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Types of Gopher Wire Traps

Gophers belong to the rodent family and are vegetarians feeding on shrubs and plants. Many consider gophers to be pests because they destroy the efforts of the landscape gardener by creating a network of tunnels and holes. There are a variety of methods that people use to get rid of gophers, including trapping, flooding and toxic bait. Wire traps are effective ways to kill gophers, but there is also the catch and release option, which causes neither pain nor death to the animal.

Main Tunnels
- In order to successfully trap gophers with wire traps, you need to locate the main tunnels used by these furry rodents. Take a sharp stick or length of stiff wire and prod the earth about a foot from the mound of earth the gopher has created. Open up the tunnel with a shovel in order to fit the wire trap inside. Be careful to cover up the trap so that there is no air flow. If gophers sense air flow, then they will no longer use the tunnel, and the wire trap will be useless.
Collapsible Wire Trap
- The Havahart collapsible trap is made from wire but is designed for catch-and-release of the gophers. In order to set these traps, you must first find the main tunnels that the gopher uses. Two collapsible traps should be used and placed strategically within the gopher's tunnels. Once the traps are set, wire it to stakes so that you'll be able to get it out of the ground easily. Check the trap at least twice a day. Remember that gophers may find their way back to their homes, so it's best to release them at least several miles away so that they don't return. Always wear gloves when in close proximity to wild animals in order to protect yourself.
Original Pincher Trap
- The wire pincher trap, which has two prongs, is the most commonly used wire gopher trap. The gopher triggers the trap by pushing up against a metal pan that is vertical. As its name suggests, the pincher trap kills the gopher by squeezing it. The Macabee brand is the original pincher trap that is made to snap shut quickly and tightly in the gopher tunnel. The design relies on the gopher's tendency to push soil in front of itself in such a way that it does not see the trap. The soil trips the lever and the wire prongs catch the gopher around the chest or neck. The gopher may die either from suffocation or from being stabbed by the metal prongs.
Easy Set Trap
- The Victor Easy Set trap is made from galvanized steel. This wire trap has a narrow design with a short base so that it can be easily inserted into tunnels. The trap is kept completely below the surface of the soil so that it can't injure pets. It comes in a twin pack because the most effective way to use this trap is to place two traps back to back. When setting any wire trap, remember to wear gloves to hide your scent.

Animals & Science