A large number of people find themselves with gopher problems on their property and want a natural solution to eliminate their gopher problem.

The number one choice for many people when attempting to rid themselves of gophers naturally is the use of traps. One of the traps used by some individuals is rattrap. These rattraps are set upside down over the entrance of the gopher tunnel.

Traps are an easy way to ensure that you have actually caught the gopher that you are after. There are how every some circumstances, which prevent trapping. If the run is an awkward location, it can be hard to set up a trap properly.

If you do find a gopher run that you are able to set a trap up over, use a post hold digger to create a small clean hole. Make sure that you wear clean cotton gloves as gophers have a keen sense of smell and will notice your scent easily.

You can rub your traps with vegetables such as carrot to leave a pleasing aroma for the gophers. Set your trap with bait like lettuce, beans or peas. Let your traps sit for at least 24 hours, if you have not trapped a gopher re-bait them and try again.

There are two main types of gopher traps, the box trap and the wire trap - one will strangle the gopher while the other will impale the gopher. Whichever one you choose, the trap has to be placed in the gopher burrow. The goal is for the gopher to try and move over the trap.

Gophers however hate change to their burrow and they can often detect the trap. When this happens, typically they will fill the trap in or cover it with dirt. This will set the trap off yet allow the gopher to remain free.

When you dig into the gopher’s burrow to place the trap there is the chance that you may not seal the burrow properly, and the light entering in will warn the gopher as well. If this happens, the gopher may close off that chamber in his burrow.

 To effectively set your trap and catch your gopher, you are going to have to do a certain amount of digging. You will have to dig down until you have exposed the main tunnel of the burrow and then place the trap in the runway.

You will have the best results by using two traps; one facing in each direction to capture the gopher no matter which way he comes. Make certain that you stake your traps to the soil to prevent the gopher from dragging them away.

If you manage to catch the gophers that you are after, never handle them without wearing gloves. Gophers typically have a number of parasites such as fleas residing on them.

Always use a plastic bag when disposing of deceased gophers.

Some people prefer to use water for getting rid of gophers instead of traps. If your land is flat, you could try using a hose to flood the gopher’s burrow. Although the flooding method will not drown the gophers, it will cause the interior of their burrow to collapse. This may force them to move on and leave your property.

If the area where you are having your gopher problem is small, it is entirely possible to keep them away by using some sort of a barrier. You could erect wire fencing; use concrete barriers, mesh or a number of other items. If you decide to try the barrier method for ridding your property of gophers, make sure the item of your choice goes at least two feet deep into the soil. It should also be at least a foot above ground to prevent the gophers from climbing over it.

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