The presence of pocket gophers in a yard can quickly lead to significant damage, compromising landscaping and threatening plant root systems. These solitary, herbivorous rodents spend nearly all their lives underground, creating extensive tunnel networks that result in visible dirt mounds. While various remedies exist, trapping remains the most consistently effective method for homeowners seeking to eliminate an active infestation. Successful removal hinges on properly identifying the pest, preparing equipment, and executing a precise trapping strategy within the gopher’s burrow system.
Identifying the Pest and Damage
A crucial first step in any control effort is accurately confirming that a gopher, and not a mole or vole, is the source of the damage. Gopher activity is primarily identified by a distinct fan-shaped or crescent-shaped soil mound, which is created as the animal pushes dirt from its tunnel to the surface. These mounds feature a visible dirt plug that seals the entrance hole, which is almost always situated off to one side of the mound, not centered. This specific structure differs significantly from the conical, volcano-shaped hills created by moles, which are typically composed of finely sifted soil with the entrance plug centered.
Moles are insectivores that create shallow, raised ridges on the surface as they hunt for worms, whereas gophers are vegetarians that feed directly on plant roots and bulbs. Voles, often mistaken for gophers, create shallow surface runways through the grass but do not produce the large, distinct dirt mounds.
Once a gopher mound is confirmed, the goal shifts to locating the main runway, which is the deeper, primary tunnel the animal uses for travel and is generally located a short distance from the plugged entrance. Locating this main runway is paramount because setting traps in the lateral, or side, tunnels is far less effective.
Preparation and Safety for Trapping
Before attempting to set a trap, gathering the correct tools and observing simple safety precautions will significantly improve success rates. Necessary equipment includes a sturdy gopher probe, a small shovel or trowel for excavation, a pair of kill-type gopher traps such as Macabee or cinch traps, and a length of wire or chain. It is highly recommended to wear gloves when handling the traps and when working within the tunnel system to prevent transferring human scent, which can deter the gopher from approaching the set traps.
Gophers are active year-round, but trapping is most productive in the spring and fall when they are aggressively expanding tunnels and creating fresh mounds. Focus efforts only on the freshest mounds, as these indicate recent activity and a currently occupied tunnel system.
The wire or chain is used for securing the trap to a stake or surface object, preventing the animal from pulling the trap deep into the tunnel network after capture. This ensures the entire process, from setting to retrieval, can be executed efficiently.
Step-by-Step Trapping Methods
The most effective method involves setting two traps directly into the main runway, intercepting the animal regardless of its direction of travel. Begin by finding the main runway by probing the ground 8 to 12 inches away from the dirt plug of a fresh mound. A rigid metal gopher probe will suddenly drop about two inches when it breaks through the roof of the main tunnel, confirming its location.
After finding the runway, use the shovel to carefully excavate a hole large enough to work in, exposing the main tunnel that typically runs 6 to 12 inches below the surface.
Once the main tunnel is open and cleared of loose soil, set two traps according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Position one trap facing into each direction of the exposed tunnel, ensuring the trigger mechanism is centered in the path of travel. This dual-trap setup maximizes the chance of a catch, as the gopher will approach from either direction to investigate the open break in its burrow. Secure the traps by attaching the wire or chain to the trap’s end and staking it above ground to prevent loss.
The final step is to block all light and air from entering the exposed tunnel section where the traps are set. Gophers are highly sensitive to light and air currents, and their immediate instinct is to rush to plug the breach, encouraging them to encounter the traps. Use a board, sod, or thick cardboard to cover the excavation hole completely, packing soil around the edges to ensure a complete seal. Check the traps frequently, ideally at least twice a day, as a gopher may plug the hole quickly, burying unset traps if they are not triggered in time.
Post-Capture and Long-Term Prevention
Upon a successful catch, the gopher must be removed promptly from the trap; consult local regulations regarding disposal or relocation. The captured animal is often humanely euthanized and then buried or disposed of according to municipal guidelines.
After removal, immediately collapse and fill the entire tunnel system with soil, effectively destroying the burrow. This action prevents an abandoned system from attracting a new gopher to the territory.
For long-term prevention, incorporating exclusion methods protects specific areas from future infestation. For garden beds or high-value plantings, installing underground barriers made of hardware cloth or galvanized wire mesh (openings no larger than half an inch) is effective.
This mesh should be buried at least 18 to 24 inches deep and extend a few inches above ground to block both burrowing and surface entry. Minimizing preferred food sources like bulbs and tap-rooted plants can make your yard a less appealing habitat, discouraging gophers from settling.