Gopher Control in Colorado

What to look for

Pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides, the northern pocket gopher, and related species) are common across Colorado, from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope and into the foothills. They are solitary and territorial—each adult gopher lives alone in its own burrow system, which can cover 200–2,000 square feet. These tunnel systems have two main parts: shallow feeding tunnels near the roots and deeper nest chambers. As they dig, they push excess soil to the surface, creating the characteristic fan-shaped mounds that ruin lawns and pose tripping hazards. Gophers feed on roots, bulbs, and vegetation, which means they can kill trees, shrubs, and garden plants by severing roots. They also gnaw on underground irrigation lines and utility cables, leading to costly repairs. Because they are active year-round in Colorado’s mild climates (especially along the Front Range), damage can accumulate quickly if left unchecked. A single gopher can create 15–30 mounds per month during peak seasons in spring and fall.

• 1Fan-shaped mounds of loose soil (typically 6–12 inches wide) with a plugged hole off-center.
• 2Fresh mounds appearing daily, especially after rain or irrigation.
• 3Wilting or dying plants, trees, or shrubs due to root damage.
• 4Unexplained depressions or sinking in lawns from collapsed tunnels.
• 5Chewed irrigation lines or buried cables with tooth marks.
• 6Visible surface runways or raised ridges in grass (less common than mounds).
• 7Sudden disappearance of bulbs or root vegetables from gardens.

Treatment options and typical costs

Prices are typical published ranges. Ask what’s included before you compare quotes.

Understanding Gopher Behavior for Better Control.

Each adult occupies its own burrow system, which includes a main nest chamber, food storage chambers, and a network of feeding tunnels 6–12 inches below the surface. They push excavated soil to the surface in fan-shaped mounds, usually with a plugged hole. Gophers are active year-round but dig more in spring and fall when soil moisture is high and temperatures moderate. They do not hibernate. In Colorado, snow cover insulates the ground, allowing them to tunnel under snow in winter. Because they are solitary, a single active mound system usually means one gopher. However, multiple systems can overlap if juveniles disperse nearby. Gophers feed on roots, bulbs, and occasionally above-ground vegetation. They are attracted to irrigated lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. Their tunneling can aerate soil but also disrupts plant roots and damages underground infrastructure. Pocket gophers are solitary and fiercely territorial.

Why Trapping Is the Gold Standard for Gopher Control.

Two common trap types are the Macabee trap (a box trap that kills the gopher when it pushes against a trigger) and the Cinch trap (a scissor-jaw trap that catches the gopher in the tunnel). Both require placement in active, main tunnels—identified by probing the soil to find cavities or by carefully opening mounds to locate the plugged hole. For best results, block all open mounds, then wait 24 hours. The gopher will re-open one or two main tunnels; those are the ones to trap. Set the trap according to instructions, cover the hole with sod or a bucket to block light, and check daily. If no catch after 3 days, move the trap to another active tunnel. Professionals often use multiple traps and check frequently, achieving success in days rather than weeks. Trapping is widely recommended by extension services (e.g., Colorado State university extension) as the most effective and environmentally safe method.

Gopher Control in Colorado’s Unique Climate and Geography.

Gopher species vary: Thomomys talpoides (northern pocket gopher) dominates the mountains and foothills, while Thomomys bottae (Botta’s pocket gopher) is common on the plains and lower elevations. Both behave similarly, but altitude affects activity timing. At higher elevations (above 8,000 ft), gophers may be less active in winter due to deep snowpack, but they can tunnel under snow. In lower elevations along the Front Range (Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins), activity peaks March–May and September–November. Soil type also matters. Sandy or loamy soils are easier to dig and support higher gopher populations. Clay soils are harder to tunnel through, so mounds may be smaller. The Front Range’s clay-heavy soils can make trapping more challenging because tunnels are more compact. Additionally, Colorado’s dry climate means gophers rely on irrigated lawns and gardens for moisture, so properties with lush landscaping are prime targets. Colorado spans multiple climate zones—from the arid Eastern Plains to the high Rocky Mountains and the semi-arid Western Slope.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Long-Term Gopher Control.

Start with monitoring: walk your property weekly during peak seasons, map active mounds, and keep records. Use trapping as the primary control method. For large infestations, consider professional baiting as a one-time knockdown, but follow up with trapping to remove survivors. Habitat modification—reducing irrigation, removing weeds, and installing barriers—makes the area less attractive. Encourage natural predators by installing owl boxes (one barn owl can eat several gophers per night) and raptor perches. In Colorado, great horned owls and red-tailed hawks are effective predators. Avoid repellents like castor oil or ultrasonic devices; studies show they are ineffective against gophers. Flooding or fumigation is rarely practical and can damage soil structure. For long-term success, combine methods and be persistent. A single gopher can repopulate an area if not removed. IPM combines multiple strategies to reduce gopher populations sustainably.

How big a gopher problem really is.

In Colorado, tunnel systems typically run 6 to 12 inches below the surface, with deeper nesting and food-storage chambers. In Colorado, because each gopher is solitary, a yard with several fresh mounds usually means several animals, each with its own network. In Colorado, count the active mounds during your walk-through — that number, not a national average, is what should drive a treatment plan. In Colorado, state wildlife agencies put a single pocket gopher at roughly a ton of soil moved per year, and mounds are the first thing most people notice.

Simple ways to keep gophers away

• Reduce soil moisture by fixing leaky irrigation and improving drainage; gophers prefer moist soil for digging.
• Remove weeds like dandelions and clover that serve as food sources.
• Install underground barriers (18-inch deep hardware cloth) around gardens and trees.
• Maintain a mowed buffer zone around lawns to discourage foraging.
• Encourage natural predators like hawks, owls, and snakes by installing perches or nesting boxes.
• Avoid over-watering lawns in summer; gophers thrive in irrigated landscapes.
• Inspect new plants and soil for gophers before introducing them to your property.

Questions people ask

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