GARDENING : Light at the End of Gopher Tunnels : This old-time farm method uses two wooden traps to catch the little critters.
You say you have a gopher problem. You have tried trapping, gassing, poisoning, clubbing, drowning and shooting the poor devil with no results. Here is a method that, while it is not 100% sure-fire, is close to it. The method was taught to me by an old-time, highly successful farmer. I have never seen it fail.
The method requires the use of two wooden box traps and your careful attention to the directions for completing the three steps involved.
Box traps are available mostly at farm-supply stores and usually are labeled “Baitless Gopher Trap.” They run about $5 apiece. Unfortunately, these traps are sometimes difficult to locate in urban nurseries. If you cannot locate them, the wire Macabee traps (widely available) are almost as effective with this method.
Warning: Whichever trap you utilize, have the seller demonstrate the correct method of setting and handling the trap, and follow carefully the written instructions that accompany the trap. Many a careless gopher trapper has experienced a smashed finger for his carelessness.
Creates Tunnels
Before we go into the actual procedure, it is necessary to examine a little background on our quarry:
The gopher lives his life underground, spending much of his time creating underground tunnels or runways. Where he mines these runways, he must relocate the surplus soil. He does so by creating lateral (branch) tunnels off the main runway, where he digs to the surface and deposits mounds of dirt. Aside from plant damage, these mounds are the only evidence the gardener has that a gopher has invaded his property.
Many people waste their time placing traps or poisons in the holes in the center of the mounds of the lateral tunnel. This is a mistake, because the gopher usually plugs the lateral tunnel leading to the surface mound and may never return to the mound area.
Therefore, the first step in successfully trapping the varmint is to locate his main runway. You do this by probing the gopher hole with a stick until you locate the plugged area of the lateral tunnel that is evidenced by loose soil, in contrast to the surrounding solid soil. This plugged area will connect you with the main runway.
Using a trowel, remove the plugged soil until you hit the main runway. You will probably find that the lateral tunnel runs into the main runway at an angle about 6 to 10 inches from the surface hole.
Traps Face Each Other
When you locate the main runway, use a shovel and dig down from the area directly above the main runway until you reach it. The main runway usually is located about 10 inches from the surface, but may be even deeper.
The second step involves digging a rectangular area from the surface to the runway. It should be large enough to place the two box traps on each side of the tunnel so that the two holes at the solid end of the trap face each other with about 3 inches separating them.
It is very important not to place the box traps back into the runway or there will not be enough room for the traps to spring. Instead, they should be aligned so that the rear edges of the traps fit snugly with each runway entrance.
If you are using Macabee traps, they are smaller and are actually inserted back into the runway on each side of your excavation. In addition, the traps are anchored by wire to a stake positioned on the soil surface to prevent the gopher from dragging the traps back into the tunnel (explained in directions accompanying Macabee traps).
In the third step, set the box traps and cover them with a thin coat of peat moss or other lightweight material so that light is blocked off from any cracks surrounding the traps. However, be certain that the small holes in the solid ends of the traps are exposed and will let light enter the trap. This is the key to the whole operation.
Gophers do not like any light entering their runways and will enter the trap to investigate. In so doing, he will spring the trap and end your gopher problem.
Again, if utilizing Macabee traps instead of box traps, you will have to put straw or other lightweight material over both openings in the runway. Separate the straw slightly so a little light will enter the runway in both directions.
Using this method, you should trap your gopher within 24 hours and usually much sooner. It is very important to use two traps so that you cover both directions in the runway.
You will experience some success using just one trap, but your chances for success increase dramatically with two traps.
Keep pets and children away from the area until the traps are sprung; when the trapping operation is over, store the traps where children cannot get to them.
This method is intended for the gardener who encounters a gopher now and then. If you live in an area where gophers are numerous and firmly in command, you may want to consider gardening in containers or in raised beds with heavy mesh wire underneath.
DR, GEORGE CAREY / Los Angeles Times
