How To Get Rid Of Gophers

Gophers are notoriously destructive burrowing rodents that can ruin lawns, gardens, and even underground utility lines. While our professional pest control offers the most thorough and lasting solution, there are several effective do-it-yourself methods that home and business owners can try to manage gopher infestations. Here is how to get rid of gophers:

Locate Active Gopher Tunnels

Before you do anything, you must find the active tunnel system:

Look for fresh mounds of loose, fan-shaped soil.
Use a probe or a rod to find the main tunnel, typically 6–12 inches below ground.
Confirm activity by clearing a small section of the tunnel and checking if it’s re-plugged within 24 hours — that indicates the tunnel is active.

Set Traps (Most Effective DIY Method)

Trapping is the most reliable non-chemical method for individual property owners.
Steps:

Use box traps or pincer-style traps such as the Macabee or GopherHawk traps.
Place traps in the main tunnel, facing opposite directions to catch gophers coming from either side.
Use gloves to handle traps (to minimize human scent).
Check traps twice daily, and reset as needed.
Once the gopher is removed, collapse and fill in the tunnels to discourage reoccupation.

Trapping is most effective when there’s limited activity (1–3 gophers). For larger infestations, our professional intervention is usually needed.

Apply Baits (Use with Extreme Caution)

Gopher baits—usually containing zinc phosphide or strychnine—can be placed in active tunnels.

Only apply according to label directions and never use near pets, children, or edible crops.
Bait stations should be sealed after application to prevent exposure to non-target wildlife.
Dead gophers should be promptly removed to reduce secondary poisoning risks.

Misuse of toxic baits can be hazardous. These baits are regulated in some areas.

Use Gopher Repellents (Short-Term Solution)

Repellents can help discourage gophers but rarely eliminate established infestations.

Castor oil–based repellents (liquid or granular) can be applied to lawns and gardens to make soil less appealing.
Reapply after rainfall or irrigation.
Plant gopher-resistant plants such as daffodils, marigolds, or lavender around garden edges as a mild deterrent.

Exclusion Barriers (Preventive Option)

For long-term prevention in gardens or landscaped areas:

Install underground hardware cloth barriers (½-inch mesh galvanized wire) buried at least 2 feet deep and extending 6 inches above the surface.
Line raised beds or planter boxes with wire mesh.
Protect irrigation lines and underground cables with conduit or gopher-resistant tubing.

Flooding, Fumigation, and Ultrasonic Devices (Limited Success)

Flooding: Rarely effective, as gophers quickly escape or seal off flooded tunnels.
Fumigation: Smoke bombs or gas cartridges are generally ineffective against pocket gophers due to their extensive burrow systems.
Ultrasonic devices: No scientific evidence supports their long-term effectiveness; they may offer temporary disturbance at best.

Ongoing Monitoring

Even after removal, monitor for new mounds or signs of digging every few weeks. Gophers reproduce quickly, and vacant burrows are often reoccupied by new individuals.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Gophers

Our professional pest control is the best way to get rid of gophers because it provides precision, safety, efficiency, and long-term protection that most DIY methods simply can’t match. Gophers are highly adaptable burrowers with complex tunnel systems, and eliminating them completely requires a combination of expertise, specialized tools, and regulated materials. Here’s why hiring our professionals is the superior approach:

Accurate Identification and Inspection

Our professionals start by conducting a thorough inspection to determine:

The extent of the infestation (number of active tunnels and gophers present).
The type of gopher (different species have slightly different behaviors).
The locations of main runs and nesting areas, which are critical for effective placement of traps or baits.

This precision ensures control measures are targeted where gophers are active—something most homeowners struggle to achieve through trial and error.

Advanced Trapping and Baiting Techniques

Our pest control experts use commercial-grade traps and professional baiting systems that are far more effective than over-the-counter options.

We know exactly how and where to place traps inside the burrow network for maximum catch efficiency.
Our licensed professionals can legally use restricted-use rodenticides that are more potent and properly regulated for safety.
We handle all materials in compliance with EPA and state guidelines, reducing risk to pets, children, and non-target wildlife.

Our combination of expertise and access to better tools translates to faster and more reliable elimination.

Safety and Environmental Protection

DIY use of poisons or gas cartridges can pose serious risks if applied incorrectly. Our professionals:

Follow strict safety protocols to prevent contamination of soil, water, or vegetation.
Use targeted treatment methods to avoid harming beneficial animals or polluting the environment.
Dispose of carcasses properly to eliminate secondary poisoning threats to predators and pets.

This ensures the problem is solved safely and responsibly.

Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance

Killing or trapping gophers is only part of the solution—keeping them from coming back is equally important. We provide:

Soil and property modifications, such as installing underground mesh barriers or advising on landscape changes that deter burrowing.
Routine monitoring and maintenance programs to detect new activity early.
Recommendations for habitat management, including lawn care and vegetation adjustments that make your property less appealing to gophers.

This preventive approach offers true long-term control rather than short-term relief.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Our professional services save money in the long run by:

Preventing expensive landscape, irrigation, and structural damage caused by gophers.
Reducing wasted spending on ineffective DIY products.
Resolving the issue quickly, so property owners avoid weeks or months of trial and error.

For businesses, our professional control also prevents disruptions to landscaping aesthetics, outdoor work areas, and customer impressions.

Guaranteed Results and Peace of Mind

We provide a service guarantee and warranty, meaning we'll return at no additional cost if the gophers reappear within a set timeframe. That level of accountability gives property owners confidence that the infestation will be handled completely, safely, and professionally.

Get Rid Of Gophers With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!