Gophers can be pesky creatures, wreaking havoc on your yards and gardens. These rodents tunnel underground, creating holes in your yard and destroying your gardens. If you’re looking for a way to get rid of gophers, using poison is one of the best methods. Gopher poison can be effective in getting rid of these rodents and is relatively easy to use.
Gopher poison comes in various formats, including baits, pellets, and liquids. Some are designed to kill gophers quickly, while others may take longer to work. So, choosing the right one can take time and effort.
Don’t worry, though – we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best gopher poison available on the market and their pros and cons. We’ll also help you choose the one that works best for you. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Top 5 Best Gopher Poison Comparison Table
| IMAGE | DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|---|
Our #1 Rated  | Kaput Pocket Gopher Bait 10 Lbs.
| Check Price |
People's Choice  | The Giant Destroyer (GAS KILLER)
| Check Price |
 | Bonide Revenge Moletox Gopher Killer Granules
| Check Price |
 | Victor Outdoor Gopher Poison Peanuts
| Check Price |
 | JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait
| Check Price |
What to Consider When Buying Gopher Poison
There are many options available when it comes to getting rid of gophers. The key is to find the correct poison for the job. There are a few things you need to take into account when choosing the best poison for your needs.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredient in the bait will determine how effective it is. Look for baits containing strychnine, zinc phosphide, etc. Zinc phosphide is an effective active ingredient used in many gopher poisons. You can purchase this in tablet and pellet form, and it should be applied directly to the gopher burrow or mound.
Application Method
It would be best to consider what application method you prefer when shopping for poison baits. Some products come in shaker bottles that easily dispense the bait into the pocket gopher burrows, while others are pre-packaged in capsules or pellet form. Additionally, some baits are resistant to dissolving quickly in water, making them easier and safer to apply in rainy seasons.
Cost
Consider your budget when looking for the best poison for gophers. There is a wide range of prices available on the market, so you’ll want to compare different products to find one that fits your budget.
Safety
Safety is critical when choosing any pest control product. Make sure to choose a product that is safe and effective, as well as one that will not cause secondary poisoning to your pet animals.
Environmentally Friendly
Consider the environment you are using the poison in. For example, if you plan to use it near waterways or areas with wildlife, ensure the product is safe and will not cause long-term environmental damage.
By taking these factors into account, you’ll be able to find the best gopher poison that is both effective and affordable.
Top 5 Best Gopher Poison Options
1. Kaput Pocket Gopher Bait 10 Lbs
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Kaput Pocket Gopher Bait 10 Lbs is a poison designed to kill gophers. The active ingredient in this product is diphacinone, which is effective for all gopher species. Diphacinone attracts gophers to the poison so that they will consume it. It comes in a 10-pound bucket, making it enough to treat multiple areas. The bait is easy to apply and usually takes effect within one week.
It is effective on lawns, golf courses, rangeland, and other non-crop areas. Plus, it has an antidote in case of accidental ingestion by pets or humans. This poison is an excellent option for getting rid of troublesome gophers quickly.
To successfully use this gopher poison, you must be dedicated to using it for every new hole you encounter. Be sure to put itin the gopher tunnels and around your property so the gophers will come in contact with them. Reapply as necessary.
- Ready to use
- Effective in multiple areas
- Safe to use around both dogs and cats
- May take a week for results to show
Our Verdict
Kaput pocket gopher bait is an effective poison that kills ground-destroying gophers and is easy to use and safe for pets and children.
2. The Giant Destroyer (GAS KILLER)
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The Giant Destroyer (GAS KILLER) is a gas killer that produces smoke bombs and gas when dropped into burrows. This product is designed to kill rodents immediately. It is the most significant and most potent gasser on the market, making it ideal for larger areas. The Giant Destroyer can easily reach deep burrows.
This product is made from natural organic substances. It is biodegradable and safe for the environment. The Giant Destroyer is an easy and safe way to eliminate pesky rodents.
Light the cartridge and place it in an active gopher tunnel, wait for the smoke to clear, then check for dead gophers. The poisonous gas fills the tunnel systems and suffocates the gophers to death.
- Kill gophers effectively and quickly
- Kills gophers in burrows
- Don’t need to dig the tunnel and burrows
- Doesn’t cause secondary poisoning in other animals
- Can be used on fertile soil and is fully biodegradable
- Chances of personal injury if not used properly
Our Verdict
An excellent choice for those who want to get rid of gophers quickly and with minimal effort. This method doesn’t require any digging or trapping.
3. Bonide Revenge Moletox Gopher Killer Granules
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Bonide Revenge Moletox Gopher Killer Granules is an excellent choice for eliminating gophers and moles, as it is designed to target only these pests. This product contains zinc phosphide as the active ingredient, making it one of the safest options available for those who have both children and pets in the home. It is attractive to all species of gophers, ensuring that these pests are effectively targeted in your garden or yard. However, with the added benefit of being easy to apply, It is the perfect choice for quickly getting rid of these pesky critters!
One teaspoon of the bait treats an active burrow or tunnel. The bait also helps protect flower bulbs at fall planting by simply placing several baits at the sides of and around the bulbs and covering them.
- Effective against gophers due to zinc phosphite
- Ready to use and no mixing required
- Economical and fast-acting
- Doesn’t harm vegetables
- Protects flower bulbs at fall planting
- The package has no dispenser
Our Verdict
Bonide Moletox Mole and Gopher Killer is a fast-acting, economical formula that effectively controls pocket gophers. Get rid of those pesky gophers with this fast-acting formula from Bonide.
4. Victor M6006 Outdoor Mole & Gopher Poison Peanuts
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Victor M6006 Outdoor Mole & Gopher Poison Peanuts are an easy and effective way to eliminate gophers. The handy peanut pellets act as bait and a killer, exterminating these burrowing rodents quickly and easily.
The peanuts look and taste incredibly palatable to these animals. After ingesting the poison peanuts, the active ingredient, Zinc Phosphide, soon takes effect and eliminates them. This container includes plenty of bait to rid yourself of burrowing animals and keep your yard free of any further unwanted visitors.
The container features a unique cone-tip design that makes it easy to identify active rodent tunnels and quickly apply the bait. Punch a hole in the top of the tunnel with the pointed end, drop in a teaspoon of poison peanuts, and then close the tunnel with sod or stone. After a few days, check to see if the burrows are still active – repeat treatment if needed.
- Quick and effective
- Easy-to-use cone-tip design
- Sweet smell attracts gophers
- Not for large-scale infestations
Our Verdict
Overall, the Victor M6006 Poison Peanuts Mole & Gopher Killer is an easy, effective way to say goodbye to the pesky burrowing gophers in your yard.
5. JT Eaton 166004 709-PN Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait
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JT Eaton 166004 709-PN Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait is an effective rodenticide that uses Diphacinone as the active ingredient. The bait block is an attractant to gophers with its delicious peanut butter smell, and once consumed, the poison will take effect in a few days, leading to a quick death. Its low toxicity makes it a safe option for households with small children or pets.
With 144 bait blocks in a container, it’s an excellent solution for large-scale infestations. The blocks can easily be placed into entrances without any effects on the efficiency of the bait. Not to mention, it’s also an easy way to dispose of the residues once the pests have died or been eliminated.
- Proven effective rodenticide
- Attractant to rodents with a peanut butter smell
- Low toxicity makes it safe for households with small children or pets
- Easy to dispose of residues
- Unsuitable for use in main tunnels or burrows
Our Verdict
JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide is an effective, safe, and easy-to-use solution for rodent control. It’s an excellent option for households and businesses looking to get rid of gophers quickly and efficiently.
How Does Gopher Poison Work?
The three most common types of poison used to control gophers are strychnine, zinc phosphide, and diphacinone. Each of these poisons has different levels of effectiveness and safety, so it is essential to understand the differences before using them.
Strychnine
Strychnine is a long-lasting poison that affects the muscles, causing severe cramps that eventually ‘strangle’ the animal to death when ingested by gophers. It is not recommended for casual domestic use due to its environmental impacts and secondary poisoning of other animals.
Zinc Phosphide
Zinc phosphide is safer to use around the home than strychnine, as it does not indirectly lead to other animals getting poisoned. Once ingested, this poison gives off toxic phosphine gas, and it only takes 15 minutes for gophers (and other rodents) to die from exposure. It is a common ingredient in many products.
Diphacinone
Diphacinone is an anticoagulant rodenticide that prevents rodents’ blood from clotting. Gophers that consume a lethal dose of diphacinone-laced bait will eventually die from excessive internal bleeding. Therefore, they would need to consume much of the bait to reach a lethal dose.
How to Use Gopher Poison Correctly
It’s essential to be careful when handling these poisons and follow all safety precautions. Here are the steps you should take when using gopher poison:
- Purchase an approved, registered rodenticide specifically designed for gophers and check the label for instructions on using it correctly.
- Place the poison in bait stations or traps pre-baited with non-toxic food items so that the gophers will be familiar with them before adding poison. These can usually be found at hardware stores or your local garden center.
- Always wear protective gear—gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt—when handling and applying the poison bait.
- Place the poison baits in areas where gophers are most active, such as around burrows, along pathways, and near gopher runs.
- Check the bait regularly to ensure it hasn’t been eaten or disturbed by other animals and replenish when needed.
- Dispose unused bait according to local regulations and never place it in compost piles or areas frequented by children or pets.
- Monitor your property for signs of gopher activity after each bait application, as this will help you determine if it is working effectively.
Tips for Safe Use of Gopher Poison
- Never place bait in areas frequented by children or pets, and dispose of any unused bait according to local regulations.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets at all times.
- Read the manufacturer’s directions for use before using the product.
- Store in the original container in a cool, dry location inaccessible to children and pets. Dispose of empty containers safely.
- Consult a veterinarian or medical professional if your child or pet has been exposed to rodenticide products via ingestion, inhalation, or contact with skin/eyes.
Conclusion
Gopher poison is an effective way to control gopher populations in your home or garden. When choosing the best poison for gophers, consider safety, cost, environment, and ease of use. With the right product, you can ensure that your gopher problem is taken care of quickly and safely.
It’s important to remember to use these products responsibly, so make sure to read the instructions carefully before using any poison.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of time it takes to kill a gopher depends on the size and species of the gopher and the type of poison used.
For example, if you use a lethal dose of strychnine, it will take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours for the gopher to die. However, if you use a less toxic poison such as zinc phosphide, it could take days or weeks for the gopher to die. Additionally, the age and health of the gopher will also influence how quickly they succumb to the poison.
Generally, it is best to wait at least a few days after baiting to check for dead gophers. This way, you can maximize your poison's effectiveness and ensure that the gopher has enough time to ingest it.
Gopher poison generally has a limited active period and will usually remain effective for 5-10 days. However, after this time, the bait may no longer be effective, so it is essential to repeat the treatment if the gopher still needs to be eliminated.
It is also essential to check the poison bait regularly to ensure that it has not been consumed or contaminated by rain or other elements.
If your pet has eaten gopher poison, it is essential to take them to the vet immediately. Depending on the type of poison used and the amount eaten, the vet may induce vomiting or administer other treatments to help counteract the poison. The vet will also be able to check for signs of poisoning and take steps to limit any further damage caused by ingestion of the toxin.
It is important to note that gopher poisons are hazardous and can cause serious harm to animals and humans if not handled carefully.
why do you have pictures of prairie dogs in a gopher control article?