Pest Overview

Gophers are burrowing rodents that spend nearly their entire lives underground, creating extensive tunnel systems that damage lawns, gardens, irrigation systems, and landscaping throughout Southern California. A single gopher can tunnel up to 200 feet per day and create dozens of mounds across your property.

Gopher damage in Southern California lawn

Pocket gopher

Understanding Gopher Behavior

Pocket gophers are solitary animals that aggressively defend their tunnel systems. They feed on roots, bulbs, and vegetation pulled down from above, which is why plants often die suddenly when gophers move into an area. Gophers are active year-round in Southern California's mild climate, meaning damage can occur any time of year.

Their tunnel systems include deep burrows for nesting and food storage, plus shallow feeding tunnels near the surface. The fan-shaped mounds you see on your lawn are created when gophers push excavated soil to the surface through lateral tunnels.

Signs Of Gopher Activity

Common signs of gopher infestation include:

  • Fresh, fan-shaped soil mounds appearing regularly
  • Plants wilting or dying suddenly from root damage
  • Soft or collapsing areas in your lawn
  • Damaged irrigation lines or drip systems
  • Visible tunnel ridges near the surface
  • Why Gophers Are A Serious Problem

    Left untreated, gopher damage compounds rapidly. Their tunneling undermines lawn stability, destroys root systems, and can damage underground utilities and irrigation infrastructure. A single breeding pair can produce multiple litters per year, and young gophers establish their own territories nearby, expanding the infestation.

    How We Control Gophers

    Rodent Guys uses proven trapping and carbon monoxide methods to eliminate gophers at the source. Our technicians locate active tunnel systems, identify primary travel routes, and place traps or apply treatment where it will be most effective. All work is performed outdoors at ground level.

    Service continues with follow-up visits until no new gopher activity is observed during the guarantee period.

    Safety

    We do not use chemicals or poisons. Our gopher control methods are child-safe and pet-safe, making them ideal for homes with families and animals.

    Guarantee

    Our gopher control service includes a 60-day guarantee. If new activity appears during this period, we return to retreat affected areas at no additional cost.

    Service Areas

    We provide gopher control throughout Southern California:

  • Los Angeles County
  • Orange County
  • San Bernardino County
  • Riverside County
  • Get Started

    Call 909-599-4711 to schedule professional gopher control with Rodent Guys.