Pocket gophers are one of the most destructive and frustrating pests for homeowners and gardeners. These burrowing rodents can turn a pristine lawn into a minefield of mounds and can destroy entire garden beds in a single night. Unlike moles, which are insectivores, gophers are herbivores that actively seek out and eat the roots of plants, shrubs, and trees. Understanding how they operate is the first step in learning how to get rid of pocket gophers for good.

Step 1: Identify Your Pest

Before you can effectively treat a problem, you must be sure you are dealing with gophers and not another burrowing animal like a mole or a vole.

Telltale Signs of a Gopher Infestation:

• Crescent or horseshoe-shaped mounds of finely sifted soil. The plug or entry point is usually off to one side of the mound, not in the center.
• Mounds are often spaced in a line, indicating the path of their main tunnel system.
• Plants or trees suddenly begin to wilt and die, as the gopher has eaten their roots from below.
• Soft, sunken spots in the lawn where the ground collapses from their tunnels.

Step 2: Understand Why DIY Methods Often Fail

Many homeowners turn to DIY solutions, often with disappointing results. Here’s why some common methods are ineffective:

Common DIY Pitfalls:

• Repellents: Gophers are territorial and persistent. Smelly or sonic repellents may work for a short time, but they rarely drive the gopher away permanently. They will simply create new tunnels around the treated area.
• Flooding: Their tunnel systems are incredibly complex, often going several feet deep and spanning hundreds of feet. Flooding a single tunnel section will not force them out, as they have multiple escape routes and will simply move to a drier part of the system.
• Trapping without knowledge: Store-bought traps require precise placement in the main travel tunnel. Placing them in a random mound or surface tunnel is a waste of time and effort.

The key to success is understanding their tunnel system and targeting the gopher where it lives and travels.

Step 3: The Most Effective Method – Strategic Trapping

For a professional pest control service, the most reliable and humane method for gopher removal is strategic trapping. This involves:

• Locating the Main Tunnel: This is the most critical step. Professionals know how to identify the deep, active tunnels where gophers travel, as opposed to the more numerous surface feeding tunnels.
• Placing Professional-Grade Traps: Traps are set in pairs, facing both directions in the main tunnel. Gophers are naturally curious and will investigate any breach in their system.
• Following Up: A professional service will return to check traps and remove the gopher. This process is repeated until all activity has ceased, ensuring the problem is fully resolved.

While this may sound simple, the ability to locate the main tunnel is what separates an effective gopher removal service from a frustrating DIY attempt.

When to Call an Expert

If you’ve tried to manage your gopher problem and are seeing more mounds pop up, it’s time to call in a professional. At Oregon Critter Patrol, we specialize in the effective and lasting removal of pocket gophers. We have the tools and expertise to identify the main tunnels, eliminate the gopher, and offer advice on how to prevent future infestations. Save your lawn, your garden, and your sanity by letting us handle the problem with our guaranteed professional service.