The artificial burrows may intercept the gopher burrows or the gophers may inquisitively enter the artificial burrows, gather bait in their cheek pouches, and return to their burrow system to eat the bait. It is important to follow directions provided with burrow building machines. Fumigating is successful in treating pocket gophers only when the soil is moist so diffusion of the gas is minimized. Traps Trapping is a good way to control pocket gophers on small areas, and to remove remaining animals after a poisoning program. Trapping can be done year-round because gophers are always active, but a formidable effort is required for trapping when the soil is frozen.
Trapping is most effective when gophers are pushing up new mounds, usually in spring and fall.
3 is not available in HTML format. If you would like to view fig. 3, please access the PDF version of Controlling Pocket Gophers in New Mexico or contact the Cooperative Extension office for a hard copy of the publication. A trap should be placed in each direction and attached to a stake at the surface with a cord or wire. A piece of plywood or cardboard is placed over the hole and dirt is packed around the edges.