I got a gopher trying to sneak up and eat my babies......put used cat litter in the hole, and all that has done is make him change directions..( I'd run from that stuff, too), I need a sure fire deterrent, other than sitting by the mound with a shotgun, that will, and may I underscore WILL WORK!! GRRRRRR.....
"eyes"
GRRRRRRRRRRR...GOPHER
Patience ..........is the key,......when gunnin' for gopher!
To me,....it's the most effective way of control! I've tried gas fumes...(ignited), warning/emergency flares (ignited and inserted into various connected tunnels),.....poisoned bait,...sound generators,....dog hair/scat in their holes,....juicy fruit.......20 gauge with birdshot & lots of patience is most effective....for me ;~)
BTW - early morning hunts are most effective....before they close up shop
I love the smell of burnt gunpowder.....in the morning { smile - goodbye pesky gopher(s) } yes,...I hate 'em too! Once, I witnessed one of my foot tall eggplants shoot down into the ground....it was unconditional war from then on
This message was edited Jun 14, 2008 11:59 AM
The town mayor here, has been known to sit up from sunup to sundown waiting for the little boogers to stick their heads out....man if only I had that kind of time on my hands. Juicy fruit....done that...poison, done that...I ain't lighting on petro product down there, I got to have a place to live too.
"eyes"
GO MAYOR of TOADSUCK !!! My kinda man!
igniting petrol didn't seem to be effective....However,....it was interesting to watch flame shooting out of several openings(gopher-mounds-uncovered) simultaneously.....the little boogers were probably roasting eggplant root.....while snickering at me.
Prolly so............guess they just came to my yard to get 'em some herbaeceous goodies to go with them peppers....
"eyes"
I share your pain. Being new to gardening I thought the little old lady (88yrs old) next door was taking some of my plants on her daily outings, until I saw a lantana disappear underground. I have found that trapping works best for me or if you have castor beans, place some in the underground run if you can find it. The gophers love castor beans and it is poisonous to them. I have also planted castor bean plants around the yard and it also seems to work. I'll bring you a couple of plants to the East Texas RU.
Thank you 6841, I really appreciate that and DH will probably give you a big old bear hug.
"eyes"
Ahhhhh! I've planted some Castors...but wasn't aware that the boogers will eat the beans.....great ! I'll gladly share some with them! Thanks for the tip! Lee
I have been looking for info on natural ingredients to use to get rid of moles/gophers and what I found tonight on moles said to use Castor oil or Castor beans they don't like it
* Castor oil and castor beans are the best mole repellents. You can make your own solution with castor oil and soapy water. Sprinkle it on the ground where the mole has been burrowing.
* Moles eat earthworms and grubs. Keep grubs under control in your yard and you eliminate one of the mole's food sources.
and did ya know to use paprika and or garlic in concentrate for ants?
the stronger the better as they don't like it either.
I'm going to get some oil and mix it with my EM1 and spray the yard good with it and see if it helps.
I want the dang things gone they are into the flower beds now but no plants missing yet.
but I have to tell ya Dh ran a hose down one of the holes and watched to see where the water was going to come out and also had the shovel in his hand and when the varmint came out his whacked it....asked him if that was a new way of playing whack a mole. LOL
Don't have moles.....just one onery gopher! Thanks Mibus2.
"eyes"
yes but the gophers don't like the Castor oil either that is why I thought I would post the info I found. :)