How to control and trap pocket yard gophers?

These chunky, prominently toothed. 5 to 9 inch rodents feed on roots and tubers, which they seek out in their below-ground tunnels. Cats and dogs may help reduce their numbers on your land.

Use wire-bottomed planting boxes for small vegetable gardens and flower bulbs. Plant ornamental or fruit trees in large baskets of 1-inch mesh chicken wire.

To trap individuals, dig a hole to the runway about 1 foot from the low side of the fan-shaped mound. Place a pair of wire or box gopher traps in the tunnel, one facing each direction; wire the traps to a stake. Cover your hole with a board and shovel dirt over it. Check daily for sprung traps.