Get Rid of Gophers in Your Garden

Get Rid of Gophers in Your Garden

Gophers can be a major headache for gardeners. These burrowing rodents dig extensive tunnel systems underground, causing significant damage to plant roots. As they tunnel, they often munch on roots, which can lead to wilting or even death of your plants. The mounds of dirt they push up as they dig are not just unsightlyā€”they can also block your irrigation systems, making it harder to water your garden properly. And since gophers reproduce quickly, their numbers can get out of hand if left unchecked.

If youā€™ve noticed uneven soil, sagging plants, or visible holes, itā€™s a strong sign gophers are at work. They target the roots of vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and even mature trees. Their tunneling can severely damage tree roots, leaving them vulnerable to disease and stress. They also feed on bulbs and tubers, adding another layer of destruction to your garden. If gophers have settled in, acting quickly is essential to prevent further damage.

Ways to Get Rid of Gophers in Your Garden

Several methods can help reduce or eliminate gopher populations from your garden. Choosing the right approach depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the extent of the infestation.

  • Trapping gophers is one of the most direct methods. Using gopher traps, set in their active tunnels, is effective for removing these rodents. Traps should be placed at a depth where gophers are most likely to pass through. A few popular trap types include box traps and spring-loaded traps. Ensure the trap is placed in the main tunnel, where the gopher frequently travels. Once caught, the gophers can be relocated or disposed of.
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  • Several repellents are available, and they work by emitting strong smells or sounds that gophers find unpleasant. Castor oil-based repellents, in particular, are quite popular. When applied to tunnels, these substances irritate gophers and encourage them to leave the area. However, they may require reapplication after rainfall or over time as the scent fades.
  • Some plants naturally repel gophers due to their scent or taste. For example, plants like daffodils, marigolds, and lavender can help deter gophers from settling in your garden. While they won't eliminate an infestation, these plants can discourage new gophers from burrowing near them. Companion planting these species in strategic locations around your garden might help reduce the appeal of your space.
  • One highly effective long-term solution is to install underground fencing or mesh. Buried about 2 feet deep along the perimeter of your garden, this metal mesh prevents gophers from digging under the barrier. This is especially useful for areas with high gopher activity, but it can be a bit labor-intensive to install. Make sure the mesh is small enough to prevent gophers from squeezing through.
  • While not the most humane option, poison baits are sometimes used to eliminate gophers quickly. The bait is placed in active tunnels where gophers will eat it and then die. However, caution is crucial if you choose this method, as it can harm other wildlife, pets, or beneficial insects. Make sure to use baits designed specifically for gophers and follow all safety instructions.
  • If you want to target the gopher population without chemicals or traps, flooding the tunnels with water can be an option. This method forces the gophers to leave their burrows in search of dry ground. The key to success is to locate the entrance and ensure water is introduced into the tunnels directly. However, this method may not be as effective if the ground is particularly dry or if the gophers have deep burrows.
  • Utilizing natural predator deterrents is another option. Gophers are frightened by the presence of predators like snakes, coyotes, or owls. Some products emit the scent of these predators or make their calls to scare gophers away. While this method may not be a quick fix, over time, it may reduce gopher activity in your garden.
Ways to Get Rid of Gophers in Your Garden

How to Keep Gophers Out of a Raised Bed

Raised garden beds are often less attractive to gophers due to their height, but these rodents are resourceful and can still invade if the bedā€™s base isnā€™t secured. To protect raised beds, you need to take steps to make sure gophers canā€™t get to the roots of your plants.

  • Before adding soil to the raised bed, line the bottom with fine-mesh hardware cloth. Use a mesh with holes smaller than 1/4 inch to keep gophers from burrowing upward. Secure the mesh to the sides and ensure there are no gaps where rodents could slip through. This method acts as a physical barrier between gophers and your plants, preventing them from tunneling up from beneath.
  • For added protection, you can elevate your raised bed off the ground. Using posts or blocks, lift the bed slightly above the soil. This discourages gophers from accessing the plants from the bottom and makes it more challenging for them to tunnel into the structure.
  • Check for any openings along the sides of your raised bed. Gophers can easily slip into these small spaces if they go unnoticed. Patch any gaps with wire mesh or sturdy materials. If you're constructing a new raised bed, ensure the materials used are secure enough to keep gophers out.
  • If gophers are frequently seen near your raised beds, consider creating a perimeter around the garden. A solid fence or mesh barrier surrounding the bed can further discourage gophers from approaching. Make sure the barrier extends about 2 feet into the soil to stop them from burrowing underneath.
  • Planting certain plants near the base of your raised bed may help repel gophers before they even approach the structure. Consider using plants like garlic, onions, or mint, which have strong scents gophers tend to avoid.
How to Keep Gophers Out of a Raised Bed

Final Words

Dealing with gophers doesnā€™t have to be a headache. With the right techniques, like trapping, repellents, or barriers, you can keep your garden safe. Act early, and youā€™ll be able to enjoy a gopher-free garden all season long.


FAQs

Can gophers damage tree roots?

Yes, gophers can damage tree roots. Even though they prefer smaller plants, their tunnels can harm the roots of mature trees, especially if theyā€™re shallow-rooted. Gophers may even chew on the roots, which weakens the tree and makes it more vulnerable to stress and disease.

How do I know if I have a gopher problem?

Gophers leave mounds of dirt that look like crescent or volcano shapes. If you see these mounds, especially near your plants, you probably have a gopher problem. Wilting or dying plants can also be a sign that their roots are being damaged by gophers.

Are there natural predators that can help control gophers?

Yes, animals like hawks, owls, snakes, and coyotes can help keep gophers in check. While they wonā€™t completely get rid of them, encouraging these predators to visit your garden can discourage gophers from sticking around.

Can gophers damage my lawn?

Yes, gophers can damage lawns by digging tunnels and eating the grass roots. This can cause patches of dead grass, uneven ground, and ugly mounds. If you donā€™t deal with the problem, these issues will likely get worse over time.

Is it safe to use poison baits around pets and children?

No, poison baits can be dangerous for pets and children. If you choose this option, make sure you follow the instructions carefully and place the bait in areas pets and kids canā€™t reach. Many people opt for traps or natural repellents to avoid these risks.

Will gophers return to the same area after being removed?

Yes, gophers might come back if conditions stay favorable. To keep them from returning, try long-term solutions like underground fencing or reinforcing your gardenā€™s perimeter. Regular checks will help catch any new gopher activity early.

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