Although pocket gophers and mice are slower to invade, early control measures will keep their population levels down. Poisons Acute poisons such as strychnine alkaloid and zinc phosphide have long been used to reduce rodent numbers. Both are currently registered for controlling pocket gophers and ground squirrels. As well, anticoagulant poisons, such as chlorophacinone and diphacinone, are now registered for both species. Pocket gophers can be poisoned with poison bait delivered into their burrow system either by a specially designed probe applicator or an artificial burrow building device.
Some research indicates that fall baiting is more effective than spring baiting.
However, control of pocket gophers with poisons varies from poor to fair. Consistent, long-term control will only be achieved when more is known about pocket gopher biology and feeding behaviour. Traps Ground squirrel and mouse damage can usually be controlled with poisons but, at present, trapping seems to be the only long-term solution for pocket gopher control. Specially designed hand-set traps for pocket gophers can be very effective under some conditions. The traps work well because of the unique behaviour of pocket gophers to plug openings in their burrow systems.