Probe into the depression, usually in the direction away from the mound, until the direction of the tunnel is determined. Remove the several-inch plug of soil with a Garden trowel or a spade. Traps also can be set in the main tunnel located about 12 to 18 inches from the mound. After uncovering the main tunnel with a shovel, set two traps as shown in Figure 3. The tunnels either can be left open or covered after setting traps.
Check traps twice daily since gophers often visit the traps within a few hours.
If a trap is not visited within 48 hours, move it to a new location. Trapping usually is most successful in the spring and fall when gophers are actively building mounds. Strychnine, formulated on milo, barley or wheat, is a widely used toxicant but is highly toxic and potentially hazardous to all wildlife. It usually is labeled as a Restricted-Use Pesticide. In some studies, zinc phosphide has been less effective than strychnine.