The most effective way to control moles and gophers is with traps or poisons that result in the death of the creatures. If you use poisons or chemicals, be sure to follow the product directions carefully and keep pets and children at a safe distance.

Gophers are active year-round but are the most visibly active in the spring and fall when the soil is of the ideal moisture content for digging.

Trapping is an effective non-toxic control method on small acreages. The most common type of gopher trap is the u-shaped, spring-type Macabee trap. Find the main runway of the tunnel by poking around in the fresh mounds. You know you have found the main runway when the probe sinks 4 to 12 inches into the ground.

Problems Caused by Gophers These nests can be anywhere from six inches to six feet below the surface. Due to this, gophers under houses can severely weaken the structural integrity of the building, causing the land beneath to cave in.