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Toxic Baits | California ground squirrel

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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.
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Bait Categories
  • FGARs
  • Zinc phosphide
(See a comparison in the table below)
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Baiting Resources
  • ​Bait application methods
  • Bait station construction
  • Spreader calibration
    ​
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.​
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​© 2017 Regents of the University of California  |  Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources  |  UC Cooperative Extension, Orange County
www.groundsquirrelbmp.com is a UC peer-reviewed publication made possible by support from the Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee
Updated Feb. 3, 2017
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  • Biology
    • Range and Habitat
    • Behavior and Diet
    • Seasonal Activity
    • Disease
  • Identification
    • Signs and Characteristics
    • Damage
    • Look-Alike Pests and Damage
    • Burrowing Non-Target Wildlife
    • Squirrel Species of Lesser Concern
  • Management
    • California ground squirrel
    • Belding's ground squirrel
  • Regulations
    • California Codes
    • Professional Licenses
    • Fumigation Plans and Posting
    • Wildlife and Endangered Species
  • Resources
  • FAQs