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Outdoor ยท Pest Control

Mole & Gopher Repellent

8.4/10 Our verdictHands-on tested, not gifted

The castor-oil granules that stopped new gopher mounds in three weeks, after flooding the tunnels, smoke bombs, and a homemade castor-oil-and-dish-soap mix all failed.

Best for
Lawns / active mounds
Tested
6 weeks
Price
Budget
No new mounds in 3 weeksNo traps neededCovers a whole lawnNeeds watering in
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The full review

After everything else failed

Our backyard looked like someone set off small landmines, a dozen mounds, two dead hostas, and a hole by the patio the dog kept sticking her face in. Flooding the tunnels just made the lawn soggy. Smoke bombs sent the gopher to dig a new exit. A castor-oil-and-dish-soap recipe was marginal at best.

I switched to the commercial castor-oil granules, not another homemade recipe. You broadcast them over the yard and water them in, which drives the castor oil down into the soil so the whole area tastes and smells wrong to gophers and they move on. One 4 lb bag covers about 4,000 sq ft. Three weeks later, no new mounds, and the lawn started recovering.

What I liked

  • Stopped new mounds within three weeks
  • No trapping required
  • One 4 lb bag covers ~4,000 sq ft
  • Castor-oil formula, people- and pet-safe used as directed

What to know

  • Needs watering in to activate
  • Strong castor-oil smell when you open the bag
  • May need reapplying after heavy rain
  • May not beat traps for a severe infestation

Common questions

Do repellents or traps work better?

The castor-oil granules stopped mine within three weeks. For a severe, established infestation, traps may still be needed.

How much does one bag cover?

A 4 lb bag covers around 4,000 sq ft, broadcast it over the yard and water it in.

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