HOW TO GET RID OF GOPHERS

The pocket gophers are burrowing rodents of the family Geomyidae. These are the "true" gophers, though several ground squirrels of the family Sciuridae are often called gophers also. The name "Pocket Gopher" on its own may be used to refer to any of a number of subspecies of the family.

Damage and Damage Identification

Pocket gophers can be distinguished from the other mammals by their telltale signs as well as by their appearance. Pocket gophers leave soil mounds on the surface of the ground. The mounds are usually fan-shaped and tunnel entrances are plugged, keeping various intruders out of burrows.

Damage caused by gophers includes destruction of underground utility cables and irrigation pipe, direct consumption and smothering of forage by earthen mounds, and change in species composition on rangelands by providing seedbeds (mounds) for invading annual plants. Gophers damage trees by stem girdling and clipping, root pruning, and possibly root exposure caused by burrowing. Gopher mounds dull and plug sicklebars when harvesting hay or alfalfa, and soil brought to the surface as mounds is more likely to erode. In irrigated areas, gopher tunnels can channel water runoff, causing loss of surface irrigation water. Gopher tunnels in ditch banks and earthen dams can weaken these structures, causing water loss by seepage and piping through a bank or the complete loss or washout of a canal bank. The presence of gophers also increases the likelihood of badger activity, which can also cause considerable damage.

Legal Status

Pocket gophers are not protected by federal or state law.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion
Generally not practical. Small mesh wire fence may provide protection for ornamental trees and shrubs or flower beds. Plastic netting protects seedlings.

Cultural Methods and Habitat Modification
Damage resistant varieties of alfalfa. Crop rotation. Grain buffer strips. Control of tap-rooted forbs. Flood irrigation. Plant naturally resistant varieties of seedlings.

Repellents
Synthetic predator odors are all of questionable benefit.

Toxicants
Baits: Strychnine alkaloid. Zinc phosphide. Chlorophacinone. Diphacinone.

Fumigants
Carbon monoxide from engine exhaust. Others are not considered very effective, but some are used: Aluminum phosphide. Gas cartridges.

Trapping
Various specialized gopher kill traps. Common spring or pan trap (sizes No. 0 and No. 1).

Shooting
Not practical.

Other
Buried irrigation pipe or electrical cables can be protected with cylindrical pipe having an outside diameter of at least 2.9 inches (7.4 cm). Surrounding a buried cable with 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of coarse gravel (1 inch [2.5 cm] in diameter) may provide some protection.
 

For help getting rid of gophers, contact your local Critter Control office.  To find a Critter Control office near you, check out our Office Finder.