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Gophers
If you've got gopher problems, you probably have already tried many
of the things I'm about to mention and know they don't work. Gophers
don't frighten easily and all those devices would probably be enough
to drive us away, just don't bother Mr. Gopher.
Flooding their tunnels doesn't work as you also know— they are good
swimmers and can easily plug a tunnel up anywhere along its length
when the water starts getting too deep. They do the same if you try
to gas them.
Poison is an alternative, but not recommended. Before they succumb
to the poison, they'll often emerge from the tunnel and die topside.
Their carcass could then be consumed by a favorite pet and which would
then poison them as well.
The best remedy is traps. If you're not too squeamish, the lethal
variety, if done properly, will do the job. It may take several tries
getting it set just right to nab them. Even though they are usually
solitary critters, during the spring, they are usually in an amorous
mood and will probably have a mate or two holed up with them so you'll
have to keep at it putting traps in at several tunnel openings.
Find the main tunnel by locating a fresh opening and then determine
it's direction by running a rod (or buy a gopher probe--really!) into
the ground around an imaginary circle. You'll notice a give in the
pressure when you hit the tunnel.
The main tunnel runs underground for a considerable distance. They
will then dig up to the surface in various places and these are the
mounds you see in your yard. You want to find the main tunnel, not
the lateral access tubes.
Once you find the main tunnel, dig a hole that intercepts this tunnel.
Set two traps, one on each side of the exposed openings so you'll
be catching them either coming or going. Normally, you don't have
to bait the traps, but some folks claim this helps. If you opt for
this you might consider using lettuce, carrots, or slices of apple.
Tie a wire to the trap so you can easily remove it. Once the traps
are properly set, place some cardboard over the hole you dug and cover
with soil so no light enters the hole. If you don't catch one in 3
days, you've got a dead-end tunnel and will need to relocate it and
try again. Once you get the problem under control, be prepared for
a re-infestation, especially if you live in an area bordering a vacant
lot, or wild-lands. You might get rid of the ones in your yard, but
as soon as that tunnel becomes vacant, another opportunistic critter
will take advantage of the already excavated new digs.
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