Gophers, small burrowing rodents that measure between 5 to 14 inches in length, are known for causing significant damage to lawns and gardens. Their extensive tunnel networks, located about 18 inches underground, can disrupt irrigation lines, degrade levees and canals, and cause soil erosion. These pests also pose a threat to tree nurseries, orchards, and vineyards by gnawing on plant roots and bark.
Homeowners looking to control gopher populations have several methods at their disposal. Toxic baits containing zinc phosphide are one option; these require careful application directly into the gopher burrows using bait applicators. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, zinc phosphide is “a nonselective rodenticide,” first registered as a pesticide in the U.S. in 1947.
Another method involves installing barriers such as wire baskets or galvanized mesh under lawns or around individual plants to prevent gophers from reaching them. Trapping is also effective; it requires locating active tunnels and setting traps with bait.
Fumigation is an option best left to professionals due to federal regulations surrounding compounds like aluminum phosphide. Machines producing carbon monoxide, such as the Pressurized Exhaust Rodent Controller (PERC), are gaining popularity for treating multiple burrows simultaneously without leaving residual poison.
Natural repellents like castor oil solutions can deter gophers by making the soil unappealing for digging. Additionally, planting marigolds and daffodils may help keep these pests away due to their disliked scents.
Sound devices offer another approach by emitting vibrations or ultrasonic waves that make areas uncomfortable for gophers. However, experts caution that many repellent methods may not be entirely effective against determined gophers.
For those seeking ways to manage gopher infestations effectively, understanding these various strategies is crucial. While some measures may prove more successful than others depending on specific circumstances, combining different approaches might offer the best chance of mitigating damage caused by these persistent rodents.
