California’s pocket gopher (Thomomys species) is a burrowing rodent that poses a significant challenge to homeowners and agricultural producers throughout the state. These pests excavate extensive tunnel systems, identifiable by the characteristic fan-shaped mounds of soil they push to the surface. Gopher activity can damage lawns, irrigation lines, utility cables, and lead to the death of valuable landscaping and garden crops as they feed on plant roots, bulbs, and tubers. This guide provides information on safe, effective, and legally compliant methods for managing gopher infestations.
California Regulations and Safety Precautions
Gopher control in California is subject to strict regulations, particularly concerning the use of chemical agents. State law has severely restricted or banned the public use of most anticoagulant rodenticides to protect non-target wildlife like raptors and mountain lions from secondary poisoning. Homeowners cannot easily purchase or apply many toxic baits once commonly available for residential properties.
Zinc phosphide baits are among the few toxic options still available, but they must be applied directly into the underground tunnel system to prevent exposure to pets and other animals. Following product label instructions precisely is necessary for safety and legal compliance. Fumigation methods, such as lethal gases, often require specialized licensing and equipment and are typically reserved for trained pest control professionals.
Implementing Effective Trapping Strategies
Trapping remains the most reliable and efficient method for homeowners to eliminate gophers from their property. Mechanical traps, such as the Macabee, Cinch, and Gophinator, are proven devices that kill the gopher quickly when properly set inside an active tunnel. The success of trapping depends entirely on locating the main runway, which is generally five to twelve inches below the surface and connected to newer mounds by a short lateral tunnel.
The main tunnel is found using a metal probe inserted a foot or two away from a fresh mound, feeling for a sudden drop as the probe breaks into the open space. Once the runway is located, excavate a small section to expose the tunnel in both directions. Traps should be set in pairs, facing opposite directions, to ensure capture regardless of the gopher’s approach. Covering the hole with sod or a board after setting the traps helps exclude light and encourages the gopher to return and trip the mechanism.
Physical Barriers and Non-Lethal Deterrents
Physical exclusion is an excellent long-term strategy for protecting specific areas, such as vegetable gardens or flower beds. This method involves installing a barrier of wire mesh, commonly known as hardware cloth or gopher wire, beneath the soil surface or around the sides of raised beds. For effective exclusion, the mesh size must be no larger than one-half inch by one-half inch, as gophers can squeeze through larger openings.
Galvanized or vinyl-coated steel wire that is 19-gauge or stronger is recommended to resist corrosion and ensure a lifespan of six to ten years underground. Non-lethal deterrents, such as granular or liquid products containing castor oil, can be applied to the soil to create an unpleasant taste and odor, potentially encouraging gophers to move elsewhere. However, the results from sonic spikes or vibrating devices are often inconsistent, with gophers sometimes adapting to the noise over time.
Knowing When to Hire Professional Removal
Homeowners should consider professional services for large-scale infestations spanning extensive property areas. These situations often require a comprehensive, multi-method approach that exceeds the average homeowner’s capacity. Professionals have access to highly regulated materials, such as carbon monoxide fumigation equipment, which is highly effective and cannot be legally applied by an unlicensed resident.
A licensed pest control operator is trained to identify complex tunnel systems that are difficult to locate, ensuring that removal efforts are targeted and efficient. Professionals also maintain current knowledge of California’s rapidly changing pesticide regulations, guaranteeing that all strategies comply with state law and protect non-target species. Calling a professional is often the most practical and safest choice when initial trapping attempts have failed to resolve the problem.