When to Start Gopher Control in Southern California — Seasonal Timing Guide

Unlike much of the country where gopher activity has a distinct off-season, Southern California's mild climate and year-round irrigation mean gophers are active in some measure throughout the entire year. That said, there are clear seasonal patterns in gopher activity that affect when infestations are most likely to appear, when they are most severe, and when preventive treatment is most valuable.

The Best Answer: As Soon as You See Activity

The simplest and most universally correct answer to the timing question is this: start treatment as soon as you see the first fresh mound. One or two fresh mounds means one recently arrived gopher that has not yet had time to establish an extensive tunnel system or cause significant damage. This is the easiest and least expensive infestation to resolve. Waiting until you have a dozen mounds means a more established animal with a larger tunnel system, more potential plant damage, and a longer treatment timeline.

The urge to wait and see if it gets worse — or to try DIY methods first — routinely results in homeowners calling for professional service weeks or months later with a far more established problem. Early treatment is always more effective and less expensive than late treatment.

Spring: Peak Activity Season

Late February through May is the most active gopher period in Southern California. Breeding season dispersal of juvenile animals and population expansion following wet winters drive the highest rate of new infestations during this period. For properties with a history of spring gopher activity, starting or resuming maintenance service in late February — before the spring activity peak — gets ahead of the problem rather than responding to it.

Summer: Moderate but Ongoing

Summer activity slows somewhat compared to spring as breeding season concludes and soil moisture patterns shift. However, Southern California's year-round irrigation means gopher activity never stops completely. Properties with consistent irrigation systems maintain their attractiveness to gophers year-round, and summer infestations — while somewhat less common than spring ones — still occur regularly and warrant prompt treatment.

Fall and Winter: Lower Activity, But Not Zero

Fall and winter see the lowest gopher activity of the year in most Southern California communities, as natural rainfall can replace irrigation in some areas and population levels are at their seasonal low before spring breeding begins. That said, winter gopher activity is common throughout our service area — particularly in heavily irrigated residential landscapes where the soil remains moist and food is reliable regardless of rainfall.

An important note: winter rain softens soil and triggers root growth that increases gopher feeding activity. A wet winter storm is often followed by a noticeable spike in mound activity in the days that follow.

For Maintenance Customers: Year-Round Coverage

For properties on monthly or quarterly maintenance plans, timing decisions are handled automatically — your technician visits on schedule regardless of season and addresses any activity found. Maintenance customers consistently have better outcomes than those who respond reactively because their properties are never left unattended long enough for an infestation to become established.

Related Articles

• Why Gopher Activity Spikes in Spring
• Why Gopher Activity Increases After Rain
• Monthly vs. Quarterly Service — Which Do You Need?

Call 909-599-4711 — same-week appointments available year-round throughout Southern California.