2 Options for Ridding Your Yard of Gophers

1. Poison

Poison represents one of the most effective methods of eliminating a gopher problem, as long as this method is implemented correctly. You must appreciate that gophers can be clever, and even poison will not work against them unless placed with due care. The key involves locating the main burrowing tunnel rather than the lateral exit tunnels that branch off of it.

The main tunnel can be difficult to find unless you know how. Many people assume that the mounds of dirt marking the places where a gopher has come up through the ground are directly connected to the main tunnel. In fact, these mounds more often than not represent what are known as plugged tunnels, which the gopher used only as a place to push dirt out, before sealing up for good.

Gopher poison generally consists of whole grain seeds - barley, oats, and millet are all frequently used - that have been treated with either strychnine or zinc phosphide. These seeds must be placed inside of the main tunnel with a dedicated dispensing tool, one that won't be used for anything else.

The opening should then be carefully plugged up without burying the poison. Otherwise, the poison may tempt pets or other critters you don't want to eat it. Be aware that, even when all due precaution is taken, poison can be a risky option for those with house pets that have access to the yard. Consider going with another option if pet safety represents a concern.

2. Traps

Traps can be as effective as poison if implemented correctly. As with poison, you must accurately identify the main tunnel. Professionals accomplish this task by means of a so-called gopher probe. This tool consists of a hollow metal tube with a long rod fitted inside of it.



A pest control expert pushes the probe into the soil in an area where they suspect the main tunnel will be. If the probe breaks through into the tunnel, the rod will immediately drop down through the tube, thus indicating that a void space has been reached. With the main tunnel identified, the next step requires that a hole be excavated so that the trap can be placed.



Gopher traps can be broken down into two main categories: wire traps and box traps. Both are effective when placed correctly. Box traps tend to be easier to set, yet have the drawback of requiring that a greater amount of surface soil be excavated. They are also more suitable for tunnels with a diameter of three inches or less.



Getting rid of gophers is a notoriously difficult task, one that continues to stymy homeowners who choose to go at it alone. A much better option involves hiring a professional pest company, one with the requisite combination of experience and knowledge. If you would like to learn more about what it takes to remove gophers effectively, contact the experts at Monterey Bay Pest Control Inc.