Gopher Season in Southern California: When Are They Most Active?

Unlike many parts of the country where gophers are dormant in winter, Southern California has year-round gopher activity. The mild climate and consistent soil moisture from irrigation means gophers in LA, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties never truly go dormant — but there are peak seasons when activity increases significantly.

Year-Round Activity With Seasonal Peaks

SoCal gophers (primarily Botta's pocket gopher, Thomomys bottae) breed in late winter through spring, typically February through April. During this period, juveniles disperse and establish new territories, causing a significant increase in fresh mound activity. This is the busiest time of year for gopher control companies throughout Southern California.

A secondary peak often occurs in fall (September–November) when young-of-year gophers from summer litters mature and start expanding territories before the rainy season.

Month-by-Month Gopher Activity Guide for SoCal

• January–February: Activity picks up as breeding begins. Watch for fresh mounds after winter rains.
• March–May: Peak season. Juvenile dispersal causes rapid expansion of gopher populations across properties.
• June–August: Moderate activity. Summer heat can slow surface sign in some inland areas but tunneling continues.
• September–November: Second peak. Fall dispersal of summer juveniles increases fresh mound activity.
• December: Activity slows somewhat but doesn't stop in Southern California's mild winters.

When to Schedule Gopher Control

The best time to start gopher control is as soon as you see fresh mound activity. Fresh mounds (loose, recently disturbed soil) indicate active gophers in the immediate area. Waiting allows the gopher to expand tunnel systems and potentially breed.

For ongoing protection, monthly maintenance programs are the most effective — especially for larger properties or HOA communities in LA, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.