Gopher Season in Southern California
When Are Gophers Most Active — and When Should You Treat?
Gophers in Southern California are active year-round. Unlike gophers in colder climates that reduce activity during winter, Southern California pocket gophers tunnel, feed, and breed throughout every month of the year. However, activity peaks significantly in spring and fall — the two seasons when most new gopher infestations become visible.
Spring — Peak Gopher Season
Spring (March through May) is the most active period for gophers in Southern California. Two factors drive the spring peak:
Breeding season: Pocket gophers breed primarily in late winter and early spring. Female gophers produce 1-2 litters per year with 2-6 pups each. Juvenile gophers establish new territories in spring, which is why new gopher problems appear on previously gopher-free properties most often between March and May. Soil conditions: Spring soil moisture from winter rains makes tunneling easier. Gophers expand their tunnel systems rapidly during spring, often creating multiple new mounds per day during peak activity.If you are seeing gopher mounds for the first time, spring is the most likely season. Early treatment prevents the tunnel system from expanding and stops breeding activity before new juveniles disperse.
Fall — Secondary Gopher Peak
Fall (September through November) brings a secondary surge in gopher activity. Summer heat and dry soil temporarily slow visible tunneling, but as fall temperatures drop and soil moisture returns, gophers resume aggressive tunnel expansion.
Properties that appeared gopher-free through summer often develop new mound activity in October and November. This is not always a new gopher — it is frequently the same gopher that was present all summer but less visible during dry conditions.
Winter — Active but Less Visible
Gophers continue tunneling through winter in Southern California. Mild temperatures keep soil workable and food sources (roots, bulbs, earthworms) available year-round. Winter mound activity is common — do not assume gopher problems have resolved because activity decreased during dry summer months.
Winter is actually an excellent time for professional gopher treatment. Moist soil makes tunnel probing easier, gophers are consistently using established primary runs, and treating before spring prevents the breeding season peak from creating a larger infestation.
Summer — Continued Activity, Deeper Tunneling
During hot, dry Southern California summers, gophers may tunnel deeper to find cooler, moister soil. Visible mound activity on the surface may decrease, leading homeowners to believe gophers have left. In most cases, the gopher is still present — just tunneling at a depth where surface mounds are less frequent.
Year-Round Gopher Control
Because Southern California gophers are active in every season, Rodent Guys provides gopher control service year-round with no seasonal restrictions. All service includes a 60-day guarantee.
Call 909-599-4711 for same-week service in any season.
Gopher Control Service | Gopher Activity in Winter | How to Get Rid of Gophers