Traps may be useful where a few gophers are present. Other techniques useful in certain situations include exclusion and cultural practices. Grain baits are generally well-accepted by gophers and will provide good control in most instances. For baits to be effective, they must be placed into the pocket gopher's burrow system or placed underground in such a way that the gopher will encounter and feed on them. Strychnine has been the most widely used active ingredient, and it is commonly formulated on milo, barley, or wheat.
Strychnine is a fast-acting poison that is toxic to most mammals and birds.
Because of its high toxicity and potential hazard to nontarget species, it is generally labeled as a Restricted Use pesticide. Zinc phosphide grain baits are also labeled for pocket gopher control. In some studies, zinc phosphide has been shown to be somewhat less effective than strychnine. Since they are multiple-dose toxicants, a greater amount of bait is required to achieve adequate control. Bait can be placed into a gopher's tunnel system after manually digging it open at any point.