The short version
Gophers are solitary, territorial rodents that create extensive tunnel systems and mounds. Effective control requires trapping or baiting by a professional, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall.
- Gophers are active year-round but peak digging occurs in spring and fall when soil is moist.
- Each tunnel system typically houses only one gopher, making targeted trapping effective.
- Signs include fan-shaped mounds, chewed roots, and sudden plant die-off.
- Professional trapping programs in NH range from $150 to $700 depending on property size.
For New Hampshire homeowners, property managers, and farmers who are seeing gopher mounds, losing plants to root damage, or want to prevent an infestation before it starts. If you value your lawn, garden, or crop yields and want a solution that works, you're in the right place.
What to look for
With powerful forelimbs, large claws, and lips that close behind their incisors, they can excavate tunnels at an impressive rate. Pocket gophers (Thomomys and Geomys species) are built for digging. That means a targeted approach can be highly effective if you correctly locate the main burrow. Because they are solitary and territorial, each active tunnel system usually contains just one gopher. They can also gnaw through underground irrigation lines and utility cables. Gophers feed on roots, bulbs, and tubers, often killing ornamental plants, shrubs, and young trees. In New Hampshire, the primary species is the eastern pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius), though populations are scattered. These tunnels are not just unsightly—they collapse under foot traffic, divert water, and create hazards for mowers. A single gopher can push several mounds of soil to the surface each day, and its tunnel system can cover an area the size of a tennis court.
- 1Fan-shaped mounds of loose soil, often with a plugged hole off-center.
- 2Sudden wilting or death of plants, shrubs, or trees due to root damage.
- 3Chewed roots or missing bulbs and tubers in garden beds.
- 4Collapsed tunnels that create soft, uneven spots in lawns.
- 5Gnawed irrigation lines or buried utility cables.
- 6Visible surface tunnels (raised ridges) in soft soil, especially after rain.
- 7Gopher droppings (small, dark pellets) near burrow openings.
Why it’s worth acting soon
- Extensive root damage can kill mature trees and shrubs, costing hundreds to replace.
- Tunnel systems can undermine patios, walkways, and foundations.
- Irrigation systems may be destroyed, leading to water waste and dry patches.
- Mounds create safety hazards for mowing and walking, and can damage equipment.
- Gophers attract predators like snakes and owls, which may become a nuisance themselves.
Treatment options and typical costs
Trapping
$150-$500
Using two-pronged pincer traps placed in active tunnels. Most effective when set correctly and checked regularly.
- Time
- 1-4 weeks
- Best for
- Active infestations with visible mounds; eco-friendly option.
Baiting with Rodenticides
$200-$400
Placement of toxic baits in tunnels. Requires careful handling to avoid non-target animals.
- Time
- 1-2 weeks
- Best for
- Large properties with heavy infestations; when trapping fails.
Fumigation (Gas Cartridges)
$300-$700
Inserting gas cartridges into tunnels to produce carbon monoxide. Only for isolated systems; may not work in damp soil.
- Time
- 1-3 days
- Best for
- Remote areas where non-target risks are low; rapid results.
Prices are typical published ranges. Ask what’s included before you compare quotes.
Gophers eat roots from below. Plants that wilt and lift out easily are a classic sign.Gopher Biology and Behavior.
They are most active in spring and fall when soil moisture is optimal for digging. In New Hampshire, the eastern pocket gopher is the primary species, though populations are patchy across the state. Each tunnel system includes a main burrow (usually 6-12 inches deep), feeding tunnels, and deeper chambers for nesting and food storage. Mounds are created when gophers push soil to the surface from lateral tunnels. The characteristic fan shape and off-center plug distinguish gopher mounds from molehills. Pocket gophers are named for their fur-lined external cheek pouches, which they use to carry food and nesting material. They are solitary, with each adult occupying its own tunnel system. Their lips close behind their incisors, allowing them to dig with their teeth without swallowing dirt. This adaptation makes them exceptionally efficient burrowers. Gophers do not hibernate; they remain active year-round, storing food in underground caches.
Gopher vs. Mole vs. Vole: How to Tell the Difference.
Voles create runways on the surface and chew bark at the base of trees, unlike gophers that feed on roots underground. In New Hampshire, moles are more common in moist, wooded areas, while gophers prefer well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Voles thrive in grassy areas with heavy thatch. Identifying the pest correctly is crucial because control methods differ. If you see raised surface ridges (tunnels) without mounds, you likely have moles. If you see surface runways and gnawed stems, voles are the culprit. Accurate identification saves time and money. Many homeowners mistake gopher damage for that of moles or voles, but the signs are distinct. Gopher mounds are fan-shaped with a plugged hole off-center, while molehills are volcano-shaped with a central hole.
Gopher mounds are fan-shaped, with a plugged hole off to one side.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Gophers.
Trapping is the most effective IPM-compatible method for active infestations. Place traps in main tunnels, not feeding tunnels. Check traps daily and reset as needed. If trapping fails, consider baiting with rodenticides in tamper-resistant bait stations. Fumigation is a last resort for isolated areas. Professional pest control companies in New Hampshire follow IPM guidelines and can tailor a plan to your property. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach that combines multiple strategies. For gophers, IPM includes habitat modification, exclusion, trapping, and careful use of baits. The goal is to minimize risks to people, pets, and the environment. Start by removing food sources: control weeds and avoid planting bulbs or root vegetables near lawns. Install physical barriers like underground fencing around gardens. Use repellents (castor oil-based) as a deterrent, but understand they are not a long-term solution.
What affects the price
- Property size and number of active mounds.
- Accessibility of tunnels (e.g., steep slopes, dense brush).
- Severity of infestation (single vs. multiple gophers).
- Time of year (peak season may require more follow-ups).
- Method chosen (trapping vs. baiting vs. fumigation).
- Geographic location within New Hampshire (urban vs. rural).
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What's the biggest challenge you face with gophers?
When to call for help
If you see more than a few mounds, if plants are dying rapidly, or if you've tried DIY methods without success, it's time to call a professional.
What you can do yourself
Given the risk to pets, wildlife, and your time, hiring a pro often saves money and frustration in the long run. They also have access to restricted-use baits and fumigants that are more effective. Professional exterminators bring experience, specialized traps, and knowledge of local gopher behavior. However, most homeowners misidentify active tunnels, use the wrong trap size, or fail to eliminate the single gopher per system. Options include trapping (with correct placement), castor oil repellents, and flooding tunnels. DIY gopher control can work for small, early-stage infestations.
Where you live matters
Cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord see the most service calls, as development often disturbs gopher habitats. In coastal regions (Seacoast), gophers are less common but can be a problem in sandy dune areas. Climate variation matters: in southern NH, gophers are active nearly year-round, while in the north, activity dips in winter but resumes quickly with thaw. Spring rains in April-May and fall rains in September-October create ideal digging conditions statewide. For city-level help, homeowners should contact local pest control providers. New Hampshire's diverse geography means gopher problems vary by region. In the southern counties (Rockingham, Hillsborough), urban and suburban homeowners often face gophers in lawns and gardens, especially in sandy soils near the Merrimack River. In central areas (Belknap, Merrimack), agricultural lands and horse farms are vulnerable. Northern counties (Coos, Grafton) have fewer gopher issues due to colder winters and rocky soils, but populations exist in valleys.
Gopher tips from the experts
Fresh mounds tell the story
Around your home, fresh, dark soil means a gopher is active now. Look at the mound shape, the plugged hole and any wilting plants before deciding what you have.
Gopher, mole or ground squirrel?
Gopher mounds are crescent or horseshoe shaped, with a plugged hole off to one side. Mole mounds are rounder, often with raised ridges nearby. Ground squirrel holes stay open, with no mound.
UC IPM: pocket gophersWhat they damage
Gophers chew roots, irrigation lines and sometimes buried cables. Fresh, moist soil means they’re active now. Keep watching after treatment, since a quiet yard doesn’t always mean they’re gone.
Utah State University Extension: pocket gophersBased on guidance from university extension services.
How we check our sourcesSimple ways to keep gophers away
- Install underground fencing (hardware cloth) around gardens and trees, buried at least 2 feet deep.
- Reduce soil moisture by improving drainage; gophers prefer loose, moist soil.
- Remove food sources like weed roots and bulbs near your lawn.
- Use castor oil-based repellents in early spring before new tunnels form.
- Keep grass mowed short to reduce cover for predators.
- Encourage natural predators like owls by installing nesting boxes.
- Inspect your property weekly during spring and fall for new mounds.
Mark fresh mounds on a sketch. New ones show where the gopher is working now.Did you know?
Gophers have fur-lined external cheek pouches that they use to carry food—a trait unique among North American rodents.
Their lips close behind their incisors, allowing them to gnaw through roots and soil without swallowing dirt.
A single gopher can move roughly a ton of soil per year in its tunneling activity.
Questions people ask
How do I know if I have gophers or moles?
Gopher mounds are fan-shaped with a plugged hole off-center; molehills are volcano-shaped with a central hole. Gophers eat roots, causing plant death; moles eat insects and leave raised surface tunnels.
What is the best time of year to treat gophers?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are best because gophers are most active and soil is moist, making traps easier to set and tunnels easier to find.
Are gopher baits safe for pets?
Professionals use tamper-resistant bait stations to reduce risk. Always follow label instructions and consider trapping if pets are present. Baits can be harmful if ingested.
How long does professional gopher control take?
Most infestations are resolved within 1-4 weeks with trapping. Baiting may work faster (1-2 weeks), but follow-up visits ensure complete removal.
Will gophers come back after treatment?
However, new gophers may move in from adjacent areas. Regular monitoring is recommended. Not if the property is properly maintained and exclusion measures are in place.
How much does gopher removal cost?
Because gophers recolonize from neighboring land, ask whether a quote covers follow-up visits or whether an annual contract would suit your property better. It's a published estimate, not a local quote. In New Hampshire, ask for a written quote that spells out visits and the warranty. Trapping alone is listed at $200 to $600.
Sources (5)
The facts in this article come from the public sources listed above. Every home is different, so ask the company you talk to about pricing and what’s included. Published by Gopher Exterminator · Updated September 11, 2026 · How we write these guides