Pocket Gopher Control in Los Angeles County
Protect Your Landscape—Above and Below Ground
Pocket gophers are expert diggers that tunnel relentlessly under lawns, gardens, and even driveways. One animal can push up 1–3 fresh soil mounds every day, severing roots, flooding sprinkler lines, and undermining patios and foundations. Because these rodents breed year-round in Southern California, a small problem can quickly escalate into a costly, property-wide headache.
Why Pocket Gophers Are a Serious Issue
Landscape Destruction
Roots, bulbs, turf, and ornamental plants become lunch, leaving wilted foliage and dead patches on the surface.
Structural & Utility Damage
Burrows can break irrigation pipes, chew through drip lines, and compromise retaining walls or concrete slabs.
Rapid Re-Infestation
Remove one gopher and another soon moves in; vacant tunnel systems are prime real estate.
Hidden Activity
Gophers spend nearly all their time underground, so by the time you spot mounds, extensive networks may already exist.
Telltale Signs You Need Help
- Fan- or crescent-shaped mounds of fresh, powdery soil
- Sudden plant wilting or missing seedlings as roots are clipped from below
- Spongy ground or hollow sounds under walkways when stepped on
- Pets or wildlife fixated on one area of the yard
The Armed Exterminators Gopher Defense Plan
1. Comprehensive Inspection
Our trained specialists pinpoint active tunnels with probes and mapping techniques to determine the full scope of the colony.
2. Targeted Trapping & Fumigation
We deploy professional-grade traps and, where appropriate, burrow fumigants that deliver fast, humane results—without scattering soil across your lawn.
3. Follow-Up Guarantee
Because new gophers can occupy old tunnels, we return within 10 days to verify success and re-treat any fresh activity at no extra charge.
4. Habitat Modification & Exclusion
- Advice on removing favored food sources like root vegetables and dense groundcovers
- Installation of underground barriers around planter beds or high-value landscapes
- Irrigation checks to eliminate leaks that soften soil and ease digging
5. Clear Communication & Prevention Tips
After every visit, you receive a detailed service report and simple, actionable steps to keep gophers from returning.
Why Homeowners Trust Armed Exterminators
Local Expertise
We understand the varied soils of the foothills, valleys, and coastal plains—and which techniques work best in each.
Family-Owned Service
Fast scheduling, courteous technicians, and no call-center runaround.
Eco-Conscious Solutions
Precise, targeted methods minimize impact on non-target wildlife and the environment.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If gophers come back between scheduled visits, so do we.
What You Can Do Today
- Flatten existing mounds to monitor new activity
- Remove fallen fruit, bulbs, and heavy groundcover that attract gophers
- Keep lawn edges and garden borders clear for easier inspection
Service Areas
Armed Exterminators provides professional gopher control throughout:
San Gabriel Valley
- Pasadena - Historic homes and gardens
- Arcadia - Large estates and golf courses
- Monrovia - Foothill properties
- San Gabriel - Residential neighborhoods
- Altadena - Mountain interface properties
- South Pasadena - Tree-lined streets
- San Marino - Luxury estates and gardens
- Sierra Madre - Canyon communities
- La Cañada Flintridge - Hillside homes
- And all surrounding areas
Los Angeles
- Hancock Park - Historic estates
- Los Feliz - Hillside gardens
- Silver Lake - Terraced properties
- Eagle Rock - Family neighborhoods
- Highland Park - Historic homes
- And more LA neighborhoods
San Fernando Valley
- Burbank - Suburban lawns
- Glendale - Golf courses and parks
- North Hollywood - Coming soon
- Studio City - Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have gophers or moles?
Gopher mounds are fan-shaped with the hole plugged, while mole mounds are circular with the hole in the center. Gophers eat plant roots and create visible damage to lawns and gardens, while moles eat insects and create raised tunnels.
How quickly can gophers damage my lawn?
A single gopher can create 1-3 new mounds daily and destroy extensive root systems within days. During peak activity (spring and fall), damage accelerates as gophers expand territories for mating.
Are gopher treatments safe for pets?
Yes, when properly applied by professionals. We use targeted trapping and careful fumigation techniques that minimize risk to pets. We’ll provide specific safety instructions based on your treatment plan.
Why do gophers keep coming back?
Empty tunnel systems attract new gophers from neighboring properties. That’s why we include follow-up visits and recommend exclusion barriers for long-term protection.
Can I just flood the tunnels?
Flooding rarely works and can damage your lawn further. Gophers have extensive tunnel systems with multiple exits, and water can undermine foundations or cause erosion.
What plants do gophers avoid?
Gophers typically avoid plants with strong scents like lavender, rosemary, and oleander. However, hungry gophers will eat almost anything, so exclusion barriers are more reliable than plant selection.
Stop gopher damage before it spreads. Don’t wait until tunnels undermine your sprinklers, patio—or peace of mind.
Call (626) 256-3200 for your FREE property assessment.
Fast Response • Guaranteed Results • Family-Owned Since 1997
Healthy roots and lush landscapes start with a call. Armed Exterminators - Your local gopher control experts.
Service Areas
Armed Exterminators provides gopher control services throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles areas.