If you have spotted mounds of fresh dirt dotting around your lawn or garden, chances are you have a gopher problem. These pesky burrowers can destroy landscaping, kill plants from underground, threaten irrigation systems, create tunnels, and cause major headaches for homeowners. A gopher can eliminate efforts to maintain a healthy and green yard overnight. Fortunately, there are proven, affordable and accessible solutions that work — and at Bug & Weed Mart, we’re here to help you choose the right one for your yard. Whether you are dealing with a small infestation or an underground invasion, these methods can help you take back control of your yard.

Smoke Bombs

If you are looking for fast results, smoke bombs are one of the most effective ways to get rid of gophers. These devices emit smoke and gas that fill tunnels, suffocating the gopher before it can escape. Many homeowners prefer this method since it works quickly and targets the problem right at the source.

Here’s the catch smoke bombs must be used carefully and correctly to be effective. Homeowners must locate active tunnels, seal off exits and follow safety instructions closely. Misuse can result in wasted product or ineffective treatment, allowing gophers to continue their destruction.

Tips for smoke bomb success:

Look for fresh mounds to identify active tunnels
Use a stick or probe to gently open the tunnel and place the bomb inside
Seal the entry quickly after lighting to trap smoke inside
Avoid using smoke bombs near structures, trees or any other flammable areas

Bait

Another effective option for gopher control is gopher bait. These specially formulated poisons are designed to attract gophers and eliminate them inside their tunnels. We often recommend bait when smoke bombs are not the best option, like when gopher tunnels are near structures, in dry soil or when smoke might disrupt nearby people or pets.

Like all pest control methods, bait works great when used safely, strategically and responsibly. Not all bait is the same, and using the wrong type or amount can lead to poor results or risk harm to pets and non-target animals. That is why speaking with a professional and forming a solid game plan is so important.

Our experts at Bug & Weed Mart will:

Help choose the right kind of product for your home/yard
Teach you how to properly place the bait inside the tunnels
Explain how to reduce risks for pets and humans
Offer tips to maximize success

Manual Traps

If you prefer a chemical-free approach, manual gopher traps are also effective. These traps are placed inside the gopher tunnels and snap shut when triggered by movement simple and effective. Traps can involve a bit of a learning curve, but they are also incredibly successful when used properly.

Here are some tips:

Identify the main tunnel by probing near fresh mounds
Dig into the tunnel and place a trap inside
Cover the hole with a board or tarp to keep out light, encouraging gophers to keep the tunnel active
Check the trap daily and reset if necessary

Keep Them Away Long Term

After attempting any of the extermination methods described above, check to see if the gophers have packed up and moved on by poking a hole into one of the burrows. If the hole stays open after a few days, your guests are gone!

To keep gophers from coming back in the future after extermination efforts, there are a few things that can help. Planting natural gopher-repellent plants such as natal plum, lavender, salvia, catmint, oleanders or rosemary is one thing homeowners can try to keep them away. If you have a flower or vegetable garden, digging a trench around the plot and burying a wire mesh screen can help prevent gophers from burrowing. Finally, installing a solar or battery-powered ultrasonic emitter in your yard or garden can help keep gophers and other rodents at bay.

With the right tools and approach, you can eliminate gophers for good. Gopher control is not one-size-fits-all — that’s where we come in. If you have any concerns about gophers in your lawn or garden, stop by any of our Bug & Weed Mart locations. Our knowledgeable team can help determine which strategy is right for you and how to safely eliminate gophers. Whether you go with smoke bombs, bait or traps, Bug & Weed Mart has everything you need to win the underground war.