How To Get Rid Of Gophers In A Vegetable Garden

Best Solutions To Control Gophers & Keep Your Garden Intact from 101gardentips.com

Gophers are small rodents that are often seen in vegetable gardens. They can cause a lot of damage to your garden and can be very hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are some methods that you can use to get rid of gophers from your vegetable garden.

Identifying Gophers

The first step in getting rid of gophers is to identify them. Gophers are small rodents, about 6-10 inches in length, with short, furry tails. They have small eyes and ears, and their fur is typically brown or gray in color. They have large, powerful front claws that they use to dig tunnels and burrows in the ground. They are most active at night, and during the day they usually stay hidden in their burrows.

Exclusion

The best way to keep gophers out of your vegetable garden is to exclude them. Start by creating a physical barrier around your garden. This can be done by burying hardware cloth or chicken wire around the perimeter of your garden. The cloth or wire should be buried at least two feet deep and should be checked regularly for any gaps that the gophers could use to get in. You should also make sure that any other openings, such as doors or windows, are securely closed.

Repellents

Another way to get rid of gophers is to use repellents. Repellents are substances that are designed to keep gophers away from your garden. Some of the most popular repellents include castor oil, garlic, and predator urine. These repellents should be applied to the perimeter of your garden and should be reapplied every few weeks.

Trapping

If physical barriers and repellents don’t work, you may need to resort to trapping the gophers. There are several types of traps available, including box traps, cage traps, and harpoon traps. The most effective type of trap is the harpoon trap, which is designed to catch the gopher and keep it alive. Once the gopher is caught, it should be humanely relocated to an area away from your garden.

Poisons

Using poisons to get rid of gophers is not recommended, as they can be dangerous to humans, pets, and other wildlife. Additionally, they may not be very effective in getting rid of gophers. If you do decide to use poisons, make sure to follow the directions on the package carefully and use them only as a last resort.

Natural Predators

One of the best ways to get rid of gophers is to introduce natural predators into your garden. Some of the most common gopher predators include owls, hawks, and snakes. If you can attract these predators to your garden, they can help to keep the gopher population under control.

Fumigation

Fumigation is another option for getting rid of gophers. This involves releasing a gas or smoke into the tunnels and burrows of the gophers. This gas or smoke will force the gophers out of their burrows and away from your garden. Fumigation is best done by a professional and should only be used as a last resort.

Conclusion

Gophers can be a real nuisance in a vegetable garden, but there are several methods that you can use to get rid of them. The best way is to use exclusion, repellents, and natural predators to keep them away from your garden. If these methods don’t work, you may need to resort to trapping or fumigation. No matter what method you choose, it’s important to follow the directions carefully and use only as a last resort.