How to Use Wire Mesh as an Effective Exclusion Tool Against Gophers

Gophers are notorious for wreaking havoc in gardens and landscaped areas. These burrowing rodents can cause significant damage to lawns, flowerbeds, vegetable patches, and even the roots of trees and shrubs. Controlling gopher populations can be challenging, but one of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods is using wire mesh as an exclusion tool. This article will guide you through the process of using wire mesh to protect your garden from these persistent pests.

Understanding Gophers and Their Behavior

Before diving into the details of wire mesh installation, it’s important to understand gopher behavior. Pocket gophers are burrowing rodents that create extensive tunnel systems underground. They feed primarily on plant roots, tubers, and bulbs, which makes gardens and agricultural lands particularly vulnerable.

Gophers rarely come above ground except when moving between territories or creating new tunnels. Their damage is usually detected by mounds of freshly dug soil pushed up on the surface, often referred to as “gopher mounds.” Because they operate mostly underground, physical barriers are among the best ways to keep them out.

Why Use Wire Mesh?

Wire mesh is a practical, non-toxic method for excluding gophers from specific areas. When properly installed, it prevents gophers from burrowing into garden beds and damaging plants without resorting to poisons or traps.

Benefits of Using Wire Mesh

• Environmental Safety: Unlike chemical repellents or poisons, wire mesh doesn’t harm other wildlife or pets.
• Long-term Solution: Properly installed wire mesh can last many years with minimal maintenance.
• Effective Physical Barrier: It blocks gophers from entering protected zones.
• Cost-Effective: While initial costs can vary, it’s a one-time investment compared to ongoing treatments.

Selecting the Right Wire Mesh

Not all wire mesh is created equal when it comes to excluding gophers. Choosing the right type is crucial to success.

Mesh Size

Use hardware cloth with a mesh size of 1/4 inch (about 0.6 cm) or smaller. This size prevents gophers from squeezing through the holes.

Material

Galvanized steel is recommended because it resists rust and corrosion, ensuring durability underground where moisture is present.

Thickness

Choose wire mesh that is sturdy but flexible enough for easy handling—typically around 19-gauge thickness.

Preparing Your Garden for Installation

Before installing wire mesh, take some preparatory steps:

1. Identify Areas at Risk: Gophers tend to target vegetable gardens, flower beds, newly planted trees, and shrubs.
2. Clear the Area: Remove large rocks, weeds, and debris that might interfere with the installation.
3. Mark Boundaries: Use stakes and string to outline the area you want to protect.

Installing Wire Mesh as a Gopher Barrier

Proper installation is key to ensuring the barrier is effective. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Dig a Trench

• Excavate a trench around the perimeter of the area you want to protect.
• The trench should be at least 12 inches deep because gophers typically burrow within this depth range.
• The width should be wide enough to accommodate the rolled wire mesh comfortably (usually about 6 inches).

Step 2: Cut Wire Mesh Panels

• Cut sheets or rolls of wire mesh so they are long enough to cover both the bottom and sides of the trench.
• You will need enough length to create a vertical barrier along the sides plus an additional 6-inch horizontal flap at the bottom that extends outward under the soil.

Step 3: Install Vertical Barrier

• Place the wire mesh into the trench so that it forms a vertical wall along the sides.
• Ensure that there are no gaps between sections; overlap edges by several inches and fasten them securely with galvanized staples or zip ties.

Step 4: Create a Horizontal L-Shaped Flap

• Bend an extra section of wire mesh outward at a right angle along the bottom of the vertical barrier.
• This horizontal flap should extend at least 6 inches away from the base underneath the soil.
• The purpose of this flap is to discourage gophers from tunneling under the barrier since they prefer to dig downward rather than upward.

Step 5: Backfill Soil Over Mesh

• Carefully fill in the trench with soil over both vertical and horizontal sections of wire mesh.
• Tamp down gently but firmly to eliminate air pockets.
• Watering after backfilling helps settle soil around the mesh.

Using Wire Mesh for Raised Beds or Container Gardens

Wire mesh can also be used beneath raised beds or container gardens:

1. Line the bottom of your raised bed frame with galvanized hardware cloth.
2. Ensure it extends up slightly along sides if possible.
3. This prevents gophers from tunneling up into your beds through ground soil.

For containers placed directly on soil, place pieces of wire mesh beneath pots or trays as an added layer of protection.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Success

• Inspect Annually: Check for any holes, rusted areas, or lifted edges where gophers could breach.
• Repair Promptly: Patch any damaged spots immediately using more hardware cloth.
• Weed Control: Maintain clean edges around your protected zone since dense weeds can hide gopher activity.
• Complementary Methods: Consider combining wire mesh barriers with natural repellents or trap strategies for added effectiveness.

Alternative Wire Mesh Exclusion Techniques

If digging trenches isn’t feasible due to rocky soil or other factors, consider these options:

• Wire Mesh Cylinders Around Tree Roots: Wrap young tree root balls with wire mesh before planting.
• Wire Mesh Under Plant Liners: Place flat pieces beneath plants susceptible to gopher damage.

These approaches may offer localized protection even if large-scale trenching isn’t possible.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Challenge: Gophers Burrowing Under Barrier Edges

To counter this:

• Ensure horizontal flaps extend sufficiently (minimum 6 inches).
• Backfill soil firmly over flaps.
• Consider installing additional barriers deeper if problems persist.

Challenge: Damage from Gardening Tools During Maintenance

Avoid puncturing or tearing mesh by:

• Marking edges clearly above ground.
• Using hand tools rather than heavy machinery near barrier zones.

Challenge: Rust and Corrosion Over Time

Prevent deterioration by:

• Choosing high-quality galvanized steel.
• Avoiding direct contact with fertilizers or chemicals that may accelerate corrosion.

Conclusion

Wire mesh is one of the most reliable physical exclusion methods against gopher damage when used correctly. While installation requires some upfront effort in digging trenches and securing barriers, the long-term benefits far outweigh this initial labor. By selecting appropriate materials, preparing your garden carefully, and maintaining your barrier regularly, you can protect your valuable plants from destructive gopher burrowing effectively and sustainably.

Investing time in creating a well-installed wire mesh exclusion system ensures peace of mind while preserving an eco-friendly garden environment free from these troublesome pests. Whether safeguarding vegetable beds, flower gardens, or young trees, this approach offers a proven solution for gardeners who prioritize lasting control without reliance on chemicals or traps alone.