How to Get Rid of California Ground Squirrels

Squirels are cute but they can be pests.

The California ground squirrel lives on the west coast of the United States, mostly in California and Oregon. It is identified by its 10-inch long body, semi-bushy tail, tall ears and brownish-gray fur. As its name implies, it lives in underground burrows. As a herbivore, it will eat your grass, crops and garden. Trying to frighten it, using repellents, or exclude it with fences are of limited use. Habitat modification and toxicants are the best methods of eliminating the California ground squirrel.

Instructions

1. Frequently plow or till any unused farmland to discourage the California ground squirrel from making burrows in the ground. This will also dig up any burrows that are already in existence.

2. Remove any vegetation, or remnants from your last orchard pruning, from the fence lines to deter the squirrels that have built burrows outside your property from feeding in towards your property.

3. Place pieces of oranges, melons or nuts like walnuts or almonds in bait traps. Leave the traps out for a while unset or untied so the squirrels get used to them. Then place bait inside the traps and set them according to the directions that came with the traps.

4. Spread zinc phosphide poison around the area to poison the squirrels. Scatter a tablespoon of bait around 3 or 4 square feet near the entrance to the burrow. This is the most effective and least costly way to exterminate the squirrels. You can't use this method if you have any pets because they may eat the poison.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not spread zinc phosphide bait if the area is wet because the bait will deteriorate and the squirrels will not forage food during wet conditions.

• Do not pile the bait, but spread it around.

• Inquire at your local city hall to determine that lethal methods of California ground squirrel removal are legal in your area, and inquire about getting a permit.

• Immediately dispose of carcasses left from poisoning so other species, such as turkey vultures, are not affected from feeding on the dead carcasses.

References

• Micigan State University: Getting Rid of Ground Squirrels at the Scioto Country Club
• University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Ground Squirrel BMP Zinc Phosphide