Why Gophers Are Worse in Spring

Gopher activity peaks in spring — here's why and what homeowners can do.

If you've noticed fresh gopher mounds appearing in your yard after winter, you're not imagining things. Gopher activity increases significantly in spring across Southern California for specific biological and environmental reasons.

BREEDING SEASON

Spring is peak breeding season for pocket gophers. A single female can produce two to three litters per year with up to six young each. As juveniles mature and establish territories, they disperse into surrounding yards — which is why a gopher problem can seem to appear suddenly across multiple properties at once.

SOIL CONDITIONS

Winter rains soften Southern California's typically hard clay soils, making tunneling easier and faster. Gophers take advantage of improved digging conditions to expand tunnel systems aggressively. By the time soils dry out in late spring, extensive new networks are already established.

PLANT GROWTH

The flush of new plant growth in spring means abundant food sources just below the surface. Bulbs sprouting, vegetable gardens starting, and lawns greening up all attract gophers looking to feed on fresh roots.

WHAT TO DO IN SPRING

Spring is the best time to address a gopher problem before populations expand. Professional trapping in early spring removes resident gophers before they breed and before juveniles disperse into your yard.