A word on Gophers and such.

You are here because you know what they are and you know what they eat.

Do not use poison.

Right, it’s not an offer to consider, just do not.

Please?

It affects not only your gopher but the wildlife in the area treated with poison. It KILLS the wildlife.

USE OWLS.

I mean it. Barn Owls.

Consider the Barn Owl Box Company for Owl Boxes. Barnowlbox.com.

Again, place it the area not treated with poison. Many Vineyards, Orchards, small farms and homeowners utilize Owl Boxes. You may consider a box for a Screech Owl also. They are used to more woody areas.

Before you buy

Consider asking your neighbors what they use to control gophers or any rodents. If they use poison, there is a chance your owl will be exposed. Here is an example. The owl grabs a poisoned gopher and brings it into her nest. The whole nest is killed with one bullet.

By the way, you may be lucky to learn your neighbors have dog poop all over their yard.

So proceed with Caution and open mind.

I have done extensive research regarding this topic and I’ll save you some time.

There are a few things you need to know:

• You need to accept they may never leave.
• You have to use Gopher baskets for plants you care about the most. You may try making them yourself with galvanized 2-3 ft 3/4in wire cloth or consider this company Diggers Products at gopherbaskets.com. Both will work. Diggers’ baskets have wider opening for the roots.
• You have to put wire cloth under all of your garden beds before you fill them with soil.
• They are LESS interested in Avocado Trees, Pomegranate Trees, Eucalyptus, Daffodil flowers, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, mature lemon trees, Marigolds, Fritillaria bulbs. So fall in love with these. I took the liberty of plating those without the baskets, Yes, I planted the Eucalyptus tree too.
• They prefer clay soils.
• If you have some native plants on your property, let them be.
• Castor oil, peppermint oil, pet faecal matter and other “friendly” options may not work as effectively as nature’s predators. Trapping is not a permanent solution but helps keeping the numbers down if you are on it.
• Gophers aerate and fertilize your soil. In their native range they are beneficial players of the ecosystem. Learn to live with them. If you choose to trap, release them in the native habitat.
  

Your new neighbor will look something like this. Treat it with kindness.

Cheers with coffee!