Managing California Ground Squirrels

Restrictions

The California ground squirrel is common throughout California and may cause damage in both agricultural and urban settings. 

Some control methods and materials can only be used by a certified or licensed pesticide applicators. For homeowners who cannot or do not wish to hire a professional, options with fewer restrictions include repellents, exclusion, habitat modification, some methods of fumigation, and trapping. However, not all of these options are necessarily effective management strategies.  
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Compare Efficiency

Several factors influence the efficiency of a control method. Management plans should incorporate site-specific variables such as cost, labor, and potential restrictions (e.g. proximity to structures, risks to non-targets, restricted use materials, etc).​
Management method efficiency chart for CA ground squirrel
(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 hibernating, and California ground squirrels will be less likely to take toxic baits if they are still feeding on green vegetation.
Timing chart for CA ground squirrel management
(Click chart to enlarge)