How to Make a Gopher Trap

A gopher trap can be the most effective method of getting rid of the pesky little creatures from your garden without harming them. Many people do not like to harm them but they can play havoc with both vegetable gardens and lawns. You can make a gopher trap that will not harm the animal, and then, once trapped, release the gopher in the country where he won’t harm your garden. Alternatively, you can contact the local animal control department and have them retrieve the animal from you and perform its release.

Step 1- Preparation of the Box

Make a hatch on one end of the wooden box of sufficient size for a gopher to be able to get in with ease. Make a hole at the top of the hatch cover to attach the clear nylon fishing line to.

Step 2 - Drill a Hole

Drill a ½-inch hole on the end of the box opposite of the hatch.

Step 3 – Cup Hook for the Ceiling

Attach the cup hook to the ceiling of the box in the center, far enough in not to alarm the gopher.

Step 4 – Nylon Fishing Line

Tie one end of the clear nylon fishing line to the top of the hatch in the hole that you drilled. Make sure you use a reefer knot so it doesn’t come loose. Drape the fishing line over the cup hook, and let it dangle to 1 inch above the base of the box.

Step 5 – Counter Weight

Attach a piece of the vegetable to the end of the nylon line, making sure it dangles above the bottom of the trap but still holds the hatch open. The idea is that once the gopher has been drawn inside, the box will close off the light source; he will find the vegetable and eat it. This will spring the hatch and close it, cutting off his escape route. One gopher trap will do the job over and over.