Gopher Control Methods — Trapping, Carbon Monoxide, and Bait Compared

Q: Is carbon monoxide safe for gopher control?

Yes. Carbon monoxide for gopher control is applied directly into underground tunnel systems. The CO dissipates within the tunnel and poses no risk at the surface. There is no exposure risk to people, pets, or wildlife after treatment.

Q: Why is rodenticide bait dangerous for gopher control?

Rodenticide bait poisons dogs and cats that dig up or scavenge bait-killed gophers, and causes secondary poisoning in hawks, owls, and other predators that feed on poisoned gophers. It also produces uncertain results because gophers may avoid disturbed bait placements.

There are several gopher control methods available to homeowners and pest control professionals — trapping, carbon monoxide, rodenticide bait, repellents, and exclusion. They vary widely in effectiveness, safety, and cost. This guide covers each method honestly so you can make an informed decision about how to handle a gopher problem on your property.

Method 1 — Professional Trapping

Professional trapping is the most reliable gopher control method when executed correctly. Traps placed in the main tunnel runway intercept the gopher on its regular travel path, producing confirmed elimination within one or two visits.

The critical factor is trap placement. A pocket gopher creates a main runway 6-18 inches below the surface with lateral tunnels branching off to feed sites and mound exits. Traps in lateral tunnels often fail — the gopher detects disturbance and seals off that section. An experienced gopher controller reads the mound pattern and probes the soil to locate the main runway before placing traps.

Pros: Confirmed elimination, no toxic residue, safe for pets and children, works in all soil conditions.

Cons: Requires skill to place correctly, multiple visits may be needed for large infestations.

Best for: Residential properties, pet owners, families with children, anyone wanting confirmed results.

Method 2 — Carbon Monoxide Treatment

Carbon monoxide treatment uses specialized equipment to inject CO directly into active tunnel systems. The gas fills the entire tunnel network, reaching gophers throughout the system regardless of where they are in the tunnel. CO dissipates naturally within the tunnel — there is no surface residue and no exposure risk.

CO treatment is particularly effective for large or complex tunnel systems where multiple trap placements would be required. It is also useful when soil conditions make it difficult to identify the main runway for trapping.

Pros: Reaches entire tunnel system, no surface residue, fast treatment, confirmed results.

Cons: Requires specialized equipment not available to homeowners, most effective on active tunnels.

Best for: Large properties, complex tunnel systems, commercial applications.

Method 3 — Rodenticide Bait

Rodenticide bait is the most widely used gopher control method among general pest control companies because it is inexpensive and fast to deploy. Grain or pellet-based bait containing anticoagulant rodenticide is placed in tunnel systems. Gophers that consume the bait die underground over several days.

Despite its widespread use, bait is the least reliable and most dangerous gopher control method for residential properties. The problems are significant:

Uncertain results. Gophers may avoid disturbed bait placements. Unlike trapping, there is no way to confirm whether bait was consumed and worked.

Pet and wildlife risk. Bait poisons dogs and cats that dig up or scavenge bait-killed gophers. It causes secondary poisoning in hawks, owls, and foxes that feed on poisoned animals. Bait placed near children is a serious safety hazard.

Pros: Inexpensive, fast to deploy, widely available.

Cons: Uncertain results, dangerous to pets and wildlife, no confirmation of elimination, risk to children.

Best for: Agricultural settings far from pets, children, and wildlife — not residential use.

Method 4 — DIY Hardware Store Traps

Box traps, pincer traps, and wire traps are available at hardware stores and can work in limited circumstances. The same placement challenge applies to DIY traps as professional traps — most homeowners place them in lateral tunnels rather than the main runway, producing poor results.

DIY trapping is worth attempting for a single, clearly active tunnel system with an obvious mound pattern. For established infestations or recurring problems, professional service is significantly more reliable.

Pros: Low upfront cost, no scheduling required.

Cons: High failure rate without proper placement knowledge, time-consuming, frustrating for persistent infestations.

Method 5 — Repellents

Castor oil repellents, ultrasonic devices, and vibration stakes are commonly marketed as gopher deterrents. The evidence for their effectiveness is consistently negative.

Castor oil repellents may temporarily discourage gopher activity in treated areas but do not eliminate gophers — they simply redirect them to adjacent areas of the property. Ultrasonic devices have no scientific support for effectiveness against gophers. Gophers quickly habituate to sounds and vibrations that do not represent a direct threat.

Verdict: Repellents are not a reliable gopher control method and should not replace trapping or CO treatment.

Method 6 — Exclusion and Barriers

Wire mesh barriers placed underground can protect specific garden beds or planting areas from gopher tunneling. Hardware cloth buried 18-24 inches deep with a 6-inch lip turned outward can be effective for small areas. This is a prevention method, not a control method — it does not eliminate existing gophers.

Pros: Long-term protection for high-value plantings, no ongoing cost after installation.

Cons: Labor-intensive, expensive for large areas, does not address existing gopher populations.

Which Gopher Control Method Is Best?

For residential properties in Southern California, professional trapping and carbon monoxide are the best gopher control methods. They produce confirmed elimination, leave no toxic residue, and are safe for pets, children, and the wildlife that shares Southern California neighborhoods.

Rodent Guys uses only trapping and carbon monoxide — never rodenticide bait. Every service includes a follow-up visit to confirm elimination and a 60-day guarantee. If you want to know exactly what method is right for your property, call us for a free assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective gopher control method?

Professional trapping and carbon monoxide are the most effective gopher control methods because they produce confirmed elimination. Rodenticide bait is widely used but less reliable — you cannot verify whether it worked.

Is carbon monoxide safe for gopher control?

Yes. Carbon monoxide is applied directly into underground tunnel systems and dissipates within the tunnel. There is no exposure risk to people, pets, or wildlife after treatment.

Why is rodenticide bait dangerous for gopher control?

Bait poisons dogs and cats that scavenge bait-killed gophers, and causes secondary poisoning in hawks, owls, and other predators. It also produces uncertain results because gophers may avoid disturbed bait placements.

Do ultrasonic repellers work for gopher control?

No. Scientific studies and field experience consistently show that ultrasonic devices do not effectively deter gophers. Gophers quickly habituate to vibrations and sounds that do not represent a direct threat.

Call 909-599-4711 for professional gopher control using the safest, most effective methods available. Free estimates throughout Southern California.