Trapping Gophers: Why It’s So Effective | Cinch Traps | The Best Mole & Gopher Trap

Trapping Gophers: Why It’s So Effective

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Cinch Traps Mole Control Kit

Trapping Gophers: Why It’s So Effective

Trapping addresses the weaknesses of other methods. Here’s why trapping is often the most effective way to control gophers:

• Immediate and Certain Results

When you set a trap and catch a gopher, you have immediate confirmation of success – you can see the gopher. There’s no guessing whether a gopher ate poison and crawled off to die elsewhere. This immediacy is crucial because each gopher removed is less reproduce and cause damage. You can stop the damage sooner with a trap, rather than waiting days or weeks, hoping poison might work while plants are still being eaten.

• Targeted and Specific

When properly placed, a trap will only catch the target pest (the gopher). There’s little to no danger of harming non-target wildlife or pets underground. Contrast this with poison baits that could be ingested by birds or dogs, or a gopher that dies aboveground and becomes a poisoned meal for a hawk. Trapping is a species-specific control method – the trap in a gopher tunnel is very unlikely to harm anything except a gopher or mole. This makes it a safer choice for environmentally conscious pest control.

• No Chemicals or Pollution

Trapping uses no chemicals, so your soil and groundwater remain clean. You don’t introduce toxins into your yard. Also, you won’t have to deal with the foul odor of a poisoned gopher decomposing in its tunnel (a common issue when using poison). The gopher is removed from the tunnel when trapped, so there’s no hidden carcass to contaminate or stink up the area.

• Highly Effective for Small Areas

In a backyard, garden, or any relatively small infested zone, trapping can eliminate gophers completely if you persist. Extension experts note that on small plots or when only a few gophers are present, trapping is the most practical and efficient control method. You can methodically catch all the gophers one by one. Gophers are territorial and solitary in their burrows, so usually you catch them individual by individual.

• Cost-Effective and Reusable

Quality gopher traps can be used over and over for years. While there’s an upfront cost to buy traps, they don’t get “used up” like baits do. One set of traps could catch dozens of gophers over its lifetime, making it a smart investment for anyone living in gopher-prone areas. (CINCH traps, for example, are made of durable steel built to last decades.) In contrast, poison bait must be replenished and repurchased, and exclusion requires costly installation. Trapping often ends up being the cheapest long-term solution.

• Recommended by Experts

Because of all the above reasons, wildlife and pest experts frequently recommend trapping first. For instance, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension flatly states: “Trapping is the most effective method of gopher control.” Many professional pest control companies also emphasize trapping due to its success rate and safety. It’s a time-tested method that’s been refined over the years.

Introducing CINCH Gopher Traps

When it comes to gopher trapping, the type of trap you use matters. There are several trap designs on the market — pincher-style traps like the classic Macabee, choker loop traps like the Gophinator, box traps, spear traps, etc.

CINCH Traps are a popular and highly regarded brand known for their effectiveness and build quality. Established in 1909, CINCH traps have been used for over a century by farmers, professional trappers, and homeowners.

Key Features of CINCH Traps

  • Made in the USA from galvanized steel

  • Durable and suitable for long-term use

  • Spring-loaded loop design for quick, humane kills

  • Ranked “all-around best performer” in USDA studies

  • Multiple sizes to match tunnel diameter

  • Simple to set and use

  • Also effective on moles

  • Reusable and low-maintenance

  • Regarded as one of the most humane trap options

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Trap a Gopher with CINCH Traps

  1. Identify Active Tunnels
    Look for fresh mounds and use a probe to find the main tunnel.

  2. Open the Tunnel
    Dig to expose the tunnel, keeping it as intact as possible.

  3. Set the CINCH Trap
    Use the correct size, set it in both directions, and secure it with wire.

  4. Bait (Optional)
    Not necessary, but fresh produce like apple or carrot may help.

  5. Cover the Opening (Exclude Light)
    Use a board, turf, or newspaper and soil to keep light and airflow out.

  6. Mark the Location
    Use flags or stakes to avoid losing traps or stepping on them.

  7. Wait and Check Traps Frequently
    Check at least daily; reset traps if needed.

  8. Continue Trapping Until Gophers Are Gone
    Keep monitoring even after catching one — others may move in.

Tips for Success and Common Trapping Mistakes to Avoid

  • Use Sufficient Traps: Set at least two per tunnel.

  • Identify Active Tunnels Correctly: Only trap in confirmed active tunnels.

  • Avoid Leaving Human Scent: Always wear gloves.

  • Secure and Mark Traps: Prevent loss and odor issues.

  • Cover the Hole Properly: Balance airflow and space for trigger.

  • Check Traps Daily: Avoid rot and increase effectiveness.

  • Handle Traps Safely: Follow manufacturer instructions.

  • Don’t Give Up Too Soon: Persistence pays off.

Final Thoughts

Gopher trapping protects your property from serious damage in a way that is safe, immediate, and effective. Among all available options, CINCH traps stand out for their performance, reliability, and ease of use.

By learning and applying proper trapping methods, you can deal with gophers efficiently, preserve your landscape, and avoid ongoing damage.