To permanently get rid of gophers, combine trapping with underground barriers and habitat changes that remove their food sources. Consistent monitoring and maintenance will help ensure they don’t return.
Gophers may be small, but the damage they cause to lawns, gardens, and landscaping can be extensive. From unsightly mounds to destroyed plant roots, these burrowing pests can quickly turn your yard into a mess, making long-term removal a top priority for homeowners.
How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Gophers?
The most reliable way to permanently remove gophers is to use a combination of targeted trapping, underground exclusion barriers, and habitat modifications. Trapping quickly reduces the active population, while barriers like buried hardware cloth prevent new gophers from moving in. Removing food sources such as root-heavy plants also makes your yard less appealing.
A permanent solution requires consistency—monitoring your property for new tunnels and addressing them immediately keeps gophers from re-establishing. By combining these methods, you create an environment that’s difficult for gophers to invade and easy for you to maintain gopher-free.
What Are the Most Effective Gopher Traps?
Some of the most effective gopher traps include box traps, tunnel traps, and cinch traps, each designed to target gophers within their underground runways. Box traps are easy to set and work well for beginners, while tunnel and cinch traps are favored by professionals for their precision and higher catch rates. Choosing the right trap often depends on the size of your infestation and your comfort level with setting them.
Placement is just as important as the type of trap you use. Traps should be set in active tunnels, which can be found by probing the ground near fresh mounds. Marking and checking traps regularly ensures you can remove caught gophers quickly and reset as needed until all activity stops.
Can You Use Natural Repellents to Keep Gophers Away?
Yes, natural repellents like castor oil, garlic, and predator urine can help make your yard less appealing to gophers. Castor oil-based sprays soak into the soil and create an unpleasant environment for digging, while predator scents such as fox or coyote urine tap into the gopher’s natural fear of being hunted. These options are humane and safe for most pets and plants when used as directed.
However, natural repellents are best for prevention or light activity rather than established infestations. They typically require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or irrigation, to remain effective. Combining repellents with other control methods can increase their long-term success.
Will Gopher Poison Permanently Solve the Problem?
Gopher poison can reduce populations quickly, but it’s rarely a guaranteed permanent solution on its own. New gophers from nearby areas can still move in if there’s easy access to food and shelter. Additionally, poisons carry serious risks for pets, children, and non-target wildlife, making them a method that should be used with extreme caution.
If you choose to use poison, it should be part of a broader, integrated pest management plan. Combining it with exclusion barriers, trapping, and yard maintenance increases the chances of long-term success while minimizing the need for repeated applications. Always follow local regulations and manufacturer guidelines for safe use.
How Do You Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Gophers?
Making your yard less appealing to gophers starts with removing their primary food sources. Gophers feed on roots, tubers, and bulbs, so replacing vulnerable plants with gopher-resistant species like daffodils or lavender can help deter them. Keeping your lawn trimmed and reducing excess vegetation also limits their cover and nesting opportunities.
Soil management can also play a role in discouraging gophers. Compacting soil in problem areas or using gravel in garden beds makes digging more difficult and less inviting. These changes, combined with other control methods, can make your yard an unwelcoming environment for gophers year-round.
Can Barriers and Fencing Keep Gophers Out?
Yes, installing underground barriers is one of the most effective long-term ways to keep gophers out. Materials like hardware cloth or galvanized wire mesh can be buried 1–2 feet deep with 6–12 inches extending above ground to block both digging and climbing attempts. This method works well for protecting garden beds, lawns, and other high-value areas.
For best results, the mesh should have openings no larger than ½ inch to prevent gophers from squeezing through. While installing barriers requires more effort upfront, they provide lasting protection and reduce the need for repeated trapping or repellents. Properly placed fencing can serve as a permanent shield against future gopher invasions.
How Do You Know If Gophers Are Gone for Good?
The best way to tell if gophers are gone is by monitoring your yard for fresh mounds or newly dug tunnels. Active gopher tunnels are usually firm and packed, while abandoned ones tend to collapse or feel loose underfoot. Checking these areas regularly will help you spot any new activity before it becomes a bigger problem.
Another sign of success is the absence of plant damage or chewed roots in your garden. If weeks go by without signs of fresh digging or vegetation loss, you’ve likely resolved the infestation. Continuing to inspect your property even after removal ensures that any new gophers are dealt with quickly.
Are Professional Gopher Removal Services Worth It?
Professional gopher removal services can save you time, effort, and frustration, especially with large or persistent infestations. Experts have access to advanced trapping equipment, exclusion materials, and techniques that are often more effective than DIY methods. They can also identify entry points and vulnerabilities you might overlook.
Hiring a professional often includes follow-up visits to ensure the problem is fully resolved and preventative measures are in place. While it may cost more upfront, this approach can provide a more permanent solution and reduce the chances of gophers returning to your property.
Final Thoughts
Permanently getting rid of gophers requires a combination of methods rather than relying on a single solution. Trapping, installing underground barriers, removing food sources, and using repellents together create an environment that’s difficult for gophers to survive in.
Ongoing monitoring and quick action at the first sign of activity are key to keeping your property gopher-free for the long term. By staying proactive and consistent, you can protect your lawn, garden, and landscaping from costly gopher damage year-round.
Get Lasting Gopher Control with AAAC Wildlife Removal
If gophers are tearing up your lawn or garden, AAAC Wildlife Removal can help you stop the damage for good. Our trained team uses safe, effective, and proven methods to remove gophers, install protective barriers, and keep them from coming back. We customize our approach to your property so you get long-term results, not just a quick fix.