What We Do
Our Services
Specialized burrowing pest control and comprehensive general pest management for residential, commercial, and municipal properties.
Gopher Control
Protect your lawn, garden, and landscaping from destructive gopher tunneling. We use targeted trapping and baiting methods that eliminate gophers while keeping your property safe.
Skunk Removal
Humane skunk removal and exclusion services. We safely relocate skunks and seal entry points to prevent future den establishment under decks, sheds, and foundations.
Ground Squirrel Control
Ground squirrels damage landscaping, foundations, and agricultural land. Our integrated approach combines trapping with burrow treatment for lasting results.
General Pest Control
Comprehensive treatment for ants, roaches, spiders, and other common household pests. One-time and recurring service plans available for year-round protection.
About Us
Why Choose Alcaraz Pest Control
Alcaraz Pest Control has been serving the greater Los Angeles area with reliable, effective pest management. We specialize in burrowing pests that other companies overlook — gophers, skunks, and ground squirrels that cause real structural and landscape damage.
Whether you're a homeowner in Malibu, a vineyard manager in the Valley, or a parks department keeping public spaces safe, we have the expertise and the right treatment approach for your situation.
Where We Work
Service Areas
Proudly serving communities across the greater Los Angeles area.
Areas We Cover
Don't see your area? Contact us — we may still be able to help.
Who We Serve
Residential
Home pest protection with family and pet safety as our top priority. From single-family homes to estates.
Commercial
Vineyard, orchard, and agricultural pest management to protect your livelihood and investment.
Municipal
Parks, schools, and public space pest control with minimal disruption to daily operations.
Know Your Pests
Pest Library
Learn about common pests in the Los Angeles area, how to identify them, and why professional treatment makes a difference.
Pocket gophers are burrowing rodents that create extensive tunnel systems underground. They feed on roots, bulbs, and vegetation, causing significant damage to lawns, gardens, and irrigation systems throughout the Los Angeles area.
Signs of Infestation
- •Fan-shaped mounds of fresh dirt on your lawn
- •Wilting or dying plants with damaged root systems
- •Visible holes or tunnel openings in the ground
- •Chewed irrigation lines or underground cables
Why Hire a Professional?
Gophers breed rapidly and a single pair can produce multiple litters per year. DIY traps are often set incorrectly and bait stations can pose risks to pets. Professional trapping targets active tunnels with precision, ensuring complete removal.
Get help with gophers →Striped skunks are nocturnal mammals that den under structures, porches, and decks. Beyond their notorious spray, skunks dig up lawns searching for grubs and can carry rabies, making them a genuine health and safety concern.
Signs of Infestation
- •Strong, persistent musky odor around your property
- •Shallow, cone-shaped holes dug in the lawn (grub hunting)
- •Tracks with five toes and visible claw marks
- •Sightings at dawn or dusk near structures
Why Hire a Professional?
Skunks can spray up to 15 feet and carry diseases including rabies and leptospirosis. Professional removal uses humane live traps and proper exclusion techniques to prevent re-entry without triggering a spray event.
Get help with skunks →California ground squirrels create extensive burrow systems that undermine foundations, hillsides, and retaining walls. They are particularly destructive in vineyards, orchards, and municipal parks throughout LA County.
Signs of Infestation
- •Open burrow holes 4+ inches in diameter
- •Colonies of squirrels visible during daytime
- •Erosion or soil collapse around foundations and slopes
- •Damaged crops, fruit trees, or ornamental plants
Why Hire a Professional?
Ground squirrels live in colonies that can grow to dozens of individuals. Their burrow systems can extend 30+ feet and compromise structural integrity. Professional treatment addresses the entire colony, not just visible individuals.
Get help with ground squirrels →Argentine ants and carpenter ants are the most common species in the Los Angeles area. Argentine ants form super-colonies numbering in the millions, while carpenter ants tunnel into wood structures, causing hidden damage.
Signs of Infestation
- •Trails of ants along walls, counters, or foundations
- •Small piles of sawdust near wooden structures (carpenter ants)
- •Ant nests visible in soil, cracks, or under objects
- •Swarmers (winged ants) appearing indoors
Why Hire a Professional?
Over-the-counter sprays only kill visible ants — typically less than 10% of the colony. Professional treatment targets the queen and colony source with targeted baits and perimeter treatments for lasting elimination.
Get help with ants →German cockroaches and American cockroaches thrive in Southern California's mild climate. They spread bacteria, trigger allergies and asthma, and reproduce at alarming rates — a single pair can produce thousands of offspring in a year.
Signs of Infestation
- •Live or dead roaches, especially at night
- •Dark droppings resembling coffee grounds or pepper
- •Musty, oily odor in enclosed spaces
- •Egg cases (oothecae) found in cabinets or behind appliances
Why Hire a Professional?
Cockroaches are among the most resilient pests, developing resistance to many common pesticides. Professional treatment uses gel baits, growth regulators, and targeted applications that eliminate the population at its source.
Get help with roaches →While most spiders in Los Angeles are harmless, black widows and brown recluses pose real health risks. Even non-venomous species can become a nuisance when populations grow unchecked in garages, attics, and crawl spaces.
Signs of Infestation
- •Visible webs in corners, garages, and outdoor areas
- •Egg sacs attached to webs or surfaces
- •Sightings of black widows (shiny black with red hourglass)
- •An increase in other insects (spiders follow their food source)
Why Hire a Professional?
Black widow bites require medical attention and can be dangerous for children and elderly. Professional treatment removes existing spiders and webs while applying residual treatments that break the pest cycle driving spider populations.
Get help with spiders →What Our Clients Say
Reviews
Trusted by homeowners, property managers, vineyard operators, and municipal agencies across Los Angeles.
“Gophers were destroying our backyard for months. Alcaraz Pest Control came out the same week I called and within days the problem was completely gone. Highly recommend their trapping service.”
“We had skunks living under our deck and were terrified to let the dogs out. The team removed them humanely and sealed everything up. No more surprises — and no smell!”
“Ground squirrels were undermining our irrigation and damaging vines. Alcaraz understood the agricultural side and treated the entire property. Our vineyard hasn't looked this good in years.”
“We manage 12 rental properties in the Valley and Alcaraz handles all our pest control. They're reliable, professional, and their organic options keep our tenants happy.”
“The ground squirrel population at our park was out of control. Alcaraz provided a thorough, safe treatment plan that worked around our public hours. Excellent communication throughout.”
“Safety was our top concern with students on campus. Alcaraz used pet-safe treatments and worked after hours. The ant problem is completely resolved. Outstanding service.”
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our pest control services.
We typically schedule inspections within 1–3 business days. For urgent situations — such as skunk encounters or large gopher infestations — we offer same-week and sometimes next-day availability. Call us and we'll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
Absolutely. We offer pet-safe and organic treatment options specifically designed for homes with children and animals. During your consultation, we'll discuss which methods are best suited for your household and clearly explain any precautions.
Yes. We provide organic and low-toxicity treatment options for clients who prefer an eco-friendly approach. For burrowing pests, our trapping methods are inherently chemical-free. For general pest control, we use botanical-based products when requested.
Pricing depends on the size of your property and the severity of the infestation. We offer free inspections and estimates so you know exactly what to expect. Most residential gopher jobs fall within a competitive range for the Los Angeles area.
Yes, we stand behind our services. We offer follow-up visits and re-treatment at no additional cost if pests return within the guarantee period. Specific guarantee terms are discussed during your consultation and included in your service agreement.
We serve the greater Los Angeles area including the San Fernando Valley, Malibu, Pasadena, West LA, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, and Encino. Contact us if you're unsure whether we cover your area.
Gophers create fan-shaped or crescent-shaped mounds of dirt, while moles create symmetrical, volcano-shaped mounds. Gopher tunnels also tend to be deeper and you'll often see chewed vegetation. During our inspection, we'll identify exactly what you're dealing with.
Yes, we offer monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly service plans for ongoing pest management. Recurring plans are especially popular for general pest control and for commercial properties that need consistent protection year-round.
Yes, Alcaraz Pest Control is fully licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board and carries comprehensive general liability insurance. We're happy to provide proof of licensing and insurance upon request.
For indoor treatments, clear areas under sinks and along baseboards. For outdoor burrowing pest work, mark any irrigation lines or underground utilities you're aware of. Keep pets inside during treatment. We'll provide specific prep instructions when scheduling your appointment.
Simple & Secure
Pay Your Bill
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Open Venmo → Pay or Request → Search by phone number → Add your invoice # in the note.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Ready to solve your pest problem? Reach out for a free inspection and estimate.
Send Us a Message
Contact Information
- Phone(818) 687-9866
- Emailalcarazj03@yahoo.com
- HoursMon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Emergency Service Available
Dealing with an urgent pest situation? Call us directly for priority scheduling and same-day availability when possible.