Gopher Prevention – Can It Be Done?

Gophers are indigenous to our area here in California. They don’t hibernate and are active all year long in our landscapes, gardens, and in the open space that surrounds us. Since they can do a lot of damage when left unchecked, getting control of these critters can become an essential need. We are always asked how our customers can prevent gophers from coming onto their property and unfortunately, there is no 100% guaranteed way to do this.

Vibrating Posts 

We regularly receive calls from people who have used or are using the vibrating posts that are meant to repel gophers and moles. The general consensus is that they work for a short time or not at all.

Gopher Netting

Gopher netting placed under lawns can actually be pretty effective! Unfortunately it will not work forever, gophers have been known to break through the netting. 

Netting installation can also be quite costly and depending on the company you use it could end up costing more in the long run than paying for us or another company to trap them. 

In addition to the expense, there are several techniques to gopher netting installs. Sometimes they bury the wire slightly which is good for lawn health, but creates space for shallow digging invaders like moles and sometimes gophers. Other times the gopher netting is installed directly under the sod, which is good because critters won’t be able to get on top of it, however, if there are any imperfections in the netting it can lead to pockets and air bubbles under the lawn where it won’t be able to root and grow healthily.

Gopher Baskets/Cages

Cages around a plant’s roots can be helpful and effective in protecting young plants from gophers.

Gopher Fence

Gopher fence is similar to gopher netting but is installed in the ground around your fence line. Much like gopher netting, it can work for a limited amount of time and could end up costing more in the long run. 

What can you do?

We have found the most effective way to keep gopher populations in check is through the combination of trapping and baiting that we utilize in our ongoing Gopher, Mole, and Vole Control Program. Again, it is not 100% preventative but we are able to keep them at bay and quickly take care of them when they come onto your property.

You can learn more about our gopher control services here and about our ongoing program here!

If you are experiencing critter activity or if you have any questions please give us a call or submit an online form so that we can assist you!