If you’ve noticed strange mounds or soft spots in your yard, you may have uninvited guests beneath the surface. Gophers and moles can cause serious damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping by tunneling underground in search of food. But did you know their activity actually changes with the seasons?
Learning how gophers and moles behave throughout the year can help you spot the signs early and time your intervention for the best results.
Wildlife removal services are your best bet for proper handling of any animal taking over your property.
Let’s take a look at how these critters operate during each part of the year—and when it’s smartest to call in professionals such as Critter Evictors in Scottsdale for help.
How Gopher and Mole Activity Changes with the Seasons
While gophers and moles don’t hibernate, their behavior is influenced by weather, temperature, and food availability. That means their activity levels can go up or down depending on the time of year. Understanding these seasonal patterns can help homeowners stay one step ahead.
In warmer climates like Arizona and much of the Southwest, these animals are active nearly year-round. However, they still show seasonal shifts in behavior that affect how much damage they cause—and how easy they are to catch.
Below we’ve outlined the signs to watch for throughout the changing seasons.
Peak Activity Begins In Spring : As temperatures rise and the soil softens, both gophers and moles become more active. Spring rains bring earthworms, grubs, and plant roots closer to the surface, giving these animals a reason to dig. This is also the start of their mating season, which means more movement as they look for partners and prepare nests.
Digging in During Summer: During the hotter months, especially in areas with dry soil, moles and gophers will burrow deeper underground to find cooler temperatures and moisture. Surface damage might decrease, but don’t be fooled—they’re still active below. This makes summer a sneaky season where problems can grow without obvious signs.
Fall Sees A Spike in Activity: As temperatures begin to drop and moisture returns to the ground, gophers and moles become more active near the surface again. They’re storing food, reinforcing tunnels, and preparing for cooler months. Fall is another prime time for spotting new signs of activity, like fresh mounds or disturbed plants.
Quieting Down In Winter: In colder climates, activity might slow down. But in milder regions, like much of Arizona, gophers and moles continue working underground. While you may not see as much surface activity, they’re still feeding and expanding their tunnel systems—especially if the ground doesn’t freeze.
Timing Matters: When to Take Action
The best time to intervene with gophers and moles is when they’re closest to the surface, typically during spring and fall. That’s when traps, deterrents, and other removal techniques are most effective. However, waiting for the “perfect” time can often lead to more extensive damage.
If you’re seeing signs of tunneling or dead plants, it’s best not to wait. These animals don’t take breaks for long. Even in summer or winter, their underground activity can cause long-term harm to your landscaping, garden beds, and even structural foundations.
In many cases, homeowners try DIY solutions first—like sonic repellents or homemade traps. However, these approaches are often unreliable and may miss the root of the problem (literally). Professional wildlife removal services and teams understand how to read seasonal behavior, locate active tunnel systems, and apply targeted methods that solve the problem for good.
Stop Gopher and Mole Damage Before It Spreads
Gophers and moles don’t take the season off—and neither should your protection plan. Understanding when these pests are most active gives you the upper hand in keeping your yard safe and healthy. With spring and fall as your best windows for action, there’s no better time to get a professional inspection or removal service scheduled.
Call Critter Evictors Wildlife Removal Services in Scottsdale today for expert help with gopher and mole removal throughout Maricopa County. Let our team stop the damage before it starts—and keep your property protected year-round. Get started with a Free Estimate!