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Ground squirrels feed on and injure many types of plants, and their burrowing damages landscapes. Although similar in appearance to tree squirrels, ground squirrels always will retreat to a burrow when frightened, while tree squirrels will climb a tree or tall structure and never use a burrow. Traps and baits will effectively manage ground squirrels in landscapes and gardens.
Identification and behavior: |
- Brownish gray fur.
- Nine to 11 inches long, not including a 5– to 9–inch tail that is not as bushy as a tree squirrel’s.
- Live in colonies in a burrow system where they sleep,
rest, rear young, store food, and avoid danger.
- Active
during the day, mainly from mid-morning through late afternoon, especially on warm, sunny days.
- Breed once a year, averaging 7 to 8 per litter. When 6 months old, young squirrels resemble adults.
Ground squirrels cause damage by: |
- Eating food-bearing and ornamental plants.
- Gnawing on plastic sprinklers and irrigation lines.
- Girdling
young trees.
- Burrowing, which causes tripping hazards and damage to
landscapes and structures.
How do you manage ground squirrels? |
Traps, gas cartridges, and baits are effective against squirrels at different times of the year. Use with care.
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Traps: Use kill traps, such as box or Conibear traps, instead of live-catch traps. It is illegal to release
squirrels elsewhere without a written permit. Place box traps on the ground near squirrel burrows or runways.
Bait traps with walnuts, almonds, oats, barley, or melon rind. Trapping is effective between February and
October.
- Fumigation: Gas cartridges are
effective in spring or other times when soil moisture is high, which helps contain the gas within the burrow
system. In the summer heat, cartridges can be a fire hazard.
- Toxic Baits: Anticoagulant baits, available at county agricultural commissioners’ offices, can be
used, but care must be taken to prevent poisoning of pets, poultry or wildlife. Place in bait boxes containing
sufficient bait for repeated feedings. To be effective, the squirrels must consume the anticoagulants in several feedings during a period of 5 or more days. Baits are most effective in summer and fall. Always follow label instructions
for use.
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Where ground squirrels are a problem on property next to wildlands or other infested areas, an ongoing management program is necessary. Squirrels will reinvade over time. Once ground squirrels have been controlled, periodically monitor the area for signs of reinfestation, such as new burrows. Restart control actions, such as trapping, as soon as you notice new squirrels and before the population builds back up.
Place box traps on the ground near squirrel burrows or runways.
Minimize the use of pesticides that pollute our waterways. Use nonchemical alternatives or less toxic pesticide products whenever possible. Read product labels carefully and follow instructions on proper use, storage, and disposal. |
