How to Trap Gophers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Correct Trap Placement Is Everything — Here Is How to Do It Right

Trapping is the most effective method for eliminating pocket gophers. But most DIY trapping attempts fail — not because trapping does not work, but because traps are set in the wrong location. Here is the correct technique for trapping gophers, including the most common mistake homeowners make.

What You Need

Macabee traps or Gophinator traps (2 per active area minimum)

A gopher probe (a metal rod with a handle, sold at garden centers)

A small trowel or garden spade

Wire or a stake to secure traps to the surface

Work gloves

Avoid wearing scented lotions or strongly scented gloves — some gophers are sensitive to human scent, particularly in tunnels near the surface.

Step 1 — Find the Primary Tunnel

This is the most important step and where most DIY attempts fail. The mound itself is connected to a lateral tunnel that leads to the main tunnel. Traps set in the lateral do not catch gophers reliably.

To find the primary tunnel: probe the soil in a semicircle about 8-12 inches away from the plugged side of the mound. Push the probe straight down every 3-4 inches until you feel the probe drop into empty space — that is the primary tunnel. Primary tunnels are typically 6-12 inches below the surface.

Step 2 — Excavate Access to the Primary Tunnel

Once you locate the primary tunnel, use your trowel to dig straight down to it. Create an opening just large enough to insert two traps side by side. Avoid disturbing more soil than necessary — you want to maintain as much of the tunnel structure as possible.

Step 3 — Set and Place Traps

Set two Macabee or Gophinator traps and place them in the primary tunnel facing opposite directions — one toward each end of the tunnel. The gopher travels back and forth through the primary tunnel and will encounter at least one trap regardless of direction of travel.

Secure each trap to the surface with wire or a stake so the gopher cannot drag it deeper into the tunnel system.

Step 4 — Cover the Access Hole

Cover the excavation loosely with a board or piece of cardboard. Gophers seal off tunnel sections that are exposed to light — a covered access hole keeps the tunnel dark and the gopher behaving normally. Do not pack soil back into the hole.

Step 5 — Check Traps Every 24 Hours

Check traps daily. If you have not caught a gopher within 48-72 hours, the trap location is likely wrong — move the excavation point and try a new location along the primary tunnel. Do not leave traps in the same failed location for more than 3 days.

When to Call a Professional

DIY trapping works well for homeowners who are comfortable digging in their yard and willing to check traps daily. Consider calling a professional if:

You have tried trapping without success after 5-7 days

You have multiple active mound areas across a large property

You cannot identify the primary tunnel location consistently

You have pets that roam the yard unsupervised (professional traps are placed deep underground)

Activity is extensive enough that multiple trap sets are needed simultaneously

Rodent Guys resolves most residential gopher problems in 1-2 professional visits with a 60-day guarantee. Call 909-599-4711 for same-week service throughout Southern California.

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