Ground Squirrel Problems on Lawns

The ground squirrel, also known as the 13-lined ground squirrel, is a small burrowing rodent. It is found from Canada south to the northern parts of Texas and Mexico, east to central Ohio and west to Colorado. It causes problems for people with lawns and once you have identified it, it is important take steps to remove it from the area. Choose a method of removal that is appropriate to your area and your problem.

Identification

Ground squirrels are not the only burrowing animals that infest lawns, and it is important to identify that ground squirrels are actually the problem. Look for holes that have clean edges and that are 3 inches in diameter. The holes are easily seen on sunny days, as the squirrels do not hide them. Look for other holes within 20 feet. These are all signs that you are dealing with ground squirrels.

Damage

Ground squirrels damage lawns by digging burrows and disrupting the smoothness of the turf. A lawn with short grass encourages ground squirrels and they will eat grass seeds. Their burrowing can also kill off the grass in the area surrounding the hole as well as cause slow grass death above their burrows. In some cases, their foraging activities will also destroy nearby vegetable gardens.

Traps

You may use kill traps or live traps to dispose of ground squirrels. If you use a live trap, make sure that you know where you can release the ground squirrel legally in your area. Bait your traps with foods available in the area and use one trap for every five burrows that you can see. Bait the traps, but do not set them for the first week. This encourages the squirrels to get used to the trap. Once you bait the traps, check them twice a day and dispose of the squirrels promptly.

Fumigation

Fumigation involves filling the ground squirrels' burrows with toxic gasses to ensure that they suffocate underground. This method allows you to kill all the squirrels in their burrows without needing to deal with the bodies. Check with your local animal control office to see if you need a permit to fumigate. Fumigate in spring, when the soil moisture is high. Fumigate all the burrows that you can find. Do not fumigate during winter or summer, as the squirrels seal off their burrows with soil during this time.

References

• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Maintenance:Tips for Identifying the Animal That Dug the Ground Hole
• University of California: Ground Squirrels
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Maintenance: 13-Lined Ground Squirrel
• Wisconsin's Basin Education Initiative: Ground Squirrels: Their Ecology and Control; Scott B. Craven