flood them with water. This will temporarily drive them out and make it difficult for them to burrow again.
Repellents
Naphthalene:
Mothballs contain naphthalene, which repels gophers. Place mothballs in gopher burrows.
Castor Oil:
Castor oil is a natural deterrent for gophers. Apply it around your property.
Trapping and Removal
Live Trapping:
Use live traps to capture gophers and relocate them away from your property.
Shooting:
If all other methods fail, you may consider shooting gophers. Use a .22-caliber rifle with hollow-point bullets.
Other Measures
Home Remedies:
Some people swear by home remedies such as planting marigolds, mint, or garlic around their property. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these methods.
Professional Services
If the gopher problem persists, consider hiring a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and equipment to quickly and effectively eliminate gophers from your property.
Cost of Gopher Control
| Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Buried Fencing | $50-$100 per foot |
| Live Trapping | $20-$50 per trap |
| Shooting | $5-$10 per shot |
| Professional Services | $200-$500 per treatment |
Landscaping Techniques to Deter Gophers
Incorporating landscaping strategies can assist in deterring gophers from your yard:
Physical Barriers
Install gopher baskets or wire mesh fences around plants and root systems. Gophers are poor diggers in hard or rocky soil. Plant in raised beds or containers.
Planting Strategies
Choose plants that gophers dislike, such as lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Interplant with companion plants that deter gophers, like marigolds, nasturtiums, and castor beans.
Soil Manipulation
Gophers prefer loose, moist soil. Amend soil with gravel, crushed rock, or coarse sand to make digging difficult. Water deeply but less frequently to promote deep root growth.
Sound and Vibration
Introduce sonic devices that emit vibrations or high-frequency sounds. Place wind chimes or motion-activated sprinklers in gopher-prone areas.
Avoidance
Eliminate potential food sources for gophers, such as leaves, fallen fruit, and overgrown vegetation. Keep trash cans lidded and compost piles enclosed.
Natural Predators
Encourage natural gopher predators, such as owls, hawks, and coyotes, by providing nesting or roosting sites.
Habitat Modification
Remove piles of debris, rocks, and logs that provide shelter for gophers. Keep grass short and eliminate weeds that create dense cover.
Visual Deterrents
Install reflective objects, such as mirrors or pieces of tin, around your yard to create an illusion of predators. Place statues of hawks or owls in gopher-prone areas.
| Technique | Effectiveness | Maintenance |
|—|—|—|
| Gopher baskets | High | Moderate |
| Wire mesh fences | Moderate | Low |
| Unfavorable plants | Moderate | Low |
| Sonic devices | Variable | Moderate |
| Avoidance | Moderate | Low |
| Natural predators | Variable | Low |
| Habitat modification | Moderate | Low |
| Visual deterrents | Variable | Low |
Hiring a Professional Gopher Exterminator
If you’re struggling to get rid of gophers on your own, hiring a professional gopher exterminator may be the best option. Professional exterminators have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to effectively eliminate gopher infestations. Here are some key advantages of hiring a professional:
Expertise and Experience
Professional gopher exterminators have undergone extensive training and have years of experience in dealing with gopher infestations. They understand the behavior, habits, and weaknesses of gophers, which enables them to develop customized treatment plans.
Variety of Treatment Options
Pro exterminators offer a wide range of treatment options, including trapping, baiting, and fumigating. They can assess the severity of the infestation and determine the most effective approach for your specific situation.
Safer and More Humane
Professional gopher exterminators use humane methods that minimize harm to non-target animals and the environment. They use EPA-approved products and follow strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of your family, pets, and wildlife.
Fast and Effective Results
Exterminators use proven techniques and high-quality products to get rid of gophers quickly and effectively. They work efficiently to eliminate the infestation and prevent future recurrences.
Peace of Mind
Hiring a professional gives you peace of mind knowing that your gopher problem is being handled by experts. You can relax and focus on other matters, while they take care of the infestation.
Cost-Effective
While hiring a professional may seem like an expense, it can actually be cost-effective in the long run. Ineffective self-treatment methods can waste time and money, while a professional exterminator can resolve the problem quickly and prevent future damage.
Warranty and Guarantee
Many professional exterminators offer warranties or guarantees on their services. This gives you confidence that they stand behind their work and are committed to resolving your gopher problem.
To choose a reputable professional gopher exterminator, consider the following:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Licensing and Certification | Ensure they have the necessary licenses and certifications to operate legally. |
| Experience and Reputation | Look for exterminators with a proven track record and positive reviews. |
| Treatment Options | Inquire about their available treatment options and choose a company that offers a comprehensive approach. |
| Safety and Environmental Awareness | Check if they use humane and environmentally friendly methods. |
| Warranty and Guarantee | Ask about their warranty or guarantee policy. |
| Cost and Pricing | Compare quotes from several exterminators to find the best value. |
Long-Term Prevention Measures for Gopher Control
1. Eliminate Food Sources
Remove vegetation that attracts gophers, such as clover, alfalfa, and dandelions. Keep grass short to reduce cover for gophers and make it easier to spot their activity.
2. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your property for any cracks or holes in walls, foundations, or pipes where gophers can enter. Seal these openings with cement, caulk, or wire mesh.
3. Install Physical Barriers
Install chicken wire or hardware cloth around trees, shrubs, and other areas you want to protect. Bury the wire at least 2 feet deep to prevent gophers from burrowing under it.
4. Plant Gopher-Repellent Plants
Certain plants, such as marigolds, daffodils, and castor beans, emit scents that repel gophers. Plant these around your property to create a natural barrier.
5. Use Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched sounds that deter gophers. Place these devices in areas where gopher activity is present. Note that their effectiveness may vary depending on the type of soil and the size of the property.
6. Remove Gopher Mounds
When you notice gopher mounds, remove them promptly to prevent them from becoming nesting sites. Level the soil and cover the area with heavy objects to discourage re-burrowing.
7. Trap and Relocate Gophers
If other measures fail, you can trap gophers using live traps. Once captured, relocate the gophers to a distant area where they will not return.
8. Adopt a Cat or Dog
Cats and dogs are natural predators of gophers. Their presence on your property can deter gophers from settling in.
9. Hunting and Trapping
Gophers are legal to hunt or trap in most areas. Check your local regulations for specific requirements. Hunting or trapping can be an effective way to reduce gopher populations over time.
10. Professional Gopher Control
If you are unable to control gophers on your own, consider hiring a professional pest control company. Professional pest controllers have access to specialized equipment, techniques, and chemicals that can effectively eliminate gopher populations. They can also provide ongoing maintenance to prevent future infestations.
How To Get Rid Of Gophers
Gophers are small, burrowing rodents that can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden. They eat roots, bulbs, and tubers, and their tunnels can disrupt drainage and make your yard unsightly. If you’re dealing with a gopher problem, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
One way to get rid of gophers is to trap them. There are a variety of different traps available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. If you’re using a live trap, be sure to release the gopher far away from your property so that it doesn’t return.
Another way to get rid of gophers is to poison them. There are a number of different poisons available, but be sure to read the label carefully before using any of them. Poisons can be dangerous to humans and pets, so it’s important to take precautions when using them.
If you’re not comfortable using traps or poison, there are a few other things you can do to try to get rid of gophers. One is to make your yard less attractive to them. Gophers like to eat plants that are high in nitrogen, so avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen. You can also try planting gopher-resistant plants, such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and mint.
People Also Ask About How To Get Rid Of Gophers
How do you get rid of gophers permanently?
There is no guaranteed way to get rid of gophers permanently, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce their population and keep them from damaging your property. Some of the most effective methods include trapping, poisoning, and making your yard less attractive to them.
What is the best bait for gophers?
The best bait for gophers is something that is high in nitrogen, such as peanut butter, oatmeal, or corn. You can also try using fresh fruits or vegetables.
How do you get rid of gophers without killing them?
There are a number of ways to get rid of gophers without killing them. Some of the most effective methods include trapping and relocation, and using gopher-resistant plants.
