Do Gophers Like Basil

Gophers do like basil, and they’ll happily munch it down if they find it in your garden.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether gophers like basil, you’ve landed in the right spot because the short answer is a clear yes.
 
Gophers like basil because it’s tender, fragrant, and packed with moisture, which makes it an irresistible snack for these burrowing pests.
 
In fact, gophers like basil so much that they’ll often target it over tougher, woodier plants in your landscape.
 
So if you’re growing this herb, you need to know exactly why gophers like basil and, more importantly, how to keep it safe.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the reasons gophers like basil, the signs they’ve been visiting, and the best ways to protect your plants.
 
Let’s get growing.
 

Why Gophers Like Basil So Much

Gophers like basil for several straightforward reasons tied to the herb’s natural traits.
 
Understanding these reasons helps you see why your basil patch might be a prime target.
 
Here’s what makes basil so attractive to gophers.
 

1. Basil’s Soft, Tender Leaves Are Easy to Eat

Gophers like basil because the leaves are soft, succulent, and easy to chew.
 
Unlike tough, fibrous plants, basil doesn’t require much effort to bite through.
 
Young basil shoots, in particular, are like candy to a gopher’s palate.
 
When gophers like basil, they’re usually after that tender new growth, which is packed with moisture and low in tough cellulose.
 
So if your basil is young and lush, you can bet gophers will find it quickly.
 

2. The Aromatic Scent Attracts Them

Gophers like basil because of its strong, sweet aroma that acts like a dinner bell.
 
Basil produces essential oils like linalool and estragole, which give it that signature smell.
 
While these oils repel some insects, they actually draw gophers in because they signal fresh, edible vegetation.
 
Gophers have a keen sense of smell, and when they catch a whiff of basil, they’ll tunnel straight toward it.
 
This is why gophers like basil even when other plants are available nearby.
 

3. Basil Provides Hydration

Gophers like basil because it offers a quick source of water, which is crucial for their survival.
 
Basil leaves contain around 90% water, making them a hydrating snack.
 
In dry seasons, gophers will seek out juicy plants like basil to stay hydrated.
 
This moisture content is a huge reason why gophers like basil over drier, more fibrous options.
 
So if your garden is irrigated and your basil is thriving, you’re essentially rolling out a welcome mat for gophers.
 

4. Basil Grows Low to the Ground

Gophers like basil because it grows close to the soil, making it easy to access from their tunnels.
 
Gophers are underground creatures who rarely travel far above the surface.
 
A low-growing herb like basil is perfect because gophers can reach the roots and lower stems without exposing themselves to predators.
 
This convenient access is another reason why gophers like basil so much.
 
They don’t need to venture out into the open, which makes your basil patch a safe and simple meal.
 

Signs That Gophers Are Eating Your Basil

If you suspect gophers like basil enough to visit your garden, look for these clear signs.
 
Catching the problem early can save your entire crop.
 
Here’s what to watch for.
 

1. Plants Pulled Down Into the Soil

Gophers like basil so much that they’ll often pull whole plants down into their tunnels from below.
 
If you notice basil plants disappearing or being yanked downward, that’s a classic gopher signature.
 
The plant may look like it’s sinking into the ground or vanishing overnight.
 

2. Fan-Shaped Mounds of Dirt

Gophers like basil but they also leave behind very distinct dirt mounds.
 
These mounds are fan-shaped with a plugged hole, unlike the volcano shape of molehills.
 
If you see these near your basil, you can be sure gophers are the culprits.
 
The mounds indicate active tunneling right beneath your herb bed.
 

3. Chewed Roots and Stems

Gophers like basil because they can eat the entire plant, starting with the roots.
 
If you gently pull up a wilted basil plant and find the roots chewed off, that’s a sure sign.
 
Gophers will also gnaw on the lower stems, leaving ragged, jagged edges.
 

How to Keep Gophers Away From Your Basil

Now that you know gophers like basil, you need a solid plan to protect your herbs.
 
You don’t have to give up growing basil just because gophers like it.
 
Try these proven methods to keep your plants safe.
 

1. Use Wire Mesh Barriers

The most reliable way to stop gophers from eating basil is to install a physical barrier.
 
Bury a wire mesh (hardware cloth) at least 18 inches deep around your basil bed.
 
Also lay mesh flat on the bottom of the planting area to prevent gophers from tunneling up from below.
 
This creates a fortress that gophers simply can’t breach.
 

2. Try Gopher-Repellent Plants

While gophers like basil, they dislike certain other plants.
 
Planting castor beans, marigolds, or daffodils around your basil can help deter gophers.
 
These plants have smells or tastes that gophers find unpleasant.
 
It’s not a perfect solution, but it can make your basil less appealing by association.
 

3. Use Natural Repellents

You can spray castor oil-based repellents around your basil.
 
Gophers hate the taste and smell of castor oil, so they’ll avoid the area.
 
Reapply after rain or watering for the best results.
 
Another trick is to place garlic cloves or hot pepper flakes in the soil near your basil.
 
These strong scents can confuse and deter gophers.
 

4. Consider Gopher Traps

If gophers like basil a little too much, trapping is a direct solution.
 
Place traps in fresh, active tunnels near your basil plants.
 
Set them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and check them daily.
 
Trapping can significantly reduce the gopher population in your yard.
 

So, Do Gophers Like Basil?

Gophers do like basil, and they’ll eat it without hesitation if given the chance.
 
We’ve seen that gophers like basil for its soft texture, sweet aroma, high moisture, and low-growing habit.
 
The signs of gopher damage are clear, but so are the solutions.
 
By using barriers, repellents, and traps, you can enjoy a thriving basil patch despite these underground visitors.
 
So now you know the truth: gophers like basil, but you can outsmart them with a little effort.
 
Happy gardening, and may your basil stay safe and fragrant.