How to Get Rid of Gophers: Complete, Research‑Backed Guide
This guide walks you through what works (traps, underground barriers, and smart prevention) and what to skip (ultrasonic stakes, miracle repellents), with links to step‑by‑step guides and best product picks.
First, confirm it's a gopher. Gophers build fan‑ or crescent‑shaped mounds with a plugged hole offset to one side, unlike moles' volcano mounds. See Gopher vs. Groundhog and Gophers 101.
The Best Strategy
1) Prevention & Deterrence
- Reduce attractants (bulb/tuft favorites), tidy plant debris around beds, and keep turf healthy.
- For high‑value beds, consider raised planters lined with 1/2–3/4" hardware cloth; reinforce at seams.
2) Physical Exclusion (Best for Beds & New Plantings)
- Raised beds & planters: staple hardware cloth on the bottom before filling; overlap seams.
- Root protection: use wire baskets/cylinders on new shrubs and trees.
- Perimeter mini‑fences: bury ~24 in deep with a 6 in outward “J” bend; extend 6–12 in above grade where feasible.
See Underground Barriers.
3) Trapping (Most Reliable DIY Removal)
- Probe for the main tunnel 8–12 in from the plugged side of a fresh mound; the tunnel is typically 6–12 in deep.
- Set paired traps back‑to‑back, cover the opening to block light/air, check at 12–24 h, and relocate if no catch within ~48 h.
Start with How to Trap a Gopher and the step‑by‑step.
4) Professional‑Only Tools (Use with Caution)
- Some fumigants (e.g., aluminum phosphide) are Restricted‑Use Pesticides with strict label rules and setbacks from occupied structures. Consider licensed pros; see Legal & Ethical.
Less Effective Methods
- Ultrasonic/vibrating stakes: inconsistent performance in independent evaluations.
- Castor‑oil “repellents” and “repellent” plants: limited or short‑lived results.
Read the full rationale in Methods That Don't Live Up to the Hype.
Recommended Products
Gopher Box Trap
Effective gopher trap for efficient gopher control. Easy to set and durable for outdoor use.
Probe (Find Tunnels)
Long, slender probe for locating gopher tunnels and burrows. Made of durable metal with a comfortable handle.
Barriers & Hardware Cloth
Hardware cloth, wire baskets, and other physical barriers to protect plants from gopher damage.
Gopher Pincer Trap
Effective gopher trap for efficient gopher control. Easy to set and durable for outdoor use.
Garden Wire Baskets
Wire baskets to protect young trees and shrubs from gopher damage. Various sizes available.
Gopher Bait (Amdro Gasser)
Prevents gophers and other pests from damaging lawns, plants, and underground wires.
Recommended Resources
- Gopher basics: gopher 101 · gopher vs groundhog
- Avoiding ineffective methods: what to avoid
- Trapping: traps guides, best methods
- Barriers & exclusion: barriers, exclusions, and other preventions
- Best Gopher Products: traps, barriers, repellents, and more.
- Legal & safety: local regulations, safety tips, and ethical considerations.
References & Further Reading
- Homeowner how‑tos with differing approaches and pros/cons: Bob Vila · PESTKILL · The Spruce
- University extension guides: UC Davis · Colorado State · Oregon State
- Research on repellents and ultrasonic devices: UC Davis · Washington State · University of Rhode Island
- Gopher biology and behavior: Animal Diversity Web · Encyclopaedia Britannica · Wikipedia
- Gopher trapping techniques: University of Nebraska · University of California · Colorado State University
- Legal and ethical considerations: University of California · Oregon State University · Colorado State University