To get rid of gophers effectively, several methods are recommended, often used in combination for best results:

Practical and Effective Methods

1. Trapping

• Trapping is a safe, pesticide-free, and selective method that can capture about 75% of gophers in an area.
• Use lethal traps such as 2-pronged pincer traps (Macabee, Cinch, Gophinator) or choker-style box traps placed in main tunnels or near fresh mounds.
• Bait traps with vegetables like carrots, apples, or peanut butter, or use unbaited traps triggered by gopher movement.
• Traps should be checked and moved if not visited within 48 hours.
• Live traps are an option for humane capture and release, but require careful handling due to disease risk

2. Poison Baits

• Toxic baits containing strychnine-treated grain are highly effective and economical for large infestations.
• Baits must be placed carefully inside main runways or artificial burrows to avoid exposure to non-target animals.
• Use caution handling poisons and follow all label instructions strictly.
• Specialized equipment like a “burrow-builder” can create artificial tunnels to distribute bait efficiently over large areas

3. Fumigation and Gas Cartridges

• Fumigants (smoke bombs, ignitable gas cartridges) can be used but are generally less effective because gophers quickly seal burrows when detecting gases.
• Aluminum phosphide fumigants are effective but restricted to licensed operators and limited to non-residential areas due to safety concerns.
• Carbon monoxide injection devices (e.g., PERC machine) can asphyxiate gophers and have shown removal rates over 70% but are costly and more suited for large-scale control

4. Repellents and Physical Barriers

• Castor oil granules repel gophers by disrupting their sense of smell and taste; they must be applied liberally and repeatedly to saturate the soil.
• Underground fencing with hardware cloth buried 2 feet deep and bent outward can protect valuable plants but is not foolproof and may restrict root growth.
• Planting gopher-repellent plants (e.g., gopher spurge, lavender, rosemary) can help but is usually a supplementary measure

Summary of Recommendations

• Start with trapping and baiting for quick, effective control.
• Use fumigation or gas treatments cautiously and preferably by professionals.
• Employ repellents and barriers to protect specific plants or areas.
• Monitor and maintain control efforts regularly, especially in spring and fall when gophers are most active

This integrated approach balances effectiveness, safety, and environmental considerations for managing gophers in yards, gardens, or larger infested areas.