Summer in Los Gatos means more than sunshine—it also means gopher season is in full swing.
If you’ve spotted mounds of dirt popping up overnight, you’re not alone.
Gophers stay active all year in California, but they cause the most lawn and garden damage during summer.
Here’s how to get ahead of the problem and keep your landscape intact.
Key Takeaways
- In Los Gatos, gopher activity increases in the summertime, making yards especially vulnerable to damage.
- Stop the damage by identifying gopher activity, trapping them, removing what they eat, and taking protective measures.
- At Smith’s, we use safe, eco-friendly methods like CO₂ fumigation, trapping, and barriers to get rid of gophers and keep them from coming back.
How to Get Rid of Gophers This Summer
1. Find Active Tunnels
Grab a screwdriver, rod, or anything sturdy and poke around the dirt near a fresh mound.
If the ground sinks 6–12 inches, you’ve found the main tunnel. Mark it with a flag or stick so you can find it again.
Then flatten a few mounds and come back the next day. The one that pops back up is where the gopher’s active.
2. Set Your Traps the Right Way
Dig into the tunnel gently so it doesn’t cave in. Set two traps—one in each direction.
Quick setup tips:
- Wear gloves so your scent doesn’t deter them
- Clear out loose dirt
- Place traps back-to-back inside the tunnel
- Attach the traps to a stake so they stay in place.
Check the traps daily. No luck after 48 hours? Move them to a different tunnel.
Tip: If traps fail, use baits, but only if it’s legal in your state. Follow directions and keep it away from kids and pets.
3. Block Them Out for Good
Before planting new grass or building raised beds, add a barrier underground.
Use ¾” hardware cloth, dig at least 2 feet down, and let the mesh stick up 6–12 inches above ground.
If you’re filling raised beds, line the bottom before adding dirt.
4. Make Your Yard Less Inviting
Gophers go where the dirt’s soft and where they can find food. To make your yard less attractive:
- Mow regularly
- Water less
- Pull weeds and trim back thick plants
- Avoid root veggies unless they’re in protected beds
When to Call Smith’s
If your DIY gopher control attempts have failed and gophers are still tearing up your yard, .
That’s when it’s time to call Smith’s to get rid of gophers.
Here’s what we’ll do:
- Check every inch of your yard for tunnels and signs of damage
- Set commercial-grade traps in all the right spots
- Use CO₂ gas for extensive or hard-to-reach areas (it’s fast, safe, and leaves nothing behind)
- Add bait only when it’s safe and legal
- Help prevent future damage with underground mesh and follow-up checks
Dealing With Gophers in Los Gatos? We Can Help
Gophers don’t waste time. One day, it’s a couple of mounds, and the next, your yard’s a mess.
At Smith’s, we’ve helped homeowners, parks, and businesses stop gophers in their tracks as part of our pest control services for Los Gatos.
Call us for a quote: (408) 871-6988
FAQs
Why are gophers worse in summer?
They dig more when the soil dries out, searching for roots and water. That means more mounds and more mess.
Are traps better than poison?
Yes. Traps are safer, especially around kids and pets. Poison has more risks and should only be used by pros.
How long does it take to get rid of them?
With solid trapping, you’ll usually see results in a week or two. Big infestations might need a bit longer and a follow-up plan.
