Capture, Killing or Exclusion Method: which is best?
Killing a gopher seems like it might be easy. Drop a bit of rat poison down the hole and walk away. Job done. Such methods have unwelcome consequences worth considering when looking at all the options for getting on top of your gopher problem. We'll look at the pros and cons of each so you can make the best-informed choice for the method that suits you, your property and your garden.
Capture, Kill and Exclude. Here are the options:
Gopher Traps (Capture or Kill Method): One traditional way of dealing with gophers is trapping. There are various types of traps available, including box traps, cinch traps and a variety of spring-loaded traps. Trapping can be effective, especially if you catch the gophers early in their activity before they cause extensive damage. However, it requires constant monitoring and resetting of traps, which can be time-consuming. If you trap to kill, the trap needs to be emptied promptly to be effective again. If it's to capture, again, you will need to empty the trap and free the creature as far away from the property as you are willing to go.
Poison Baits (Capture or Kill Method) : Another common approach is using poison baits designed to kill gophers. These baits typically contain toxic substances that are attractive to gophers but lethal when ingested. While poison baits can be effective in reducing gopher populations, they come with risks, such as accidental poisoning of non-target animals and environmental concerns about the use of chemicals in your garden. When other target animals consume bait set out for gophers, these creatures can then poison their predators. In California, animals
Repellents (Capture or Kill Method) : Gopher repellents are products that emit odours or substances that are unpleasant to gophers, deterring them from entering your garden or feeding on plants. While some repellents may offer temporary relief, their effectiveness can vary, and gophers may become accustomed to the smell over time, rendering the repellents less effective.
Natural Predators (Capture or Kill Method): Introducing natural predators of gophers, such as owls, snakes, or domesticated pets like cats, can help control gopher populations. However, relying solely on predators may not provide consistent or complete protection, especially in urban or suburban environments.
Physical Barriers: One of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for protecting your plants from gophers is the use of physical barriers. Gophers Limited offers a range of durable barriers, including wire mesh baskets and underground barriers, designed to prevent gophers from accessing plant roots. These barriers are highly effective, providing a permanent solution without the use of harmful chemicals or constant maintenance.
The effectiveness of Gophers Limited's physical barriers lies in their design and construction. The wire mesh baskets are placed around plant roots, creating a protective shield that gophers cannot penetrate. Similarly, underground barriers prevent gophers from tunnelling into designated areas, keeping your plants safe from below-ground damage.
In comparison to other methods, such as trapping and poison baits, which require ongoing effort and may have adverse environmental impacts, Gophers Limited's physical barriers offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. Once installed, they provide continuous protection, allowing your plants to thrive without the threat of gopher damage.
Plants Gopher's Tend to Avoid:
Daffodils
Fritillaria
Crown Imperial
California Poppy
Lavender
For more information on plants that gophers dislike, see our blog post HERE or download our PDF HERE.
