1. **Traps**: Gopher traps are one of the most effective ways to catch and remove gophers from your property. There are various types of traps available, including box traps, tunnel traps, and cinch traps. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when setting traps, and place them in active gopher tunnels for the best results.
2. **Poison Baits**: Poison baits can be effective in controlling gopher populations, but they should be used with caution, especially in areas where children or pets may come into contact with them. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using poison baits, and place them in gopher tunnels according to the recommended dosage.
3. **Repellents**: There are several commercial repellents available that claim to deter gophers from invading your property. These products typically contain ingredients that emit strong odors or tastes that gophers find unpleasant. However, the effectiveness of repellents may vary, and they may need to be reapplied regularly.
4. **Flooding**: Flooding gopher tunnels with water can help drive them out of their burrows and discourage them from returning. Use a garden hose or other water source to flood active gopher tunnels, and monitor the area for signs of gopher activity.
5. **Plant Repellent Plants**: Some plants are known to repel gophers due to their strong scent or taste. Planting repellent plants such as castor beans, gopher spurge, or daffodils around your property may help deter gophers from entering your garden or lawn.
6. **Fumigation**: Fumigating gopher tunnels with gas cartridges or smoke bombs can be effective in killing gophers underground. However, fumigation should only be done by trained professionals, as it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
7. **Physical Barriers**: Installing physical barriers such as underground wire mesh or hardware cloth can help prevent gophers from burrowing into specific areas of your property. Bury the barrier at least 2 feet deep to prevent gophers from digging underneath it.
8. **Natural Predators**: Encouraging natural predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, or domesticated cats to frequent your property may help keep gopher populations in check. However, relying on natural predators alone may not be sufficient to eliminate gophers entirely.
It may take a combination of methods to effectively control gopher populations on your property. Experiment with different techniques to find the approach that works best for your specific situation, and be patient, as gopher control may require ongoing efforts to maintain. Additionally, always follow local regulations and guidelines when dealing with pest control methods.