What is the Cheapest Way to Get Rid of Gophers?

Gophers might seem small, but they can wreak havoc on your yard, garden, and even your lawn. Their underground tunnels damage roots, disturb plants, and create unsightly mounds, all of which can leave homeowners frustrated and scrambling for a solution. While there are plenty of expensive pest control options out there, you don’t have to break the bank to deal with these pesky rodents.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the cheapest, most effective ways to get rid of gophers, including DIY methods you can start using today. Whether you’re dealing with a small infestation or trying to prevent future damage, we’ll show you how you can keep your yard gopher-free without spending a fortune.

Understanding Gopher Behavior: Why Traditional Solutions Don’t Always Work

Before diving into the cheapest ways to get rid of gophers, it’s essential to understand their behavior. Gophers are burrowing rodents that live underground, only coming up to the surface to feed on plants and roots. Their burrows can extend up to 200 feet, making it difficult to target them effectively with simple solutions like surface poisons or generic traps.

Many traditional methods often fail because they don’t address the root cause of the problem, gophers’ ability to adapt and thrive in underground environments. For example, simply setting traps above ground may not catch them, as they spend most of their time below the surface. Poisons, while effective in some cases, can be a hit-or-miss solution since gophers often avoid areas where they sense danger, or they might move to a different tunnel altogether, leaving the poison ineffective.

When trying to save money, it’s tempting to go for these quick-fix solutions, but in the long run, they can end up costing more if they don’t provide a lasting solution. It’s important to approach gopher removal with a strategy that works with their natural behavior, targeting the tunnels they create and disrupting their habitat.

Top DIY Methods for Gopher Removal: Inexpensive Yet Effective

When it comes to getting rid of gophers on a budget, there are several DIY methods you can use. These solutions are not only cost-effective but also practical, allowing you to target gophers where they live and disrupt their tunnels. Below are the best options for tackling a gopher infestation without breaking the bank.

1. Manual Trapping: A Simple and Affordable Solution

One of the most straightforward methods for gopher removal is trapping. Gopher traps are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them one of the cheapest ways to target these burrowing pests.

• How to Use: Place traps at the opening of the gopher’s tunnel or where you’ve noticed activity. Set the trap and check it frequently, gophers can quickly get caught, but you’ll need to stay on top of it to avoid the trap becoming a permanent fixture in your yard.
• Cost: Gopher traps typically cost around $5–$10 each. Since they’re reusable, you can use them for future infestations as well, making this an affordable, long-term solution.
• Pro Tip: Use multiple traps to cover several tunnel entrances for the best chance at success.

2. Flooding the Tunnels with Water: A Low-Cost Solution

Flooding gopher tunnels is another simple, low-cost method that can drive them out of their underground hideouts. This method works well when you’ve identified active tunnels.

• How to Use: Attach a hose to a nearby water source, then insert the nozzle into the gopher’s tunnel entrance. Turn on the water, letting it flow into the tunnel. The flooding will force the gopher to evacuate.
• Cost: The only cost involved is your water bill, which is minimal if you control the water flow. It’s an especially cheap option if you have access to a garden hose.
• Pro Tip: This method works best in wet conditions or during rainy seasons, when gophers are already less likely to be underground.

3. Homemade Gopher Repellents: Natural and Budget-Friendly

If you prefer a non-invasive method, homemade gopher repellents are a great option. These natural solutions can be made with ingredients you likely already have at home, saving you money on commercial products.

• How to Use: Mix castor oil with a bit of dish soap and water to create a repellent. Pour this mixture into the gopher’s tunnels or spread it around their burrow entrances. The smell and taste are unpleasant to gophers, driving them away.
• Cost: The ingredients for a homemade repellent are typically under $10, depending on what you already have in your pantry.
• Pro Tip: Reapply the repellent every couple of weeks or after heavy rain for continued effectiveness.

How to Prevent Gophers from Returning: Low-Cost Long-Term Solutions

While getting rid of gophers is the first step, preventing them from coming back is equally important. Implementing long-term, low-cost strategies can save you from future headaches and ensure that your yard stays gopher-free. These methods help deter gophers from making a return, addressing the root cause of the infestation.

1. Installing Gopher-Proof Fencing: A Simple Barrier

One of the most effective long-term solutions is installing a gopher-proof barrier around key areas of your yard, like your garden or lawn. This barrier prevents gophers from burrowing into your yard in the first place.

• How to Use: To create the barrier, you can use wire mesh or hardware cloth with holes no larger than 1/4 inch. Dig a trench about 18–24 inches deep and bury the fencing, leaving a small portion above ground to prevent gophers from burrowing underneath.
• Cost: The materials for gopher-proof fencing are relatively inexpensive. For instance, 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth measuring 2 ft. x 5 ft. is priced at approximately $14.68 per roll . If you’re covering a larger area, a 100 ft. x 4 ft. roll is available for around $129.99 .
• Pro Tip: Ensure the fencing is buried deep enough to stop gophers from digging under it. This is a one-time cost that will protect your yard for years.

2. Encouraging Natural Predators: Let Nature Do the Work

Another long-term strategy for preventing gophers from returning is attracting natural predators. Gophers have several natural enemies, including owls, hawks, and even dogs, which can help control their population.

• How to Use: Installing owl or bat houses, or even encouraging local predators, can make your yard less attractive to gophers. Dogs, in particular, will often root out gophers if given the opportunity. For those with a pet, training your dog to patrol the yard can be an effective deterrent.
• Cost: This method has minimal costs. If you already have a pet, there’s no additional investment needed. Purchasing an owl or bat house can cost around $20–$40, depending on the design and materials.
• Pro Tip: If you’re using pets like dogs, make sure to supervise them, as they might dig in other areas of the yard as well.

3. Sealing Off Entrances: A Simple and Effective Prevention

If you’ve noticed signs of gopher activity, sealing off the entrances to their tunnels can make it harder for them to return. While this method is more of a preventative measure, it helps by eliminating any immediate entry points.

• How to Use: Simply backfill the gopher holes with dirt or use a heavy stone or rock to block the tunnel entrances. You can also use soil from the surrounding area to pack the tunnels tightly, making them harder to reopen.
• Cost: This is one of the least expensive methods, as it requires only a shovel and some dirt, both of which are readily available.
• Pro Tip: This method is most effective when combined with other strategies, such as trapping or fencing.

Best Low-Cost Gopher Removal Strategies

Dealing with gophers doesn’t have to mean shelling out a lot of money for expensive professional services or ineffective store-bought products. By using a combination of affordable DIY methods, such as manual trapping, flooding tunnels, and homemade repellents, you can tackle your gopher problem without breaking the bank.

Additionally, implementing long-term solutions like gopher-proof fencing and encouraging natural predators will help ensure that your yard stays gopher-free for the long haul. Remember, the key is consistency—stay proactive and keep your yard secure, and you’ll reduce the risk of future infestations.

If DIY methods don’t do the trick, don’t hesitate to reach out to AAAC Wildlife Removal. Our team offers professional services that provide lasting solutions, ensuring your property remains gopher-free with minimal hassle.

Need Help with Gopher Removal? Contact AAAC Wildlife Removal Today!

While DIY methods can be a great start, sometimes you need a professional touch to completely eliminate gophers and prevent future infestations. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in affordable, effective, and eco-friendly gopher control solutions tailored to your needs.

Don’t let gophers damage your yard any longer, reach out to our team for expert advice and services. Whether you need immediate assistance or long-term prevention, we’re here to help! Call us today or schedule a free consultation to get started!