How to Win the War Against Gophers!

Gophers are persistent creatures that can do a LOT of damage to your yard, garden, orchard, and shrubbery in a VERY short period of time. You can't kill them all, but you can control them, and keep them out of areas.
#gophercontrol #gopherkill #pestcontrol
There are different types of gophers, but they have similar habits of burrowing tunnels under the ground, with disturbances at the surface for either excavating soil to allow them to dig more, or when they find an area with food to eat and they come near the surface to eat plant material. They are very cautious creatures that can feel a slight vibration in the ground and will go deeper into their runways at the first perception of danger.
WARNING! This episode is going to show you some of the most effective ways to KILL the gopher and possibly other citizens in the den. Females raise young (birthed usually in the spring), and tend to be more communal. Males are very territorial and solitary but will dig into other burrows in search of a female to mate with.
Our “go-to” methods for eliminating gophers in a given area are gas-emitting cartridges. However, there are also baits, in-tunnel traps, exposed tunnel box traps, and a vertical spring-loaded device called the GopherHawk® (GopherHawk® episode coming soon).
The cartridges we use are Amdrol Gopher Gassers. Here is their website: www.amdro.com/all-products/go...
Whatever method you use, you’ll need to locate where the tunnels or “runs” are below the surface. Fortunately, gophers give you clues in the form of a fan-shaped mound of soil. Gophers dig in a fairly predictable pattern. The run is NOT usually under this mound, but off to the side about 10 to 12 inches, perpendicular to the center of the mound, across from the narrower side.
Once the tunnel is exposed, you will have an opening to the tunnel on both sides of the hole you’ve dug (about 8 to 16 inches deep). You can now choose what method you’d like to use.
HERE’S ONE THING YOU DON’T DO! Ignore them. Bad idea!
Why? They are very active and will continue to grow their population and the amount of digging they do. When it looks like they are gone over the winter, they aren’t. They’ve only gone deeper, only to surge forward with activity come warmer weather. Sometimes they’ll come near to the surface as well and dig a tunnel right where the snow and soil meet, and this activity will be exposed as the snow melts off.
Traps give more immediate feedback because the gopher carcass is there to show tangible results. Traps also can attract other animals to eat the gopher, or the trap may be drug back into the tunnel in some cases.
Baits and the smoke bomb control and bury the gopher in one step, keeping the gopher underground, where there is much less chance of secondary poisoning. Verification of the kill is slower, and indication of success is the cessation of activity and damage.
Thanks for watching! If you have an opinion or insight to offer, do so below in the comment section. If you have an idea for a video episode and we use it, we’ll be sure to give you on-screen mention for it.

[@ambulocetusnatans]

Hi Jay. I'm an exterminator, and they make a machine that gasses out the gophers and prarie dogs, but it would be easy to make one yourself. All it is, is a two-stroke motor with the exhaust plumbed into a pipe that goes inside the gopher hole. Cheaper in the long run than buying a bunch of those smoke bombs.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good insight. Thanks for writing and sharing your knowledge. Best, DFJ

[@marymarysmarket7151]

Yes, but what actually kills them?

[@markbrelsford9000]

The carbon monoxide fumes from the engine would kill the gophers

[@judysorensen7206]

3uym5f978vj8uj. ​

[@crazycoyote1738]

Well explained!! I’m using a battery powered leaf blower instead of covering, the oxygen if fueling the burning, and reaching very far and deep. And using two gassers at a time. Thanks for sharing!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks! That leaf blower approach really jumps up the effectiveness!

[@christines3867]

This is one of the best videos I’ve found - very informative with different options. Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! Best to you, DFJ

[@gheerock4077]

@@DirtFarmerJay it would work better if you also use a leaf blower while you smoked them out in the holle, this way the smokes travel to the network of tunnels underground-this method will speed up the process to poison the critters out in less than 20 mins.

[@Mogwai06]

@@gheerock4077 this is actually what i did last time myself after seeing someone mention it online. just have to be sure you have some dirt to fit around the leaf blower. it helps to have a helper. but then you can only really do one gas stick at a time because you have to go hole to hole with the leaf blower.these things really DO put out a CRAPLOAD of poison smoke!!

[@brianmitson8032]

I am delighted to see that you and John decided to follow my suggestion for the Silver City sidetrip. I can tell, from your video, that it didn't didn't disappoint. My English cousins and I missed seeing the Gila Cliff dwellings, since they were some distance from the Continental Divide Trail and they were keen to get to Antelope Wells, on the Mexican border. They were pretty tuckered out, having ridden their bikes all the way down from Banff. My Wife and I hope to soon visit Silver City in our Class B. Based on seeing your video, we will definitely add the Gila Dwellings to our itinerary. I loved John's Monty-Pythonesque clip clop down that Texas horse trail. He must be a lot of fun to travel with! If you sponsor any Class B meetups, let us know. We would love to see you both, in person. I have learned so much about Class B camping from you. I have to be a lot more minimalist than I was in my old Class C, but it turns out that "less is more". Thanks for everything.

[@lzh3131]

You always give the best explanation & solutions. You’re my go to for these kind of aggravating problems that plague me. Thanks for the great video, it was very helpful!😊

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Bahaha! Gophers were harmed during the filming of this, or shortly thereafter, so you've been warned'. I had to laugh at that statement, I'm definitely not a gopher lover, they are destructive rodents.

[@smoidaltime4907]

Agreed too Funny. Something I would have added!

[@dwightlollar7661]

On the gassers you can also use a prod to find the tunnel. Once found make a hole just big enough for the gas stick to fit. Light it, push it to the bottom of tunnel, raise it up about an inch and pack a little dirt around stick so no smoke can escape. You can get both directions of tunnel using only one stick.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You are one smart man. We'll be sure to point out this technique in a future edition and give you credit for it! Best, DFJ

[@heatherupton6558]

I’m going to try all of these methods & see what happens. I have gofers ruining my yard and they wreck havoc on my grass. Thank you for such an in depth video.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

Super helpful explanation on how they burrow. Now I know and knowing is half the battle!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching and writing!

[@wbrennisen2982]

BEST video I've seen on this subject. Thank you so much!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting! Best, DFJ

[@Sam-qg1dy]

Finally; a comprehensive explanation on how to locate the tunnels.... Thanks

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Sam, thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, DFJ has quite the local reputation for gopher disposal. Keep watching. Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie.

[@geraldcroft9020]

I’ve got 3 traps with so so results. I started mixing dried sewage waste with water and washing down hole, one or two of these and I don’t see them again

[@Huntnlady7]

@@geraldcroft9020 I have had some success filling their burrows with the used cat litter. This also adds clay to my poor sandy soil!

[@elaineclguerrero5592]

Especially helpful for us: your explanation of how to locate gopher tunnels from the shape of the mound. Thank you 😊👍🏼. An FYI for your viewers: any nests we’ve happened to dig up are horribly flea infested - another reason (besides sprained ankles and destroyed gardens) to get rid of the creeps.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad we could help Elaine. Keep watching and writing. We LOVE our Dirt Farmer Jay family. Best, DFJ

[@Mogwai06]

oh man! i never even thought about fleas! thats a solid tip to share. i appreciate that. I used the gasser once earlier this year and it all but eliminated the entire problem, but then the bird feeder has allowed the ground squirrel infestation to explode ans even brought back more moles. i used an entire 6 pack of gas the last time on a 0.75 acre property.

[@wearelivingmagic]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and techniques 😊

[@chadkerouac6455]

First video I watched... gotta love it when the internet actually helps you find good info

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks Chad Kerouac. I've got a huge mound in the back of my property right now that I will be smoke bombing later this week. The nice part is that you can kill and bury them in one step. Happy hunting. DFJ

[@LoopBak127]

Subscribed!! Thanks for the video! We have gophers (and voles) destroying our new yard. It's quite frustrating. We've tried the little metal traps and had a small amount of success. We've been using gassers for a little bit, and a little unsure of the success (for the reasons stated in the video). We just bought a gopher hawk trap, and have not had any success yet. I'm going to try the black box and keep using gassers. What's really helpful is understanding how they dig their tunnels. This should be very helpful and hopefully improve the success rate of the methods we've been using.

[@johnpilkington8382]

my boss at golf course would run a hose down one hole and another hose down other hole turn water on and wait with machete they would pop up he would whack em

[@stevenpurvis6195]

I liked and subscribed because this video was definitely helpful and informative. I believe the smoke sticks are what I’m going to try first. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the sub, Steven! Welcome to our Viewer Family. We're glad you found this episode to be helpful to you. Best Regards, DFJ

[@SAHamel_]

Thanks for showing and demonstrating each

[@DirtFarmerJay]

My pleasure!

[@LisaSumthin]

The demonstrations was very helpful.

[@vijisrinivasan2715]

This is the best video I have seen so far. Thanks Jay.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coniferproductions1]

Excellent video. Gives me some more options to try to get rid of these critters.

[@johngaines3777]

Great informative video! Thank you! One other deterrent is to drop lumps of kitty cat turds down into the tunnels from your or a friends cat litter box. The odor permeates the tunnel and makes them think a cat is nearby and they leave the area quickly. Another that works well is "Gummy Bears" dropped down in the burrows, as they cannot digest these for some reason, and they are fatal.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the great tip John Gaines. I am in "the battle of my life" with the little suckers right now - taking over my beds and even burrowing up in the mature grass areas. I will try your suggestions!! Best, DFJ

[@Mogwai06]

never heard of the gummy bears trick but im gonna try it today too now. i will say this though, our garden has been all but obliterated this summer by the GD ground squirrels and moles. and now, an F'n cat it seems has decided to make our garden its personal F'n litter box. the presence of the cat turds hasnt deterred these F'n rodents a MF'n bit.

[@adamsonntag5755]

Well I know what I’m doing for the rest of the day. Thanks for the info!

[@Helpfulsuggestions]

Thank you. This was definitely one of the best videos!!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks John's Fun. I'm fighting quite a battle this year with gopher mounds showing up everywhere, even in the lawn! The Gopher Hawk has worked the best. Watch that video to see how it works. Happy hunting! DFJ

[@otaylor530]

I set a box trap in both runs to make sure that either run they use they both are covered. Great coverage, GOOD JOB.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good insight. We are going to feature that approach in an upcoming episode. To control the gophers around our place, we find that we need to have a variety approaches to get the job done. Baits, traps, and smoke are all used. The bait is applied with a tool that puts it deep into the run to keep the bait away from pets and other wildlife that is not obnoxious! Thanks for writing. Best, DFJ

[@PC-no8jk]

Thank you for your information ; your video was awesome. Liked and subscribed.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Hey PC, welcome to the DFJ Family! So glad to have you! I appreciate our viewer family so much. Looking forward to comments from you in the future. Best, DFJ

[@Huntnlady7]

By far the best video I've found on killing gophers! You go into depth on the biology of the animals- even better than some University videos. My soil is very sandy and loose, which has presented great difficulty. This video is sure to help. Thank you.

[@jbrawnermusic]

Well done Jay. Great delivery and articulation. Question: Do you find it effective to bait the traps with veggies? If so, what works best for you? My problem is the gophers burying traps over and over. Any advice? Thank you.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Jason Brawner Record Producer. I've never put any bait in the trap. What attracts them inside the trap is the small hole of light coming from the opposite end of the trap and the noise that comes into that hole as well. Gophers are very curious. Dig your hole, into the tunnel, wide enough that the hole on the end of the trap has light coming through it. Set the trap then place it on the "active end" of the tunnel (The direction where you are seeing a lot of gopher activity in the field). Push the front of the trap up against the opening of the gopher's tunnel then bury it with enough dirt on the top and sides of it that no light is coming into it except the light from the hole at the end. Hope this helps DFJ

[@wyndiefeatherstone948]

My father didn't have sons so he taught his daughters how to do this, I am one of the daughters. We never used any bait like veggies to attract a gopher at all, but I have run some water down in the hole and they normally come back to see what is happening and close it off, but my little metal traps normally get them when they do this. I use the little Victor traps but my father realized the little loop on the long straight piece that holds the trap open was just a bit too long and required more force from the gopher to release the trap so he ground the tip of that loop down a bit to make more of a hair trigger, which works really well! Make sure you are always working on a fresh hole, as that shows where the gopher is working. I have wondered at times if the smell from our hands to the trap is something that may tip gophers off that there is a trap so I now use gloves. You may have to remove a SMALL amount of dirt to allow the trap to slide inside the hole and hopefully close, killing the gopher. I don't cover it with dirt but do place an old rug over the top with something heavy on top to keep it dark down there. On the Victor traps at the end you will see two coils and you should take a thin piece of wire and feed it through one and twist tie it off. Leave about 18 inches of wire to come out of the hole and make a strong loop in the end. This is where you are going to secure your trap so it is not drug down into hole never to be seen again! Take an old screwdriver and stick it through the hole on your wire and lay it out on the ground, sticking your screwdriver into the ground at an angle to hold your trap secure. Check your traps in a day or two and we most always will have a dead gopher to dispose of. If you have more, find another hole and repeat! Good Luck and Good Hunting!

[@louislandi938]

DF Jay and fellow subscribers, A great idea I found in a Popular Mechanics magazine from the 1950’s showed a man (Wearing a suit of course!)😀 killing moles in his yard. He had one of the early gasoline powered lawn mowers with one end of a metal hose connected to the muffler on the mower and the other end placed into the run. Odorless and highly effective.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Yes, that's an old fashion remedy but not as safe as you might think. Especially if the gopher tunnels are close to you house and particularly dangerous if you have a basement where the vapor could come into the windows from the gopher holes. Just be careful. Best, DFJ

[@louislandi938]

DF Jay, Thank you for the warning. Just one more thing I didn’t know!

[@Artiken1]

If you want to chase them off. Buy at the home store those spinning daisy lawn ornaments. Break off one (or two on the same side) of the wind veins. This causes them to make an uneven sound/vibration when they spin, which gophers do not like. They will ignore the smooth sounding spinners. If you want to do it on the cheap. Take a 6ft to 10ft long by 3/4 x 3/4 inch stick. something that will fit inside a milk jug. Pound the stick into the ground near your garden. Put a one gallon milk jug on the stick. Melt a hole in the center of the bottom. Put a nail in the hole to keep the milk jug centered. Then cut the 4 sides of the jug making flaps, use a heat gun or torch to bend these flaps out to catch the wind. Of course you can melt and bend the milk jug into shape while in the garage/house. Old farmers used to remove a vein off of their water pump wind mill. That would cause the water tower to act as a gopher repellent. If you do the milk jug on a stick around the house.....Your family, neighbors, and relatives will be embarrassed at how redneck this looks and buy the plastic spinner daisy's for you.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Artiken - this is GREAT! Thanks for taking time to share your insights. Indeed, some of the "modern" devices work off the principle that you are alluding to - intermittent, non-repetitive noise that keeps the gophers "off-guard" or just a bit afraid that something is out and about on the surface. Thanks for the tips and yet another nod to those that have gone before us and figured out some great solutions. Don't be surprised if this doesn't show up in a future episode - if so, you'll get credit for it. Best Regards, DFJ

[@thefishman6221]

This truly is the best gopher hunter video made!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Aw, garsh.

[@garyoltmanns707]

Very helpful info. Thanks for posting

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-lq6xx2gs8u]

jeff eaby----- I once used one of those smoke cannisters on a gopher hole. I lit it and covered it up. The gopher kicked it out of the hole and I found it laying on top of the mound the next day. It was kind of funny but it wasn't. The gopher seemed to be mocking me and telling me it didn't work. It made me mad and I hadn't gotten rid of it so I didn't use it again. That's just my story. I liked your video. I'll try the traps next time.

[@marymarysmarket7151]

Lol

[@decatoneuser]

In So Cal area, pocket gophers and gophers caught that won’t pull up through the trap hole. I’ve found my best luck using the gopherhawk trap. I’d post pictures to show you all, but I don’t know how to do that. I really like this trap, it’s making sure you find an active tunnel, shop vac out as much dirt as you can (if need be) insert the trap, cock it CORRECTLY, then have patience..

[@AshGreen359]

I've had some success with the box traps. The easy set ones have never worked for me.

[@evelynfriend1183]

i read where the gas cartridge's work best in compacted soils so the fumes wont dissipate so quickly so if your soil is loose may have to double up??

[@Bert2368]

I usually use the pyrotechnic gas generators for rat tunnel complexes around our birds- I add electric igniters to these "gopher getters", place in burrow, cover entry with a scrap of plastic sheet and a shovelful of sand, then ignite remotely. I note and mark the exits I didn't find before from the places smoke escapes. Also, it's a good idea to have a .45 loaded with shot cartridges for "the runners". The mixture in cartridges is basically a crude black powder type mixture with a lot of excess charcoal, and a little excess Sulfur compared to the normal ratios used for gunpowder. The effective gasses released are Carbon monoxide and Sulfur dioxide. The SO2 smells nasty but the CO is actually more deadly.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Bert2368 - these are some great insights. What brand of gas generators do use and where do you get them? These might be something we review as well. For us rural people, have shot cartridges for those attempting to get away is a good piece of advice as well. Thanks for lesson on cartridge composition as well. Very helpful. Best Regards, DFJ

[@knot4man]

SO2 plus H20 (moisture) yields H2SO4 ( sulfuric acid), not good for living things.

[@Bert2368]

@@knot4man Pretty close- Google "Lead chamber process". Realize, the gopher getters are made of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur, but have more sulfur than would be used in normal black powder. Rough on rats...

[@thomashernandez2698]

@@Bert2368 That gives me an idea, I have some loose black powder I don't use any more. Do you think that would work in small amounts? It sure creates a lot of smoke.

[@rcote1234]

Thx. Very helpful. Gonna try it today.

[@a.christianhansen6115]

Thanks Jay very informative

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You bet!

[@brandova83]

"If you see the camera drop, it means Rob inhaled too much". 🤣🤣 That cracked me up!!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Victor Brandon. Jay cracks me up daily! Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie.

[@richholub3198]

Thanks for the tips! We're being indated up here in the woods of north idaho. I suspect because so many new neighbors think they have to shoot the predators. Gophers and bunnies, neither good for the garden and a pain besides. Were trying the smokers after seeing this. A word to all, careful with any kind of fire! We're lucky locally so far this year, counting our blessings. Only a dozen or so smaller fires, mostly lighning caused.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help. This is one of several tactics to control the gophers; it may take a combination of different things to reduce the population so your garden and landscape spaces are not overrun. Thanks for writing - and good advice on fire.

[@matthewschipper4110]

Could you use the 5 min smoak tubes with the gassers

[@carolpawlak8122]

Great info!! Thx!!

[@denisespigner5684]

have you ever started a grass fire. how long in time does that gasser burn or smoke? Thanks in advance

[@MLNish]

On the gasser, what helped big time was after pushing the lit gasser down further with a stick, waited for about 20 seconds then used a leaf blower to push the smoke through the whole system. Not on full blast but either low to medium setting or pulling trigger on and off. Don't want to fan the stick too much because it will catch fire. Ask me how I know. lol I've found other entry holes this way when smoke starts rising at various places around the yard. Then cover and pound all the holes with dirt where smoke came up to seal it and keep the gas in the tunnel system.

[@kathleennelson6692]

Such a good video, a big thank you.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! I wish you happy gopher hunting. Our issues with them has diminished in the last few years. Not sure why. (I probably just jinxed myself and I'll have a gophfer infestation tomorrow!!) Best, DFJ

[@chuckfinley3542]

With a mountainous backdrop like the one that you have, it must be inspiring to work outdoors and glance at the horizon from time to time.

[@chasegood3918]

1q

[@mattr4886]

Looks like the foothills of the Sierras, CA.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Wasatch Front, Utah.

[@cardo1111]

You make Bill Murrays character in Caddy Shack look like an amateur.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

cardo, that got a literal laugh out loud from me. Thanks for watching and taking time to write! Best, DFJ

[@lestergillis8171]

​@@DirtFarmerJay"Pocket gophers" are vicious little SOBs. They are very smart too.

[@brendaj9369]

So informative. Thanks😊

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful, Brenda J. Keep watching and commenting!! Best, DFJ

[@jeromehope5823]

A great thorough program !!!!

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Hello I see this video has some age on it but just found it. Great information. I have a friend that lives in OK an he uses the box traps . He will dig down an find the runs an he will use two box traps putting them back to back facing in both directions because he said you do not know the direction they are going so it will trap them no matter witch way they are going. I have moles bad at my house here in NC . A question is the box traps to big to use on moles or should I use the traps you said that goes up in the run ??. Thank you

[@gl35]

This is the most informative video I have seen on dealing with gophers. Beautiful country...where is this?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks G L. We are located in the Mountain West of the United States. Unfortunately right now our air is full of smoke from the wild fires in neighboring California! Best to you! DFJ

[@ericandersen7871]

Hey Jay, thanks for the info. I found it all very helpful. Have you ever discovered a method of ‘filling’ gopher tunnels to prevent them from returning? I have a friend who pumps concrete…. And I am ready to recruit him! -Eric

[@ambulocetusnatans]

Three problems (at least): 1. Not cost effective 2. wet concrete could leach and damage the grass 3. the gopher has no problem with making a new tunnel right next the old one Source: 25 years as an exterminator

[@johnnybx3254]

Thanks for sharing 👍👏🤠

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching! Best, DFJ

[@lifeisgood3995]

I just did all new professional landscaping of my front yard. Within 4 days I had gopher activity. 🤨 I tried the Black Box, the Gopher Hawk trap and gopher bait. I don't know if the bait has worked but the critters stuffed dirt into both kinds of traps which set them off but no gratification on my part, rather annoyance! So now that they destroyed over half of my new lawn, I heard about The Giant Gasser and will give them a try. They are my nemesis. Thank you for your video. It gave me confidence to keep trying.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

They are persistent and annoying pests. Ongoing diligence and effort by you will bring them under control and is so worth it. Let me know how this turns out! Best, DFJ

[@timsigler-smalz9972]

Great information! Now, onto the gopher wars with the smoke bomb.

[@peggyjohnson4782]

Good job. Wish me luck. Hopeful granma.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good luck Peggy!

[@deannarunningwater7199]

Very helpful. Video well done

[@douglasduda9826]

In south Texas no gophers but we have ground squirrels and they dig holes as well...it also happens that the burrows can cave in...which makes great big holes in your yard. Its not fun to trip on a hole you can twist an ankle or worse depending on how you hit it. I have been watching them and taking aim with an air rifle to keep them in check.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Seems like there is always some kind of varment that is trying to undo the work we've done. That's life I guess! Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie

[@sandralewis1689]

Wow! Excellent info on how they behave and shape their tunnels.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks Sandra Lewis. Keep watching and commenting. Best, DFJ

[@raidernation751]

Gracias señor Jay,new subscriber here.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for subbing Raider Nation! Looking forward to hearing from you often. Best, DFJ

[@TheWalkerjrc]

can I use the gas tubes for ground Moles? the trails aren't as deep as the gopher trail, but I need to get rid of the two I have. I think I saw these in my large box store.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Charles, yes indeed. They have some tips for success on the package as well. Let me know how it goes. Best, DFJ

[@shanecardey9743]

You had me at Gophers were harmed during this video :-)

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching. Sounds to me like you've had some significant gopher problems yourself. They are destructive for sure. We turned on our sprinkler system after the first winter in our house and had a geyser in the front yard. Gopher had chewed through the funny pipe underground. That was the beginning of our quest to eliminate the menaces! Best to you. Dirt Farmer Maggie.

[@tariqmehmood4951]

wonderful advice

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! Best to you, DFJ

[@normalevesque4719]

Great job an explanation on how to get rid of gophers

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks Norma Levesque. They can be so destructive - eating roots away from healthy plants. Best to get them as soon as you realize they are present. Keep watching and commenting Norma Levesque. Best, DFJ

[@knoxduder]

Outstanding! Now, how do we deal with moles?

[@patrickhagerty-zt2uw]

We are using highway flares clipped into 3-5" segments and lit with a torch (matches, lighter are not hot enough). The flares are cheaper than the gasser smoke. Then we run a leaf blower into the hole. You cannot believe the extant of the tunneling until you do this. Smoke comes up many yards from the flare. My record is 20 yards. Quite effective.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the tips! Good stuff. Best, DFJ

[@DeniseBellyDancer]

Might be a stupid question but how do the smokers stay lit when you plug them up, how do they get enough oxygen?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Not a stupid question. The cartridge has it's own oxygen source in the fuel to keep it ignited. Best, DFJ

[@raistlinmajere3600]

I was in a soon as he said "gophers were harmed in this video" lmao

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad we struck a chord with you Raistin. Best to you and your gopher huntin" DFJ

[@marcodoz]

Nice video!!! But. Where in the world is this beautiful place? The mountain range is amazing!!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Marcodoz, thanks for the compliment. We live in the U.S., in Northern Utah. Those mountains are to the east of us. Beautiful, huh? Best, DFJ

[@marcodoz]

@@DirtFarmerJay Hi again, I have to plan a trip to that area in Utah. Do you know the mountain range name? Of course it's beautiful!!! Socal is nice but, the background in your video is just so Great!!!

[@beesmeadschristmastrees]

Whats a good recommendation for someone with gophers that have taken over 10 acres of land?? Probing and poisoning seems to be working, but its very time consuming.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Sorry there is not an easy answer to this issue. I'm actually fighing gophers on my farm right now too! Best of luck to us both to get rid of these critters! DFJ

[@MDahroug001]

Hi Jay, that is a Great video, What about how to win the war against chipmunk?

[@RustyX2010]

or squirrels

[@rick.zaleski8829]

I have found a technique that is 100% effective and is simple if you have mans best friend, a dog. This is also 100% eco-friendly and will help any vegetation nearby grow better. What I did was (1) find a gopher hole and clear the entrance, (2) get a good portion of newly laid doggie poop - the softer the better, (3) insert some of the poop into hole as far as you can without packing the hole (4) get a garden hose with jet nozzle and wash the poop far into the hole (5) keep doing #3 and #4 until you use up the poop (6) refill the hole with dirt (7) Don't worry anymore about a gopher reopening that hole! Do this for all holes in your yard. I have never had a gopher reopen any hole I did this to. However, this will not prevent them from digging a new hole somewhere else but if you do this to all new holes, after a short while, they will stop putting holes in your yard. As for my neighbors yard where they did nothing, well they weren't so lucky.

[@Patricia-nw7rq]

Where did you buy the items

[@Peaches1691]

VERY helpful. Thanks

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You're welcome!

[@jerryq1000]

I have woodchucks under my deck. I can't get to their entry point with anything. I've bathed them, but unsuccessfully. The only thing that works for sure is my pellet gun, but they're on to me! Any ideas are greatly appreciated !

[@celeste7582]

Thank you..but our stores are closed!..any home remedies?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Celeste, I don't right off, but that is a great question. Some people take the approach of repelling the gophers, making it easier for them to go elsewhere, something akin to "gifting" them to your neighbors :-). Strong scents, such as peppermint oil, even dryer sheets, have had some effect on them. Your best bet is order the items we demonstrated online and have them delivered to you. Thanks for writing! Best Regards, DFJ

[@davidortega357]

Get a pet cat they love gophers

[@MrMGutierrez84]

Loved the video but loved that hat even better 👍🏼

[@erichweiner4201]

Great video !!!! Did just what you said 1foot from the plug and dug down and found the main tunnel, dropped a smoke bomb in each direction, fingers crossed that does the trick.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to hear it, Erich! Let me know the results! Best, DFJ

[@the88observer]

Thank you very very mach for your affairs and help...... Best Regards

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You are welcome!

[@curtismcgann592]

Can I use the flares even though I have dogs? I can keep the dogs in the house for the day, would it be safe to let them out later ?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

I don't believe there is any issue related to your dogs, but to be safe, you could keep them in for the day, and then dig up the cartridges if you are concerned they will dig them up and have a chew party. As far as the gophers, they will go deeper into their burrow, and if the gasses reached them as you have hoped, then they have entombed themselves there. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ

[@proudvaxxer5690]

What should I use in my have a heart trap and of i trap it how far away should I take it

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Gophers are vegetarians and will eat pretty much any plant they find. So any veggie scraps would be a good start in the trap. How far you take it away depends on how much your don't want it to return. If you live in a neighborhood, and have any open lands around you, I'd take it to an open area where there are a lot of weeds for it to eat. And, by the way, gophers usually live in communities so the chances of you making an impact on damage reduction by catching one gopher is pretty slim. Best of luck to you! Dirt Farmer Maggie.

[@jerrymc777]

I had gophers about a year ago, prior to getting rock landscaping and a drip system. Well, they're back and create mounds around the plants. I managed to kill 2 early 2022 with the small wire traps, but then they stopped going for the traps. I've been using the poison pellets and at first they seemed to disappear for a couple weeks, then another mound of dirt and rocks reappears! I'm going to try the gassers and/or highway flares because I can't really dig up their tunnels without cutting through the material and raking all the rocks away... If the gassers/flares don't work, I'm going to use the carbon monoxide exhaust method!!! 🤬

[@AshGreen359]

With the smoke bombs, use a leaf blower to fill the tunnel quickly. Also leave the hole open, if they seal it back up, you know you need to do it again.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Go insights. I'll give the leaf blower a try. Very easy to do and like that it would drive the smoke into the den. Best, DFJ

[@stevewalker4137]

Does the gasser still work when it is covered with earth? Does it go out due to lack of oxygen in the tunnel?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good question The answer is NO. There is an oxygen source in the fuel so it will continue to burn until the fuel is exhausted even when buried. Best to you, DFJ

[@falling721]

i have skunk issues plus wood chucks i have gassers, great vid

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks 👍 DFJ

[@phillipmorris1334]

hello from the rainy cool Ozarks!! this is yearly maintance that's required to keep the rodents at bay! cheers!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You got that right! Happy hunting Phillip Morris! Best, DFJ

[@brucesahroian1482]

I had a pro gopher killer!!! They use a lawn mower motor which distributes carbon monoxide and kills the critters!!

[@finned958]

I largely solved my gopher problem, but I still enjoy watching gopher traps. Cinch traps works very well, but sometimes the gophers evade them by burying the claws. You have to keep shifting them every day. Poison bait doesn’t always work. Gas didn’t work at all. I didn’t bother with the box trap since the gophers was digging in the hillside. I added a layer of metal fencing below the surface to keep out gophers. I’m replanting my yard with gopher resistant plants.

[@allensherrill850]

I took ownership of the yard/lawn and foliage at my job. My nemesis is the gopher!

[@Brian-lh7jj]

New subscriber, enjoyed the video, very informative. Two things .. it's been raining here, quite damp - should I wait and apply in dry conditions or does it matter? Also, some of the holes/mounds are in a flower bed next to the house. Being that I have to place the gasser close the foundation, I'm concerned if any smoke will get into the basement? Of course close all windows etc, but I'm concerned about it coming thru the foundation somehow? Thanks for your time.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Brian, indeed that could be a concern especially if there is a crack in the basement wall or gap someplace. It would take a LOT of the smoke to harm someone, though. You could also open a window on the opposite wall and place a fan to blow anything that creeps in out the opposite window. Hope this helps. Best, DFJ

[@Brian-lh7jj]

@@DirtFarmerJay So do you recommend not doing it close to the foundation? TY

[@jadams0014]

Very helpful

[@knot4man]

I use several kinds of traps. I use two at at time, one in each direction, chained together and fastened to a stake to prevent gopher from dragging trap into tunnel or scavenger from stealing the trap and dead gopher. When I catch one I always reset the trap in the same hole for at least a day. I've more than once caught up to seven this way, probably young ones still living with their mother. Sometimes I destroy the tunnel to keep the next gopher from using it.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

These are some great insights! Thanks for sharing them! Best, DFJ

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

@@DirtFarmerJay I am thinking it would be better to use 2 gas sticks instead of one along with a leaf blower.

[@DrDennis]

What mts are those Jay?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Those are the beautiful Oquirrh Mountains in Northern Utah. Where do you hail from DrDennis? Best, DFJ

[@twobeer3316]

My local Farmer's Co-op has Victor gassers that are much bigger than the Amdro gassers, and they are made in the USA. I've had the best luck with the Gopherhawk so far, but I lost one. I think a Fox may have ran off with it and the dead gopher. Lol.

[@bhavanijudithtucker3502]

I had the same thing happen! Some critter ran off with the sprung Gopher Hawk before I had a chance to life and empty it. Never found it again.

[@twobeer3316]

@@bhavanijudithtucker3502 Lol. I tie nylon cord around them, then tie the cord to a stake I place in the ground.

[@Artiken1]

Here in Oregon the DOC uses a propane trash burner. Inmate digs up the dirt waste hole. Places propane trash burner nozzle in the hole. Opens propane valve letting the gas enter the tunnel for about 5 minutes. Then using a used up fire place or bbq Bic lighter, you know the kind, long tip, click to light lighter. The inmate removes the trash burner nozzle. Second inmate bends over and lights the propane gas within the tunnel. You will hear a satisfying whoomp as the gas explodes within the tunnel. Obviously the inmates with pyro charges are best suited for this task. The inmates put the dirt back into the excavation hole and move on to the next fresh excavation hole. In case you think I am joking. I am not joking. I investigated. When I heard loud thumps (whoomps) coming from the local prison I asked a corrections officer what the hell was going on. Explosions coming from the prison. That can't be good. I asked if they had tried other methods. They tried gasoline down the hole and lighting that. it does not work. It is also an eco hazard. The gophers, if not suffocated from the gas (propane), end up getting their fur singed off or dying from the concussion. As far as starting a fire. The explosion does not last long enough to ignite dry grass. An added bonus is if you have yellow jacket nests within the gopher system it helps to eliminate them as well. There is a 3rd method for you.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Artiken - more great information. This sounds like great party fun as well when you have "the guys" over. Nothing like (somewhat) controlled explosions to bring life to any party. Thanks again for writing! Best, DFJ

[@marymarysmarket7151]

@@DirtFarmerJayhahaha

[@ireneposada7266]

Tysm very helpful

[@kaemcyd2932]

Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Best of luck to you Kae Mcyd. Hope you win your gopher war!! Best, DFJ

[@cindyhaynie9238]

I think a gopher has tunneled under the house. If I set off the smoke, will it come up through the floor or around plumbing fixtures into the house? Is there another way to catch a gopher under the house? It’s an 85 year old pier and beam house out in the country.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

I wouldn't risk it. The smoke is toxic both to rodents AND humans. Since there is no way to know exactly where the gopher runs go, exit and how tight the sealing is around holes going up into the home, I'd try another method. There are 3 that we use: smoke cartridges, bait, and traps. You still have bait and trapping at your disposal. Some traps include GopherHawk (here's our episode on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g322n2iur9CZhtEsi=lyxIdk3lhNqOBUEc ), box traps, and Maccabee traps. Baits are typically inserted into the runs/burrow using an applicator. Here's a sample of one: (www.acehardware.com/departments/lawn-and-garden/gardening-tools/gardening-hand-tools/7138878) I hope this helps! Best, DFJ

[@roberta4989]

Great informative video, very well made. I have found that placing some Iceberg lettuce, (not Romain lettuce) will reduce the time frame necessary for the metal traps to complete their mission. Score so far....... Me 16 - Gophers 0 Note: be certain to tie a shoe sting to the trap to retrieve it after mission completion.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Robert Allen. We will pass this on to our viewers. The problem is that many people don't want to kill the gophers, just get them to move somewhere else. That doesn't work very well!! Congrats on your score!! Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie.

[@grannypantsification]

Robert do you put the lettuce on the trap?

[@roberta4989]

@@grannypantsification I put the lettuce behind the trap, not in front of the trap in the hole. So the gopher has to go over the trap to get the lettuce. Works really well. Good Luck!

[@ChenteTV1959]

We have a smoker on the farm we use. It uses oil to make smoke like a cars exhaust.