Gopher traps work best when they are set inside an active tunnel, and the most effective designs are spring-loaded or cinch traps that kill quickly. Gophers live underground, so the trap has to be placed in the tunnel itself, not on the surface. Here are the traps worth using.
- Set traps inside active tunnels, not on the surface.
- The GopherHawk design is the easiest to set and retrieve from above ground.
- Victor and Gonzo traps are proven classics for tunnel trapping.
- Confirm the tunnel is active before you set a trap.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| GopherHawk Trapping Set | Cinch trap | Best Overall | Check price |
| Victor Easy Set 2-Pack | Cinch trap | Best Value | Check price |
| GopherHawk Single Trap | Cinch trap | Best Single | Check price |
| Gonzo Dead-End Trap | Dead-end trap | Best Dead-End | Check price |
| JahyElec 6-Pack | Metal traps | Best Multi-Pack | Check price |
| Qualirey 2-Pack | Metal traps | Budget | Check price |
Best Overall: GopherHawk Trapping Set
Best Overall- Type
- Cinch trap
- Includes
- Wedge and probe tool
- Set
- From the surface
- Target
- Gophers and moles
The GopherHawk is the easiest gopher trap to use because it is set and retrieved entirely from the surface, without digging out the tunnel. The set includes a wedge and probe tool to open the tunnel and place the trap.
The spring-loaded cinch mechanism catches the gopher when it pushes up against the trap in the tunnel. It is the most beginner-friendly option and the one most homeowners get results with.
Best Value: Victor Easy Set Gopher Trap 2-Pack
Best Value- Type
- Cinch trap (2-pack)
- Set
- Inside tunnel
- Target
- Gophers
- Material
- Weather-resistant metal
Victor’s Easy Set gopher trap is a classic cinch-style trap that is set inside the tunnel and triggers when the gopher pushes against it. The two-pack gives you two traps to cover multiple tunnels or active runs.
Victor is the long-standing name in trapping, and this is the value choice for someone who wants a proven design without the GopherHawk price.
Best Single: GopherHawk Single Trap
Best Single- Type
- Cinch trap
- Set
- From the surface
- Target
- Gophers and moles
- Tool
- Sold separately
This is the same GopherHawk trap as the set, sold individually. It is the right choice if you already have the wedge and probe tool, or if you only need a single trap for one gopher.
The surface-set design remains the easiest to use, which is why it is the go-to for a single, quick problem.
Best Dead-End: Gonzo Dead-End Mole & Gopher Trap
Best Dead-End- Type
- Dead-end spring trap
- Set
- End of open tunnel
- Target
- Moles and gophers
- Material
- Steel
The Gonzo Dead-End trap is a spring-loaded trap placed at the end of an open tunnel. When the gopher pushes into the dead end, the trap fires. It is a proven design for tunnel trapping where a cinch trap is harder to place.
This is a good choice for experienced trappers who are comfortable opening tunnels and setting a spring trap.
Best Multi-Pack: JahyElec 6-Pack
Best Multi-Pack- Type
- Metal traps (6-pack)
- Set
- Inside tunnel
- Target
- Gophers and moles
- Coverage
- Multiple tunnels
This six-pack of metal traps lets you cover several tunnels at once, which matters because gophers often use multiple runs. The multi-pack is the economical way to treat a yard with more than one active tunnel.
The traps are set inside the tunnels and need to be checked regularly, but having six gives you full coverage of a problem yard.
Budget: Qualirey 2-Pack
Budget- Type
- Metal traps (2-pack)
- Set
- Inside tunnel
- Target
- Gophers
- Material
- Metal
The Qualirey two-pack is the budget entry into gopher trapping, giving you two metal traps for a low price. It is the right choice for a first attempt at gopher control without a big investment.
The design is a standard tunnel trap, so it requires opening the tunnel and setting the trap inside, but the low cost makes it a reasonable way to try trapping before spending more.
How to Choose a Gopher Trap
Skill Level
The GopherHawk is the easiest trap for beginners because it sets from the surface. Cinch and dead-end traps set inside tunnels require more practice but are proven classics.
Number of Tunnels
Gophers use multiple runs, so a multi-pack or a two-pack lets you cover more than one active tunnel at once. Confirm the tunnel is active before setting a trap.
Confirming an Active Tunnel
Flatten a section of tunnel and check it the next day. If it is re-excavated, the tunnel is active. Set your trap in the active run for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GopherHawk is the easiest and most reliable for most homeowners because it sets from the surface. Victor and Gonzo traps are proven classics for tunnel trapping.
Yes, when set in an active tunnel. The trap must be placed inside the run where the gopher travels, and the tunnel must be confirmed active first.
Traps set inside tunnels are out of reach of pets on the surface, but keep pets away from the trap area while setting and checking. Follow the manufacturer’s safety directions.
Two to six, depending on the number of active tunnels. Gophers use multiple runs, so covering several tunnels at once improves your results.
Most gopher traps do not use bait; they trigger on the gopher’s movement through the tunnel. Some models can be baited, but placement in an active tunnel matters more.
