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.
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.
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 individually.
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.
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

With the benefits of trapping established, the key to success is doing it right. Next, we’ll introduce a leading trap brand – CINCH Traps – and go over how to use gopher traps effectively.

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. In fact, CINCH has been a trusted name in gopher and mole trapping for over a century. The company was established in 1909, and ever since, CINCH traps have been used by farmers, professional trappers, and homeowners as a go-to solution. CINCH gopher traps are made in the USA from galvanized steel, giving them durability in the field. They are a type of cinch-loop trap, which is set in the gopher’s tunnel. When triggered, strong spring-loaded loops grasp the gopher, resulting in a quick, humane kill. A USDA National Wildlife Research Center study ranked the CINCH trap as the “all-around best performer” among gopher traps, noting it had the highest capture efficiency and was time-efficient to use. In other words, it catches gophers reliably and doesn’t waste your time.

Why Choose CINCH Traps

Aside from the pedigree and recommendations above, CINCH traps have several practical advantages:

They come in multiple sizes (small, medium, large) to fit different tunnel diameters, ensuring a snug fit for various gopher species. A correct size means the gopher can’t squeeze past the trap and will be caught.
They are easy to set at the tunnel entrance. You simply dig open the tunnel, slide the trap in, and leave the opening partially open (more on technique in the guide below). There’s no complex mechanism to fiddle with in the dark tunnel.
They work for both gophers and moles (with appropriate size), adding versatility if you have both pests.
Being highly durable, they can be reused indefinitely with minimal maintenance (just clean off dirt and occasionally oil the springs). This makes them environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as we noted.
They are considered one of the most humane traps, delivering a quick kill when properly set, as opposed to slow death by poison.
CINCH traps have a long track record, and many professionals swear by them. For example, a professional gopher removal service stated that using the Cinch trap for surface trapping is “without a doubt, the fastest, easiest, most effective way to catch a gopher or mole” in their experience.

By using a proven trap like CINCH and following best practices, even first-time trappers can have success in catching gophers. In the next section, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to trap a gopher using these traps, along with some important tips.

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

Successfully trapping a gopher involves finding the right spot to set your trap and installing the trap correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Identify Active Tunnels:
Start by locating the freshest gopher mounds in your yard or field. Fresh mounds (with moist, freshly dug soil) indicate recent gopher activity. Gently remove a mound and find the plug (the spot where the gopher closed the burrow with dirt). Typically, the main tunnel will be a short distance (maybe 6-12 inches) from the plug on the side of the mound. Use a stick or probe rod to poke the ground around the mound until you feel the probe drop into an open cavity — that’s the tunnel. Tip: Each mound usually has a plugged hole off-center; the main runway is often on the side of the mound where that plug is. Also, remember that gophers often create two tunnel directions from one mound. So one mound can have tunnels going in both directions. Focus on what seems to be the main runway (it will feel open and extend in a given direction).
Open The Tunnel:
Once you’ve probed and found the tunnel, use a shovel or trowel to open up an access hole. Dig out a portion of the tunnel large enough to easily place the trap inside. Clear any loose dirt. You should now have a clear view into the gopher’s burrow on both sides (left and right if the tunnel goes both ways). Important: Keep the tunnel intact as much as possible beyond the opening – don’t cave in the whole tunnel. If you accidentally collapse part of it, dig a bit further to find an open section. If the tunnel seems to end abruptly, you might have opened a lateral off the main tunnel (gophers often have short side tunnels that dead-end at the mound). If that’s the case, try probing again around the area to find the main passage. Setting a trap in the main, well-used tunnel gives the highest chance of a catch.
Set the CINCH Trap:
Select the appropriate size CINCH trap that fits snugly in the tunnel you’ve opened (small, medium, or large based on tunnel diameter). While wearing gloves (to avoid leaving human scent on the trap and for personal hygiene), set the trap’s spring mechanism. With a CINCH trap, you pull back the spring-loaded bar to open the jaws (loops). Many CINCH traps have a latch or trigger plate that will hold the jaws open in the set position. Carefully slide the trap into the tunnel opening with the open jaws facing inward. Important: Set two traps, one in each direction of the tunnel if it runs both ways .* Gophers can approach the opening from either inside the burrow or from the outside if it’s a through-tunnel. Placing a trap facing each direction covers both possibilities (this is often called setting traps in pairs). Attach a wire or chain to each trap, securing the other end to a stake or flag outside the hole – this ensures a caught gopher can’t drag the trap deeper into the tunnel, and it helps you retrieve the trap later.
Bait (Optional):
CINCH traps generally do not require bait – they are placed directly in the gopher’s path, and the gopher triggers them as it moves through. However, some trappers like to add a bit of bait to entice the gopher. If you choose, you can place a small piece of carrot, apple, peanut butter, or other produce behind the trap (deeper into the tunnel) or tied to the trigger. The smell may attract a curious gopher. This step is optional because a properly set trap in an active tunnel will often catch a gopher regardless of bait. In many cases, the presence of an open hole is enough to lure the gopher to come plug it, thereby encountering the trap. If you do bait, use fresh vegetables/fruit that gophers like.
Cover the Opening (Exclude Light):
This is a critical step that many beginners overlook. After setting the trap in the tunnel, you want to cover the open hole you dug without filling in the tunnel. You can cover it with a piece of plywood, a flat rock, or simply backfill loosely with some dirt and then lay sod/turf over it. The goal is to keep light and wind out of the tunnel while not obstructing the trap. Gophers are very sensitive to airflow and light; if they sense an opening, their instinct is to push soil to plug it. If the hole is left wide open, a gopher will quickly come to seal it and might push soil right into your trap, springing it without being caught. So, cover the hole so the tunnel appears “closed” to the gopher again. Some trappers stuff wadded newspaper around the trap and then shovel soil on top as a plug. Just make sure the trap itself can still snap freely in the tunnel space you left.
Mark The Location:
Especially in a yard with many trap sets, mark each one. Use the flags that often come with gopher trap kits or any marker (a stick, stake, etc.) next to the set. This saves you from forgetting a trap in the ground. It’s easy to lose track of an unmarked trap, and a lost trap with a dead gopher can create odor later. Marking also prevents others from accidentally stepping on the trap area.
Wait and Check Traps Frequently:
Gophers are active off and on throughout the day and night. Often, they will find and spring your trap within a few hours if it’s in an active tunnel. Check your traps at least once a day, preferably morning and evening. Do not leave traps unchecked for more than a day for humane reasons and to reset sprung traps. When you check, approach quietly and carefully uncover the hole. If the trap’s springs have fired, pull it up by the attached wire. You will either have a gopher or find that it was triggered by soil. Remove any caught gophers (use gloves or a plastic bag to handle the carcass) and reset the trap if more gopher activity continues. If a trap is sprung with no gopher, clean out any dirt and reset it.
Continue Trapping Until Gophers Are Gone:
Often, you may catch the offending gopher in a day or two. But monitor your property for new mounds. If you see fresh activity after catching one, it could mean another gopher has moved in (or there was more than one to begin with). Keep trapping until you go at least a couple of weeks with no new mounds. Gophers are territorial, so usually one gopher occupies a given tunnel system. But once that territory opens up, neighboring gophers may expand into it. Persistence is key. By being vigilant for a while, you can break the cycle of infestation. It’s a good idea to periodically check your yard even after a successful trapping campaign, because gophers from surrounding areas can migrate in over time.

Following these steps with a quality trap like CINCH will drastically improve your success rate in catching gophers. However, even with good techniques, there are some additional tips and common mistakes to be aware of, which we’ll cover next.

Tips for Success and Common Trapping Mistakes to Avoid

Trapping gophers is part skill, part patience. Learning from common mistakes can make the difference between frustration and success. Here are some pro tips and pitfalls to avoid when using gopher traps:

Use Sufficient Traps:
One of the biggest mistakes is not using enough traps. Don’t assume you have only one gopher. Even if it is one, setting multiple traps increases your odds. It’s recommended to set at least two traps per active tunnel (one in each direction). If you have several active areas, use multiple trap setups to address them simultaneously. Purchasing 2–4 traps is wise for even a medium-sized yard. A higher density of traps means higher chances of a catch in a short time.
Identify Active Tunnels Correctly:
Traps placed in abandoned or inactive tunnels won’t catch anything. Before you dig and set a trap, ensure the tunnel is part of a fresh, active burrow system. Fresh mounds and feeling an open tunnel with your probe are good indications. If you set a trap and nothing happens for days, consider moving it to a new location – the gopher might have changed patterns or been missed. Also, avoid setting traps in superficial feeder tunnels (very shallow offshoots that gophers use occasionally). Always target the main runway, which is typically 6-12 inches deep and connects mounds.
Avoid Leaving Human Scent:
Gophers have a keen sense of smell. They can be wary of anything foreign in their tunnel. Always wear gloves when handling traps and digging. This avoids transferring sweat or human scent to the trap. Some trappers even rub dirt on their traps after handling to mask any odor. While gophers may still get caught in a trap that smells like humans, your odds are better if the trap just smells like the soil.
Secure and Mark Traps:
As mentioned, tie off your traps with wire and mark their positions. A common mistake is to forget this and have a gopher drag an unsecured trap down a tunnel. Not only do you lose an expensive trap, but you also have a dead gopher decaying out of reach. Securely anchored traps prevent escape and loss. Marking ensures you don’t lose track of where traps are set (which can be hazardous and wasteful).
Cover the Hole Properly:
Failing to cover the access hole (or covering it improperly) is a frequent cause of empty traps. If too much light or air flows in, the gopher will quickly push dirt to plug the hole, often jamming the trap harmlessly. Make sure you cover the opening such that it’s dark inside. On the flip side, don’t pack the hole tight with soil, because you might bury the trap or prevent it from triggering. Find a balance – place a cover that blocks light but leaves the tunnel space open around the trap trigger.
Check Traps Daily (at minimum):
Forgetting to check traps is a mistake for several reasons. First, if a trap catches a gopher, leaving the carcass will attract insects and produce odor. Second, if the trap misfires or gets filled with soil, you’ll want to reset it quickly to resume catching. Checking at least once a day is ideal. Many people check in the morning (to remove any overnight catches) and again in late afternoon or evening. Promptly remove dead gophers; you can bury them elsewhere or dispose of them in the trash (use a plastic bag). Quick removal also ensures predators aren’t drawn to an exposed carcass near the trap (which could disturb your trap or pose a risk to the predator if it tries to pull the gopher out).
Handle Traps Safely:
Traps like CINCH are powerful. Always keep your hands clear of the jaws when setting to avoid a painful pinch. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting the trap correctly. When pulling a trap out after a catch, be cautious in case the gopher is not yet dead (rare, but if not placed well, the trap may stun and you might need to dispatch the gopher). Generally, CINCH traps kill instantly by gripping the neck/chest, but just use common sense and wear gloves.
Don’t Give Up Too Soon:
Gopher trapping can sometimes require patience. If you don’t catch one immediately, it doesn’t mean the trap isn’t working. The gopher might be trap-shy or simply use a different tunnel for a day. Reposition the traps if needed, and keep at it. Also, after you think you’ve got them all, stay vigilant for a few weeks of no new mounds before relaxing. Persistence is often rewarded in gopher control.

By following this guidance, you’ll avoid the common missteps that frustrate beginners. Trapping truly is an effective approach to gopher control when done correctly. With a bit of practice, you’ll gain confidence in setting the traps and outsmarting these underground pests. In summary, gopher trapping protects your property from serious damage in a way that is safe, immediate, and effective. Among trapping options, CINCH traps stand out for their proven performance and durability, making the job as straightforward as possible. In the long run, removing gophers through trapping will save your lawns and gardens from further destruction and give you peace of mind that the problem is solved at the source. Now that you have an overview of gopher trapping and how to do it, you can take action against those burrowing invaders and protect your landscape for good. Looking for a full breakdown of why gopher control is important? Start with our General Overview of Gopher Trapping. Want to trap gophers in a way that’s safer for the environment? Learn about the Environmental Benefits. If you’re deciding between professional-grade and homeowner traps, read our guide on Gopher Traps: Professional vs. Homeowner Use.