Gopher, Mole, & Vole Control in Walnut Creek

It can be intensely frustrating to see your hard yard work ruined by gophers, moles, and voles. Their tunnels and mounds can make your lawn look uncared for, and they can even damage your favorite plants. 

That's where our family comes in. California Exterminating Services is a family-owned business that understands how important your outdoor spaces are to you. We've spent years learning about these annoying critters, and we want to use that knowledge to help you get your yard back to normal. Let us be part of your solution:

• We get to know your yard: Just like getting to know a person, we'll take the time to figure out exactly what kind of pest is causing the problem; it makes all the difference in finding the right solution.
• We make a plan that fits: Every yard is unique, and so is every pest problem. We'll create a plan that targets the troublemakers head-on according to the specific circumstances of your pest problem.
• We want you to relax: Caring for your yard shouldn't be stressful. Let us handle the pests so you can focus on enjoying your yard again.

Let us help you win the fight against invasive critters. Call (925) 438-6454 to schedule gopher, mole, and vole control in Walnut Creek.

How to Identify Gophers, Moles, & Voles

When your yard begins to show signs of distress, it's crucial to determine whether gophers, moles, or voles are to blame. Although these critters share a knack for underground living and causing garden havoc, their appearances and the evidence they leave behind vary significantly. 

Gophers are medium-sized rodents with brown fur, large cheek pouches, and small eyes and ears. The most telling signs of a gopher's presence are the fan-shaped mounds of soil they create as they dig their tunnels. Unlike moles, gophers feed on plant roots, often pulling entire plants into their tunnels from below.

Moles, on the other hand, are known for their velvety fur, elongated noses, and powerful, paddle-like front limbs adapted for digging. Moles create raised ridges and volcano-shaped mounds in the lawn as they search for their primary food source—earthworms and other small invertebrates.

Voles, also called meadow mice or field mice, have compact bodies, short legs, and a short tail. Voles create numerous surface tunnels and small entrance holes in the soil. They're herbivores, feeding on stems, bark, and roots, and can cause considerable damage to young trees and ground cover plants.

You don't need to worry about pinpointing the exact pest wreaking havoc on your lawn—we will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the culprits behind the scenes. However, having a basic understanding of whether you're dealing with gophers, moles, or voles can be helpful. It allows us to approach your consultation with a more targeted mindset, allowing us to prepare the right tools and strategies from the get-go. 

Rest assured, regardless of the pest, our team is equipped to devise a tailored solution to reclaim your lawn's beauty and health.

Common Challenges Posed by Gophers, Moles, & Voles

Despite their differences, these critters share several traits that contribute to the challenges of controlling them effectively.

All three pests are experts in concealment, living and operating primarily underground. This elusive nature makes it difficult for homeowners to catch them in the act or even to recognize the extent of an infestation until considerable damage has been done.

Gophers, moles, and voles are also prolific diggers, each in their own way transforming your once pristine lawn into a network of tunnels and mounds. Their underground activity can compromise the structural integrity of your garden, damage plant roots, and create unsightly mounds and ridges that are hard to get rid of.

Worse yet, their rapid reproduction rates mean that a slight problem can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation in no time. Without professional intervention, these pests can overrun your lawn and garden.

Signs of a Gopher, Mole, or Vole Infestation

Here are some tell-tale signs that these underground pests have made your yard their home:

• Unexplained mounds or ridges: If you notice fan-shaped mounds of soil (typical of gopher activity), raised ridges running across your lawn (a sign of moles), or numerous small entrance holes connected by surface tunnels (indicative of voles), it's time to act.
• Damaged plants and trees: Gophers and voles have a taste for plant roots, bulbs, and even tree bark. If you find plants dying without an apparent reason or young trees showing signs of girdling at the base, these pests might be the culprits.
• Collapse of ground areas: Extensive tunneling can compromise the integrity of your lawn, leading to the collapse of the ground in certain areas. Walking across your yard and noticing unusually soft spots can be a strong indicator of an ongoing infestation.
• Increased activity of predatory animals: An increase in the presence of animals that prey on gophers, moles, and voles, such as snakes, owls, and hawks, might suggest that these pests are running wild in your yard.

Recognizing these signs early and consulting with a pest control specialist can make a significant difference in managing these pests effectively. 

Reclaim Your Serene Outdoor Haven

Are you tired of seeing your hard work in the garden destroyed by gophers, moles, and voles? 

We understand your frustration. That's why we don't just get rid of pests; we work hard to keep them out for good. Our comprehensive approach targets these critters at the perimeter of your outdoor spaces, preventing them from wreaking havoc on your landscaping. 

Take back control of your yard! Contact us online or call (925) 438-6454 today to schedule gopher, mole, and vole control in Walnut Creek. Our services are also available in Lamorinda (Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga), East Bay (Oakland & Berkley), and Danville.