The first step is to make sure you are dealing with pocket gophers and not voles (that's voles, not moles--voles eat plant material while moles don't typically eat plant material). Pocket gophers can be identified by large crescent-shaped, aboveground mounds. Images comparing mole mounds and pocket gopher mounds can be found at the links below.
If you are dealing with pocket gophers, you can use toxicants or trapping. Toxic baits are very effective in controlling pocket gophers. Follow the label instructions on the pesticide container.
Trapping also is effective if you have only a very few animals that need to be caught. There are two types of traps: pinch traps and box traps. You will have to probe the tunnel, dig out the top foot or so, place your trap in, and place a board over the hole to keep any light from entering. Some trappers like to slide the trap quite deeply into the hole. Use a wire, not nylon cord, to attach the trap to the anchor post. With a little practice, you will be able to locate the hole on the first probe.
For more information on trapping and gophers, visit the site Pocket Gopher Control Information.
Identifying Pocket Gopher Damage
