Identification

• Crescent-shaped mounds of fresh soil are evidence that gophers are present, as they push dirt to the surface as they tunnel. The hole of a gopher is usually plugged. A gopher can make several mounds in a single day. Mounds appear more frequently in the spring and fall because the ground is moister and easier to dig. In gardens and flower beds that are watered frequently gophers may dig tunnels throughout the year.
  
  

Repellents

• Natural gopher repellent contains fox scent because gophers are more afraid of foxes than any other predator. The repellent is simply sprinkled on the ground; it is safe for plants, people and pets. Electronic repellents create a vibration and sound that is unpleasant to gophers as well as moles. The only maintenance these devices require is changing the batteries every six months.
  
  

Baiting

• Gophers may be baited with toxic materials such as grains treated with strychnine or zinc phosphide. Both of these baits are effective after one feeding. Anticoagulants may be used for the safety of children and pets, but they are not as effective because they are less toxic. Baiting should be done in the main burrow for best results. A gopher probe is used to locate the main burrow, according to the University of California. It is usually located about six to 12 inches down. You will notice a sudden drop of about two inches when the probe has reached the burrow.
  
  

Trapping

• There is a variety of types of gopher traps. Gopher Pest Control indicates that two-pronged pincher traps are most commonly used. Traps should be placed in the main tunnel in pairs with the openings facing away from each other. This way the gopher can be trapped from either direction. After setting the traps, it is important to cover the opening to block light to the tunnel. Traps may be baited with apples, peanut butter, carrots or lettuce, but it is not necessary. Check your traps frequently and relocate them if you are not successful within two days.
  
  

Considerations

• The University of California suggests flooding the tunnels to force the gophers out so you can destroy them. Another method is to attach a hose to your car's exhaust pipe and place the other end of the hose into the gopher's tunnel.