How to Quickly Get Rid of Gophers

Conventional Methods

  1. Traps:
    • Use commercial-grade stainless steel kill traps for a humane and instant solution.
    • Locate gopher burrows by probing the ground near fresh mounds.
    • Set traps strategically in active tunnels, 6-8″ beyond the burrow’s opening.
    • Check traps regularly; if unsuccessful in 48 hours, relocate to a different active area.

    Pros: Effective, rapid solution Cons: May not appeal to everyone, requires disposal, potential euthanasia

  2. Bait:
    • Choose poisonous gopher bait made from chemicals like zinc phosphide or anticoagulant rodenticides.
    • Follow packaging instructions, wear protective gear, and deposit baits directly into burrows.
    • Be cautious of toxicity to kids, pets, and environmental impact.

    Pros: Effective, fast-acting for large populations Cons: Highly toxic, potential danger, inhumane, costly

Poison-Free Methods

  1. Exclusion Fencing:
    • Use fine metal mesh to prevent gophers from accessing vulnerable areas.
    • Install fencing around gardens or lay wire mesh beneath the lawn’s sod.
    • Ensure mesh has small openings and extends 24″ underground.

    Pros: Effective, affordable, humane, long-term solution Cons: Requires significant modification

  2. Repellents:
    • Apply naturally derived or chemical repellents around burrows to make the area unappealing.
    • Gradually extend repellents closer to desired exit points.

    Pros: Affordable, humane, non-invasive Cons: Requires frequent re-application

  3. Barn Owl Nesting Boxes:
    • Construct barn owl nesting boxes to control gopher populations over time.

    Pros: Natural, organic, beneficial for the ecosystem Cons: Long-term solution, won’t eradicate gophers

  4. Remove Shelter and Food Sources:
    • Keep garden borders weed-free and treat the lawn for potential gopher food sources.
    • Promptly clean up fallen fruits and vegetables.

    Pros: Natural, organic, non-toxic Cons: Does not kill gophers, takes time to see results

Avoid These Methods:

  • Flooding, Live Trapping, Fumigating, Scattering pet waste, Ultrasonic devices, Gopher-repellent plants, Castor oil.

How Exterminators Deal with Gophers:

  • Trapping: Locate, expose, and set professional-grade traps, then remove and reset as needed.
  • Carbon Monoxide Gopher Removal: Inject carbon monoxide into tunnels for an alternative method.
  • Annual Gopher Removal Program: Regular visits to control gopher populations for the long term.

FAQs:

  1. What are Gophers?
    • Small, burrowing rodents with fur-lined cheek pouches, known for tunneling and creating extensive networks.
  2. Why Do I Have Gophers in My Yard?
    • Attracted to food sources, loose soil, and shelter; reproduce rapidly.
  3. What Does Gopher Damage Look Like?
    • Mounds, patches of dried dirt, and damage to crops, gardens, and bushes.
  4. Do I Have a Gopher or Mole Problem?
    • Differentiate based on mounds and ridges; moles create zigzagging ridges, while gophers create fan-shaped mounds.
  5. What Do Gophers Hate the Most?
    • DIY methods complement but may not fully eliminate gopher problems; integrated pest control is essential.
  6. Fastest Way to Get Rid of Gophers?
    • Professional pest control companies offer a comprehensive approach for faster and more effective results.
  7. How Do I Get Rid of Gophers Under My House?
    • Lethal traps or gopher baits are effective; avoid fumigation and consider professional assistance.

Gopher Control in Ventura County and Los Angeles County:

  • Contact Ekoterra Pest Management: Specialists in effective and humane gopher control for residential and commercial properties in Southern California.