Gopher Activity in Winter: Are Gophers Active Year-Round?

Southern California Gopher Season — What to Expect in Winter

Yes — gophers are active in winter in Southern California. Unlike gophers in colder climates that reduce activity during freezing temperatures, Southern California pocket gophers tunnel, feed, and breed throughout the year. There is no true gopher dormancy season in our mild climate.

Why Gophers Stay Active in Winter

Pocket gophers in Southern California have no reason to reduce activity in winter. Our mild winters keep soil temperatures well above freezing, earthworm and root food sources remain available, and gophers do not hibernate. Gopher activity continues at normal levels throughout December, January, and February.

In fact, winter is one of the best times for professional gopher treatment in Southern California. Winter rains keep soil moist and workable, making tunnel detection and trap placement easier. Gophers are tunneling actively and using their primary runs consistently — ideal conditions for effective trapping.

When Is Gopher Activity Highest in Southern California?

While gophers are active year-round, activity is most visible during two peak periods:

Spring (March — May): The primary peak. Gophers breed in late winter and spring, and juvenile gophers establish new territories in spring. New gopher infestations appear most frequently during spring. This is when most homeowners first notice gopher mounds after a quiet winter. Fall (September — November): A secondary peak following summer heat. Soil moisture returns with fall weather, and gophers expand tunnel systems aggressively before winter. Winter (December — February): Active at normal levels. Breeding activity continues. New mounds appear regularly. Winter is an excellent time to treat because gophers are consistently using established primary tunnel runs. Summer (June — August): Activity continues but may be slightly reduced in very dry, hot conditions. Gophers may tunnel deeper to find cooler, moister soil.

Should You Treat Gophers in Winter?

Yes — winter is an excellent time for gopher treatment. Reasons to treat in winter:

Moist winter soil makes probing for primary tunnels significantly easier

Gophers are consistently using established main tunnels rather than exploring new areas

Addressing gopher activity before spring reduces the chance of new gophers establishing territory during the spring breeding peak

Winter treatment prevents tunnel system expansion before spring lawn and garden renovation

Do not wait until spring to treat active gopher activity. Every week of active tunneling means more root damage, more irrigation risk, and a more extensive tunnel system that takes more service visits to address.

Gopher Activity After Rain

Rain triggers increased gopher surface activity in Southern California. Saturated soil is easier to tunnel through, earthworm populations move toward the surface, and gophers expand their tunnel systems rapidly during and after rain events.

If you notice a sudden increase in fresh mounds after rain, this is normal — the gopher was active before the rain but is now creating new surface openings as it extends its tunnel network into freshly workable soil.

Year-Round Gopher Control

Because Southern California gophers are active year-round, Rodent Guys provides gopher control service in every month. There is no off-season and no reason to wait.

Call 909-599-4711 for same-week gopher control service with our 60-day guarantee.

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