I've got a real problem with gophers where I live—they're relentless and keep invading yards. I'm planning to install hardware cloth under my lawn and other spots, but I've heard from some that it only works for a few years before they find a way through. Is it worth spending the money on, and are there any other effective methods to keep these little devils from destroying my new lawn?
2 Answers
You might want to try gopher repellents! I used a castor bean-based option that worked pretty well. It’s organic, and they just can’t stand the smell. I would sprinkle some in planting holes and even around the edges of my garden. Just make sure to cover it up a bit so they don’t dig it all out! Also, a little trench around the perimeter with it helps a ton.
If you're serious about getting rid of gophers, I'd suggest getting a Have-a-heart trap. Sure, it sounds a bit harsh, but it’s a humane way to catch them. Once you've got one, you can take it a bit further out and release it, or if you really want to go for it, a .22 with sub-sonic rounds can do the job if you're comfortable with that. Just be careful with your methods—snares and poison can be iffy.
Yeah, totally! People underestimate humane options, but sometimes, it's just about keeping the balance. Better to relocate them if you can.