Ground Squirrels

Physical Characteristics

The California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) is a large rodent, 9-11 inches in length, and has somewhat of a bushy tail. They can vary in color from gray to slightly brown and during the time they are immature, may appear to have stripes or spots on their coat.

Ground Squirrels also have pouches in which they carry food and nesting material. These pouches, unlike the pocket gopher, are located on the inside of their mouths which actually makes the use of baits a quicker means of control.

Burrowing Tendencies

Ground squirrels are burrowing rodents and can do much damage to common areas and especially slopes. Their tunnel systems are 4-8 inches in diameter and have considerably large mounds of dirt in front of them. Ground squirrels keep their burrow systems clear and unplugged, unlike the gopher. This is because they feed on seed and plants above the ground and are vulnerable to predators. Their burrows can quickly destroy a landscape, and it can also damage the stability of slopes and ground areas making it dangerous to have people using these areas. They also can damage wires and sprinkler systems by chewing through them. They also damage small plants and trees by chewing bark off of them, exposing these plants to the elements.

Ground squirrels also can carry many diseases, mainly due to the fleas, which may be within their colonies. Their colonies can range from 2-20 rodents. They can carry such diseases as tularemia and plague. Handling of dead ground squirrels is not recommended unless by a pest control technician, who is aware of the problems it can cause. They quickly can populate an area in the spring when they mate and raise their young. A small seemingly harmless colony can, in a brief amount of time, become a hazard and a nuisance. They are active during the day and are easily seen, usually from spring to fall. During the winter months squirrels will hibernate, but it is also common for young squirrels to stay active all winter long if the weather is not to severe.

Control Methods

Control of ground squirrels may vary depending on the time of year, amount of activity, and methods already used.

Trapping is a common method of control used for almost all rodents because it is highly successful and you an be assured the infesting rodent has been caught and removed. Because of their large populations at times and the exposure to non-target animals (wild and domestic) as well as children this is not a highly recommended method. Trapping will also take much longer and be more labor and cost intensive than the two other methods: baiting and fumigating.

Baiting is a more effective method and can yield very good results when NOT placed inside the tunnel system but, when bait stations are used. There are many types of baits but some are what is known as secondary baits. There are many types of baits that can be used.

Some baits are placed in a bait station and allow the ground squirrels to find the bait and feed over a period of time. Other baits are broadcasted around the areas that the squirrels frequent. These types of baits come in two forms: acute and chronic.

The acute baits work very quickly and can severely reduce the population in a short period of time. The draw back in using this type of bait is that the ground squirrels that get sick but do not die from it will never eat the bait again and, in some cases, can teach their young to stay away from it altogether.

Chronic baits are used mostly inside of a bait station because of the need for the ground squirrel to feed multiple times to receive a lethal dose. These baits come in many forms and work extremely well in seed form. They also come in pellet form but do not seem to be as accepted by the ground squirrels as the seed.

When faced with a ground squirrel infestation, it is best to consult with a professional who holds a Qualified Applicator License or Certificate. These licensees are best prepared to provide not only information but treatment when dealing with this type of specialty rodent pest.