Gopher Control in Los Angeles — Yard Gopher Removal and Exclusion

The Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) is the primary gopher species affecting Greater Los Angeles residential properties. Pocket gophers are solitary, territorial rodents that live almost entirely underground, creating extensive burrow systems. They are active year-round in LA's mild climate — unlike gopher species in colder climates that slow activity in winter.

Gopher damage to LA properties includes: horseshoe-shaped mounds of loose dirt in lawns; severed plant roots that cause trees, shrubs, and garden plants to wilt and die; damage to underground irrigation lines (gophers chew through plastic pipes); and undermining of landscape hardscape as burrow tunnels collapse.

Gophers are particularly active in spring and fall when soil moisture makes digging easier, but the warm, dry LA climate allows them to work year-round. Properties with established lawns, vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, and drip irrigation systems are at highest risk. Hillside properties in Rancho Palos Verdes, Arcadia, Diamond Bar, and the Santa Clarita Valley report high gopher activity.

Step 1 — Assessment: We probe the yard to locate active burrow systems (gophers maintain separate feeding tunnels and waste tunnels). Fresh mounds indicate active gophers; old mounds harden and no longer indicate activity.

Step 2 — Trapping: We set Macabee traps or black box traps in the active main tunnels. Trapping is the most effective and humane method for gopher control without rodenticide risk to raptors and other wildlife that may consume a poisoned gopher.

Step 3 — Return Visits: Traps are checked and reset every 2–3 days until no more activity is detected.

Step 4 — Exclusion Options: For garden beds and high-value plantings, underground gopher wire (hardware cloth) barriers can be installed to prevent re-entry. Raised beds with wire mesh bottoms are the most effective permanent solution.

Gopher control in Los Angeles costs $150–$500 depending on the size of the affected area and the number of active gophers. Most residential gopher problems involve 1–3 animals on a property.

Exclusion fencing and underground barriers are priced by linear footage of protected area.

Prices are estimates based on 2026 LA market averages. Actual cost depends on yard size and activity level.

Gopher control is available throughout Greater Los Angeles. Hillside communities, foothill suburbs, and areas with large landscaped lots tend to have the highest gopher pressure. Call (213) 691-0241 for a free estimate. Browse our service areas for local information.

Seeing mounds in your yard? Call (213) 691-0241 — we respond within 15 minutes. LA Pest Pros provides professional gopher trapping and exclusion across Greater Los Angeles. Free estimates.