Managing Belding's Ground Squirrel

Identification

Management of Belding’s ground squirrels often differs from that of the California ground squirrel. Many rodenticide products are not registered for use against this species, and other management practices are not as effective against Belding’s ground squirrel, as compared to California ground squirrels.
  • Is Belding's ground squirrel in your area? In California, Belding’s ground squirrels only occur in the northeastern part of the state. See their full range here.
  • What do the squirrels look like? Belding’s ground squirrels are smaller than California ground squirrel and have smaller, less prominent ears. They do not have a bushy tail. They are brownish-gray to reddish-brown in color and have no stripes, mottling, or markings of any type.​ Compare Belding's and California ground squirrels here.
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Compare Efficiency

Several factors influence the efficiency of a control method. Management plans should incorporate site-specific variables such as, labor, and potential restrictions (e.g. proximity to structures, risks to non-targets, restricted use materials, etc).
Efficiency chart for Belding's ground squirrel management methods
(Click chart to enlarge)

Timing: Why it Matters

The success of many control methods depends on the season. For example, trapping is ineffective if the squirrels are currently hibernating.
Timing chart for Belding's ground squirrel management
(Click chart to enlarge)

Compound 1080

Historically, Belding’s ground squirrels were effectively controlled through the use of Compound 1080-treated cabbage. However, Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) was deregistered in 1990 due to concerns over risks to nontarget species, and this product is no longer available for rodent control in the United States.