When Is Gopher Season in Riverside, CA?

Unlike many pests that follow strict seasonal patterns, pocket gophers in Riverside are active 365 days a year. However, there are distinct peaks in activity that every Riverside homeowner should understand.

Spring: Peak Gopher Activity (March-May)

Spring is the busiest gopher season in Riverside. After winter rains soften the soil, gophers expand their tunnel systems rapidly. This is also breeding season — female gophers produce 1-3 litters per year, with 3-7 pups per litter. The combination of soft soil, abundant plant growth, and new offspring creates the highest gopher pressure of the year.

Riverside properties near the Santa Ana River bottom, Box Springs Mountain, and Sycamore Canyon see especially heavy spring activity as gophers from open space migrate into irrigated residential areas.

Summer: Sustained Activity (June-August)

Summer heat drives gophers deeper underground but doesn't stop them. Irrigated lawns become oases in the dry landscape, attracting gophers from surrounding areas. Properties with regular watering schedules see increased tunneling activity as gophers follow moisture and root growth.

Fall: Second Activity Peak (September-November)

Fall brings a second peak as gophers prepare for the cooler months. They expand food caches — storing roots and tubers in underground chambers. Young gophers born in spring are now establishing their own territories, creating new tunnel systems in previously unaffected areas.

Winter: Reduced but Still Active (December-February)

Riverside's mild winters mean gophers never truly go dormant. Activity slows but doesn't stop. Rain-softened soil makes tunneling easier, and you'll often see fresh mounds after storms. This is actually an excellent time for trapping — fewer escape routes and concentrated activity make traps more effective.

Best Time for Gopher Control in Riverside

The best time to start gopher control is as soon as you notice activity. Waiting allows populations to grow and tunnel systems to expand. However, if you're planning proactive service, starting in late winter (February-March) catches gophers before spring breeding season multiplies the problem.