How to Trap Gophers: Traps, Techniques, and When to Call a Pro

Mechanical trapping is the most effective and pet-safe method for gopher control. With the right trap and proper placement, a single technician can remove a gopher in 24-48 hours. Here's how it works — and why trap placement is more important than which trap you use.

Best Gopher Traps

There are two main types of effective gopher traps:

• Pincer/clamp traps (Macabee trap): The most widely used gopher trap in California. Two-pronged wire traps that are set in the main tunnel and triggered when the gopher pushes against them. Inexpensive and highly effective when placed correctly.
• Box traps (Black Hole, Gophinator): Enclosed plastic or metal traps that catch and kill gophers inside the tunnel. Easier to set safely around pets since the trap mechanism is enclosed.
• Live traps: Cage traps that capture gophers without killing them. Less common — gophers caught live must be relocated at least 5 miles from the capture site under California law.

How to Find the Main Tunnel

The most critical part of gopher trapping is finding the main tunnel — not a side tunnel. Main tunnels run 6-12 inches below the surface and connect multiple mound openings. Side feeding tunnels branch off the main tunnel and are shallower.

To probe for the main tunnel: use a sharpened rod or commercial gopher probe and push it into the ground 8-12 inches deep in an arc pattern around the plug side of a fresh mound, about 6-12 inches from the mound. The probe will drop noticeably when it hits the tunnel void.

Setting the Trap

• Dig a small hole down to the main tunnel at the probe location.
• Set two traps facing opposite directions in the tunnel (gophers travel both ways).
• Tie traps to a stake above ground so you can find them and the gopher can't pull them deeper.
• Cover the hole loosely with a board or soil to block light — gophers avoid light entering their tunnels and will plug an open hole rather than walk past it.
• Check traps every 24 hours.

Why Professional Trapping Gets Better Results

Experienced technicians can locate main tunnels quickly and distinguish active from inactive runs. They also know how to identify which mounds are connected to the same gopher vs. separate animals, preventing unnecessary work. A professional service typically resolves a single-gopher infestation in 1-3 visits.

Gopher Guys technicians use only mechanical trapping — no poison, no bait, no gas. Safe for pets, children, and wildlife. We serve all of Southern California with a 60-day guarantee.

Gopher Guys serves all of Southern California including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.