Gopher

Gopher Facts

No outdoor critter wreaks as much backyard havoc as the gopher. These underground creatures rose to their zenith of fame in the hit movie, Caddyshack, earning them a reputation for stealth and elusiveness that could put a covert CIA agent to shame.

Gophers are small, destructive animals that live in burrows below the surface of the earth. Their days are spent creating extensive networks of subterranean tunnels, referred to as gopher towns, in a never-ending search of food. The end result of this constant digging? Destroyed landscapes and stunned homeowners staring at their once immaculate lawns in disbelief.

Gopher–Control

If you're looking to manage gophers, it's best to take a comprehensive approach. This entails using multiple methods in conjunction to increase your chances of success. To effectively eliminate gophers, implement a proactive routine: trap and repel.

Trap

Gopher traps are a very effective way to control gophers. Trapping can be done throughout the year but is most effective during the spring and fall. As soon as gopher activity is detected, it is important to set traps immediately to catch them before they begin breeding.

Traps are the most effective when placed in main tunnels, which are typically used by gophers several times a day. To identify an active tunnel, use a shovel to dig it open. If the tunnel is repaired within a day or two, you'll know the tunnel is active. Check the traps once or twice a day. When used correctly, traps can produce a catch within 48 hours. Move the traps to another location in the runway if a gopher is not caught within this timeframe.

Repel

The next step is to deploy repellents. Ultrasonic gopher repellers drive away gophers by pentrating the ground with high frequency sound waves every 30 seconds. Gophers are sensitive to sounds and vibrations, so these devices discourage them from remaining on or returning to your property.

Alternatively, liquid or granular repellents drive gophers away naturally by targeting their senses. These types of repellents use ingredients like castor oil to penetrate the ground and make the tunnel taste and smell unpleasant to burrowing pests. It's crucial to note that repellents are most effective when used in conjunction with traps. Once the problem is under control, continue using repellents to prevent gophers from returning.