Gophers Can Destroy Your Lawn And Garden If You Don’t Take Action Fast
If you’ve been noticing mysterious mounds popping up in your lawn or garden, there’s a good chance you have gophers to blame. These underground pests can quickly wreak havoc on your yard, creating tunnels that damage plant roots, cause unsightly mounds, and even result in the destruction of landscaping. If left unchecked, gophers can turn your beautiful garden into a disaster zone. The good news is that with the right approach, you can stop them in their tracks. From using physical barriers and traps to introducing natural predators, there are several ways to protect your garden and reclaim your space.
1. Install Underground Barriers To Prevent Gophers
Underground barriers are a powerful and long-term solution to prevent gophers from invading your yard. The concept is simple: by creating a strong barrier beneath the soil, gophers are unable to tunnel through and gain access to your plants or garden. Green Machine Pest recommends using hardware cloth or wire mesh with small holes, ideally no larger than 3/4 inch. The barrier should be buried 18 to 24 inches deep, with a portion extending above the ground by about 6 inches to prevent gophers from climbing over. By using this method, you not only protect the surface of your yard but also establish a durable defense against future infestations, ensuring your lawn and plants remain safe over time.
2. Gopher Baskets Are A Must For Sensitive Plants
For particularly vulnerable plants, gopher baskets are an essential tool to safeguard their roots from these destructive creatures. These mesh cages are designed to encase the plant’s root system, preventing gophers from accessing and damaging it. AAI Pest recommends using these baskets for more delicate plants, especially those you’ve invested in. By enclosing the roots in a sturdy wire mesh, gophers can no longer burrow underneath to chew on them. This method is highly effective and easy to set up, ensuring your valuable plants are well-protected. Gopher baskets also allow the roots to grow freely while keeping pests at bay, making them an ideal solution for high-maintenance or expensive plants.
3. Trapping Is An Effective Way To Eliminate Gophers
If you’re facing an immediate gopher issue, trapping is one of the quickest ways to address it. DIY Pest Control advises setting traps in the main gopher tunnels, which are usually about 12 to 18 inches from the visible mound. To increase your chances of success, place two traps facing opposite directions in the tunnel, ensuring they’re properly aligned to capture the animal. For best results, check the traps every day and reset or relocate them if necessary. Trapping works particularly well during the spring and fall when gophers are more active. While it can be time-consuming, it’s a highly effective method for reducing gopher populations, providing quick results when you need them most.
4. Repellents Are Worth A Try, But Not A Miracle Solution
While repellents alone are unlikely to fully eradicate a gopher problem, they can be a useful part of an integrated pest management strategy. These products often use unpleasant smells or chemicals that gophers find irritating, encouraging them to abandon the area. Lawn Love suggests using castor oil granules or soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them around burrows. Although repellents may not completely eliminate the issue, they can act as a deterrent and help to reduce gopher activity. To maximize their effectiveness, use repellents in combination with other methods, such as trapping or creating barriers, for a comprehensive approach to gopher control.
5. Plant Gopher-Resistant Species Around Your Yard
Gophers are notoriously picky about what they’ll eat, which is why planting gopher-resistant species is an effective method of deterring them. These plants, which tend to be toxic or distasteful to gophers, can serve as natural barriers in your yard. AAI Pest recommends incorporating varieties like lavender, rosemary, daffodils, and marigolds, as gophers dislike their strong scents and flavors. By planting these species strategically, you not only add beauty and variety to your garden, but you also create an environment that is less appealing to gophers. This approach is eco-friendly and works well when combined with other pest control measures to keep your landscape gopher-free.
6. Attract Natural Predators To Control Gopher Populations
Nature can help keep gophers in check, as certain predators thrive on them. To encourage these natural gopher hunters to visit your property, consider creating environments that are conducive to their presence. Smith’s Pest Management recommends installing owl nesting boxes or providing shelter for hawks and snakes, all of which are natural gopher predators. By attracting these animals to your yard, you can effectively reduce the local gopher population over time. This method offers a sustainable, chemical-free way of managing gophers, while also benefiting local wildlife. It’s a harmonious approach that not only controls pests but also supports the ecosystem.
7. Modify Your Landscape To Make It Less Attractive To Gophers
One of the most proactive ways to prevent gophers from settling in is by modifying your landscape to make it less hospitable to them. Oklahoma State Extension suggests trimming back overgrown vegetation, shrubs, and bushes that provide ample food sources for gophers. Additionally, removing thick weeds and keeping your lawn well-maintained reduces the appeal of your property. Gophers are more likely to invade yards with abundant root systems, so eliminating these food sources can deter them from entering your space. By creating a cleaner, less inviting environment, you can make your yard unappealing to gophers and prevent infestations before they start.
8. Call In The Experts When Things Get Out Of Hand
If your gopher problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to call in the professionals. Garden Design highlights that pest control specialists have access to more advanced tools and techniques for managing infestations, including large-scale trapping systems and chemical treatments. With their expertise, they can quickly assess the situation and apply effective solutions to address the problem. While professional pest control can be more expensive than DIY methods, it can save you time and effort in the long run, especially for large or stubborn infestations that are difficult to control on your own.
9. Use Gopher-Proof Fencing To Keep Them Out
For a more permanent solution, consider installing gopher-proof fencing around your garden or lawn. Critter Control recommends using a 1/4-inch mesh wire fence that extends at least 18 inches into the ground to prevent gophers from tunneling underneath. The fence should also extend above ground to prevent gophers from climbing over it. While the installation process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, this method provides a solid, long-lasting defense against gophers. It’s a reliable option for homeowners looking for permanent protection, especially for gardens or lawns that are frequently threatened by gophers.
10. Monitor Your Yard Regularly For Early Signs Of Gophers
Regularly checking your yard for signs of gopher activity can help you catch potential infestations early and prevent more serious damage. WebMD advises looking for fresh mounds and burrows, especially during the spring and fall when gophers are most active. If you notice any new activity, act quickly to implement control measures before the situation escalates. Early intervention is key, as gophers can cause significant damage in a short period. By staying vigilant and addressing any signs of gophers early on, you can prevent costly repairs and maintain a beautiful, gopher-free yard.