Frequently Asked Questions
When using rodenticides, do ground squirrels die below ground?
Answer: Limited study suggests that about 75-80% of ground squirrels die below ground following a baiting program. This limits secondary toxicity when using anticoagulant rodenticides, but obviously some ground squirrels will remain exposed. As such, treatment areas should be searched daily to allow for removal of any carcasses that are exposed aboveground. Are there any rodenticides or burrow fumigants that are registered for use in organic production fields?
Currently, there are no such products that are registered for organic use. Why are burrow fumigants considered ineffective when ground squirrels hibernate? It seems this approach would be effective during hibernation given the known presence of ground squirrels in the burrow systems at this time.
Ground squirrels create a plug in their tunnel systems when hibernating. This keeps predators from being able to access their nesting chambers, and also substantially reduces/eliminates the ability of toxic gases to reach the ground squirrels. As such, burrow fumigants should only be used during times of the year when ground squirrels are active. Are chewing gum, plaster-of-paris, or cellulose-based rodenticides effective against ground squirrels?
None of these products have proven effective, and most, if not all, are not registered as rodenticides and therefore are not legal for use. Is the use of vehicular exhaust legal for controlling ground squirrels?
The legal code is somewhat silent on this issue, but the California Department of Pesticide Regulation does not recommend its use. See ENF 15-11 for further info. |
|