Toxic Baits | California Ground Squirrel

Toxic Baits | California ground squirrel

Return to California ground squirrel menu

Ground squirrel baits fall into two categories: first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) and the acute toxicant zinc phosphide. With some minor exceptions, most are Restricted Use Pesticides. It is important to implement your baiting program according to the label to ensure maximal effectiveness. Improper bait application can promote bait resistance in the ground squirrel population.

Bait Categories

(See a comparison in the table below)

Baiting Resources

Disposal
When applying bait, it is important to check daily for ground squirrels carcasses. With anticoagulant baits, nontarget wildlife may be at risk of secondary toxicity if they consume the poisoned squirrels. Collect dead rodents and dispose of them by deep burying or burning. Check with your local Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to make sure burning is permitted in your area. It is also acceptable to dispose of carcasses by double-plastic bagging or wrapping in newspaper and discarding them in the trash. Ensure that trash cans are not accessible to nontarget wildlife. Wear disposable plastic gloves or other suitable hand protection if you must pick up carcasses by hand.

Toxic baiting for CA ground squirrel is effective mid-May to mid-Oct

(click chart to enlarge)

Comparison of FGARs and Zinc Phosphide

	First generation anticoagulants	Zinc phosphide
Efficacy	Highly efficacious	Precipitation and other factors may influence efficacy
Bait acceptance	Good bait acceptance	Variable bait acceptance
Antidote	Antidote available	No antidote
Primary toxicity	Lower nontarget risk	Acutely toxic; risks can be high
Secondary toxicity	Some risk potential	Essentially no risk
Cost	Requires larger amount of bait, thus more expensive	Less expensive than anticoagulants
Time to death	Slower time to death than other toxicants	Short time from consumption to death provides quick control
Restrictions	Available for residential use without restriction Field use is restricted	Cannot generally be used in residential areas Only one application allowed per year

Download this table as a PDF

Note to homeowners: FGAR options are limited for homeowner use. Some unrestricted products are available for use. Zinc phosphide can only be applied by licensed pest management professionals.