More Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

• Do owl boxes help control gophers?
• Do castor-oil pellets or "gopher purge" plants work?
• Are gophers ever beneficial?
• How do I tell mole vs. gopher mounds?
• Is poison bait safe to use?
• What should I do if I find an injured or orphaned gopher?
• Can gophers damage irrigation or utility lines?
• How can I prevent gophers from returning after removal?
• Are there any legal restrictions on gopher control?

Do owl boxes help control gophers?

Encouraging predators is great for biodiversity, but it rarely reduces gopher numbers enough to prevent damage. Owl boxes may attract barn owls, which do eat gophers, but studies show that even active owl populations seldom control gophers below damaging levels. Use trapping and exclusion as your primary control methods, and consider owl boxes as a supplemental, not standalone, strategy.

How do owl boxes work?

Owl boxes are artificial nesting sites designed to attract barn owls, natural predators of gophers. When installed in suitable habitats, these boxes can increase local owl populations. However, barn owls have large hunting territories and varied diets, so even with several owls present, gopher populations may not decrease significantly. Owl boxes are best used as part of an integrated pest management plan.

Do castor‑oil pellets or “gopher purge” plants work?

No consistent protection in controlled trials; invest in trapping and barriers instead. Castor-oil pellets, sprays, and so-called “gopher purge” (Euphorbia lathyris) plants are widely marketed, but scientific studies show little or no effect on gopher activity or damage. Gophers are persistent and will tunnel past or under these deterrents. For reliable results, focus on proven methods like trapping, underground fencing, or wire mesh barriers.

Why are these products so popular?
Many homeowners prefer non-lethal or “natural” solutions, and marketing often exaggerates the effectiveness of repellents and certain plants. While some people report anecdotal success, scientific evidence does not support these claims. Investing in physical barriers or proven trapping methods is more effective and cost-efficient in the long run.

Are gophers ever beneficial?

Absolutely. Pocket gophers are considered ecosystem engineers because their activities have far-reaching effects on soil health and biodiversity. Their extensive tunneling aerates and loosens compacted soils, which improves water infiltration, root growth, and nutrient cycling. By moving subsoil to the surface, gophers help mix soil layers, redistribute minerals, and incorporate organic matter, which can enhance soil fertility over time.

Gopher mounds and abandoned burrows create microhabitats for a variety of organisms. Many insects, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals use these spaces for shelter, nesting, or hunting. The disturbed soil can also provide seedbeds for native plants, sometimes increasing plant diversity in natural areas.

Additionally, gophers are a crucial food source for predators such as barn owls, snakes, hawks, bobcats, and coyotes. Their presence supports these higher trophic levels and contributes to a balanced ecosystem.

However, while gophers offer these ecological benefits, their burrowing can conflict with human interests by damaging lawns, gardens, irrigation systems, and crops. It’s important to weigh their positive ecological roles against the need to protect property, and to use targeted, humane management strategies when necessary.

Can I encourage gophers in wild areas but keep them out of my garden?

Yes, you can use underground fencing or wire mesh barriers to protect specific areas like gardens or lawns, while leaving wild or less-used areas unmanaged. This approach allows gophers to provide their ecological benefits without causing unacceptable damage to valued spaces.

How do I tell mole vs. gopher mounds?

Gopher mounds are low, fan‑ or crescent‑shaped with an offset plug, usually appearing as a semicircular pile of soil with the hole sealed off to one side. The soil is pushed out in one direction, creating a distinct, irregular shape. In contrast, mole mounds are higher, more symmetrical, and look like round “volcanoes” with a central plug of soil. Mole mounds tend to be more conical, and the entrance is directly in the middle of the mound.

You can also look for surface tunnels: moles often leave raised ridges or surface runways in lawns, while gophers rarely do. If you carefully dig into a mound, a gopher tunnel will be plugged just below the surface, while a mole tunnel will be open and run horizontally just beneath the mound.

Gopher Mound Details

Are there other signs to look for?
Yes. Gophers feed on roots and stems, so you may notice wilting or missing plants. Moles primarily eat insects and earthworms, so plant damage is less common. Gopher activity is often more destructive to gardens and crops, while moles are usually less of a threat to plants.

Is poison bait safe to use?

Baits and fumigants can pose risks to pets, wildlife, and people and are regulated. Some (e.g., aluminum phosphide) are Restricted Use and require certified applicators and specific setbacks from structures. Consider trapping first.

What are safer alternatives to poison?

Yes, there are several safer and effective alternatives to poison baits for gopher control:

• Trapping: The most reliable and targeted method. Use box or tunnel traps placed in active gopher tunnels. Check traps daily and reset as needed. Trapping avoids risks to non-target animals and is allowed in most areas.
• Underground Barriers: Install wire mesh (hardware cloth) or gopher baskets around plant roots, raised beds, or entire garden areas. Bury barriers at least 18–24 inches deep and bend the bottom edge outward to prevent tunneling underneath.
• Flooding: Occasionally effective for small infestations, flooding tunnels with water may drive gophers out, but is less reliable and not practical for large areas.
• Natural Predators: While not always sufficient alone, encouraging predators like owls, snakes, and hawks can help reduce gopher numbers over time.
• Soil Management: Remove food sources such as weedy vegetation and fallen fruit, and keep lawns trimmed to make the area less attractive to gophers.

Always follow local regulations and consider non-lethal, integrated pest management strategies before resorting to toxic baits or fumigants. If you must use chemical controls, read and follow all label instructions, and keep children and pets away from treated areas.

What should I do if I find an injured or orphaned gopher?

If you find a gopher that appears injured or orphaned, avoid handling it directly, as wild animals can carry diseases and may bite. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control agency for advice. Do not attempt to care for wild gophers yourself, as they have specialized needs and may not survive without proper care.

Can gophers damage irrigation or utility lines?

Yes, gophers can chew through plastic irrigation tubing, drip lines, and even underground utility cables. Their tunneling can also cause soil subsidence, leading to uneven ground and potential damage to infrastructure. To protect critical lines, consider installing physical barriers or using conduit for underground cables.

How can I prevent gophers from returning after removal?

After removing gophers, take steps to prevent reinfestation:

• Repair holes and tunnels: Fill in old tunnels and compact the soil to discourage new gophers from moving in.
• Install barriers: Use underground fencing or mesh around vulnerable areas.
• Monitor regularly: Watch for new mounds or signs of activity and respond quickly to new infestations.
• Maintain landscaping: Keep grass trimmed and remove excess vegetation to make the area less attractive.

Are there any legal restrictions on gopher control?

Laws regarding gopher control vary by location. Some poisons and fumigants are restricted and require special permits or certified applicators. Trapping is generally allowed for property protection, but always check with your local agricultural commissioner or wildlife agency for current regulations before using any control method.

If you have more questions, consult your local cooperative extension office or pest management professional for site-specific advice.