Pocket gophers are common pests that cause significant damage to gardens, lawns, and agricultural areas through extensive tunneling systems. They feed on plant roots and bulbs, creating noticeable fan-shaped mounds of soil on the surface as they excavate their runways. Trapping is the most reliable and effective method for controlling these pests, offering a targeted approach without the risks associated with poisons. Successful removal requires understanding the specific tools and techniques involved in trap placement.
Selecting the Appropriate Traps
Effective gopher removal relies on using kill traps designed to intercept the animal in its runway. Two effective types are the scissor-jaw traps (e.g., Macabee or Victor Easy Set) and the choker-loop style traps (e.g., DK-1 or Cinch). Scissor-jaw traps feature spring-loaded pincers that snap shut when the gopher pushes against a trigger plate. Choker-loop traps use a wire noose that constricts when tripped.
These traps are generally set without bait, relying on the gopher’s instinct to patrol and plug any breach in its tunnel system. Several associated tools are needed for successful placement:
- A sturdy gopher probe, a long metal rod used to locate tunnels beneath the surface.
- A small trowel or hori-hori knife for digging the access hole.
- Leather or utility gloves, used for safety and to prevent leaving human scent on the traps.
Identifying the Active Tunnel System
Successful trapping depends on accurately locating the main runway, the gopher’s primary travel route, rather than a shallow feeder tunnel. Gopher mounds are typically fan or crescent-shaped, with a soil plug visible on one side. This shape distinguishes them from the circular mounds created by moles.
The freshest mounds, characterized by dark, moist, and fluffy soil, indicate the most recent activity and are the best places to start searching. Locate the main runway using a gopher probe. Start probing the ground eight to twelve inches from the plugged side of a fresh mound, pushing the rod vertically into the soil.
When the probe breaks into the hollow space of the main tunnel, you will feel a distinct drop or lack of resistance at a depth of six to twelve inches below the surface. This main runway is the target zone for trap placement because gophers are likely to travel through it repeatedly.
Step-by-Step Trap Placement and Setting
Once the main runway is located, trap placement begins by excavating an access hole. Use a trowel to carefully dig down and expose a clean cross-section of the main tunnel, creating an opening large enough to work in, typically six to eight inches wide. After the tunnel is exposed, clear any loose dirt or debris from the openings to ensure the trap mechanism will not be obstructed.
Next, set the trap mechanism according to the manufacturer’s directions, which involves compressing a spring and engaging a trigger plate. Place two traps, one in each direction of the exposed tunnel opening, ensuring the trigger end faces into the tunnel. This dual placement maximizes the chance of interception regardless of the gopher’s travel direction.
Secure the traps by attaching a wire or light chain to the end of the trap and staking the other end to the ground near the access hole. This prevents the gopher from dragging the trap deeper into the tunnel system if caught.
Finally, cover the access hole using a piece of sod, a board, or a small mound of soil to block all light and airflow. Gophers are sensitive to drafts and light, and they will rush to plug the breach, often triggering the trap in the process.
Post-Capture Safety and Tunnel Sealing
After a capture, always handle traps and the pest while wearing gloves. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and prevents leaving human scent on the metal. Gophers should be removed from the trap promptly.
The trap should be cleaned of dirt and reset immediately if other gophers are suspected in the system. If the trap remains sprung or plugged with dirt after 24 to 48 hours without a catch, move it to a different active location.
Once the gopher is removed, seal the tunnel opening to prevent other gophers from using the run. Backfill the access hole with soil, ensuring it is packed tightly to collapse the breached section of the runway. Check local regulations regarding the disposal of the deceased animal.