Using traps or toxic bait are the most reliable methods for controlling gophers. Both methods work best in a portion of a burrow system where a gopher is active.

I’ve found that success within 24 hours is virtually assured if you install the trap as soon as you see a new gopher mound in the garden. I’ve never needed even to bait the box trap.

To prevent other animals from accidentally getting caught in the traps, put the traps in overturned boxes or bait boxes with entrance holes large enough for only the rats to enter.

And while baits and electronic anti-gopher devices exist, most buyers prefer the old-fashioned traps, he said.

Because it is not common for the gopher to come above ground, there is little risk for secondary poisoning to wildlife with gopher baits.

Poison bait is another method of gopher control. It needs to be used with caution if children or pets will be able to access the area.

Bait is an acceptable method of control, but it must be placed inside the main tunnel to ensure only the gophers can reach it. It is illegal to place gopher bait above the ground.

What makes this misidentification an issue is that there are species-specific control methods for both pocket gophers and ground squirrels, one of which is the use of strychnine.

Anticoagulant baits (Chlorophacinone and Diphacinone) are also registered for pocket gopher control. These are the same chemicals used in common rodent poisons.

Mole traps, different from gopher traps, can be effective. Specific baits made for moles are available, but limited research has been conducted on the effectiveness of many repellents and baits.

The City of Regina is commencing its gopher control program for the year, and warning the public to avoid certain areas where the poisonous bait will be spread.