Gopher trouble?

I have been having a terrible time with gophers damaging both my yard and plants and I'm wondering if turning the leaves of my Oleander plant into the soil might help me get rid of them. I have planted castor beans but can't see that they have deterred them in the least. I have been reading about how toxic the Oleander is and I do have one, so I'm wondering if digging it into the soil might help. I don't want to poison any animals and although I've had this plant for probably 3 yrs. without any incidents, I'm fearful that some cat, dog or child might ingest part of it and from everything I'm reading, it is highly toxic and shouldn't even be touched.

Gopher trouble?
I read in a DIY book that you can mix a little clove oil in the soil of the exit hole and the scent of the clove oil will keep the gophers out of your yard!!
Reply:I believe I received a newsletter from this gardener who told me to get rid of the food the gopher is eating...Like the grubs that are in under the grass. His site can be found on iBtraveling.com, scroll down to the left side and click on "free plant tips". Sorry, but I forget the name of his site. It's filled with lots of good garden ideas.
Reply:I had moles and put mothballs into the burrows. They left!
Reply:I can't think of an animal that would bother with a sprig of it. I think you have a good idea and should stick a branch into a hole. You could cover it if you are worried. Jet a hose of water into the holes or even try exhaust. I grow what's called "gopher purge", because they are repelled by it. But it isn't practical to grow a hedge of it to keep them out ( it exudes a milky syrup). I can't recall the genus. I don't believe touching it is harmful. I've pruned oleander for years and except for all these lesions and a dripping ear, I feel fine.