How to Get Rid of California Ground Squirrels

California ground squirrels are common pests on many farms. They feed on crops, chew through irrigation systems, and can damage farm equipment. They compete with native wildlife for food and resources, making them a nuisance in rural and urban areas.

If you’re dealing with a California ground squirrel infestation, you’ll want to take action before you suffer any more agricultural losses. In this post, we’ll explore how to get rid of California ground squirrels, from humane, natural deterrents to lasting solutions that ensure they don’t return.

Each solution only works for California ground squirrels and complies with California laws. 

How to Get Rid of California Ground Squirrels Humanely

Here are a few of the best ways to get rid of California ground squirrels naturally and law-compliant, without poison or inhumane methods. These generally work to eradicate smaller California ground squirrel populations and may not work for infestations on larger farms. Use these humane methods in combination with direct control methods for best results. 

Natural Predators

Inviting predators into your yard can help control California ground squirrels. Plant tall trees to attract hawks and other large birds, or consider installing owl nesting boxes. You can also use brush cover piles and large rocks to attract snakes that will eat California ground squirrels. 

Encouraging natural predators can reduce ground squirrel populations, but these predators alone rarely keep them away to prevent damage. To efficiently eradicate these burrowing pests, combine predators and direct control methods.

Modify Their Habitat

Getting rid of California ground squirrels naturally can be difficult due to factors like their activity pattern and feeding preferences, but you can take steps to make their habitat less inviting. 

Remove brush piles, debris, rocks, and tall weeds from fence edges to eliminate their shelter. You can also disturb burrows by regularly cultivating field burrows or installing physical barriers around perimeter areas.

Again, this isn’t the most ideal way to get rid of California ground squirrels, but it can be successful when combined with lethal traps and other methods.

Lethal Traps

Trapping is generally the most recommended and best way to get rid of California ground squirrels. Tunnel traps, box traps, and snap traps all work well. 

The best trap for California ground squirrels is the TerraTrap Ground Squirrel Kit, a non-toxic solution that mimics their natural environment. After tunneling into the trap, the squirrels are killed instantly and humanely. Natural predators and scavengers will remove the dead squirrels ensuring a clean and efficient process without the risk of secondary poisoning. 

Be aware that squirrel trapping regulations can vary by state, so do your research to ensure you can use lethal traps. The TerraTrap GS Kit is approved for use in California.

Image source: Unsplash 

Lethal Methods to Get Rid of California Ground Squirrels

If you’ve tried other California ground squirrel control methods, but you’re still wondering, “How do I get rid of California ground squirrels permanently?” try these conventional methods to eradicate them for good. 

Keep in mind that these lethal methods are not legally allowed everywhere and are not the most humane way to get rid of California ground squirrels.

Live-Catch Traps

Live traps contain California ground squirrels without killing them. These traps aren’t recommended for large California ground squirrel infestations but can remove smaller populations.

Once captured, you must euthanize the California ground squirrel, as it is prohibited by California law to relocate wild squirrels. The recommended way is with a CO2 box that will asphyxiate the squirrel. This is not the most humane way to kill California ground squirrels; thus, we recommend lethal trapping. 

In addition, live-catch is extremely stressful to the squirrel. They frantically try to escape and often die of thirst or fright while entrapped. It’s a terrible death for the squirrel.

Baiting

Rodenticides are an effective way to control large California ground squirrel populations. The ingredients can vary; however, most grain baits can include zinc phosphide and anticoagulants, like chlorophacinone and diphenadione. 

First-generation anticoagulant grain baits are most effective in the spring, as ground squirrels are most active during this season.

According to the California Ecosystems Protection Act of 2023, first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides that contain Diphacinone are now illegal for use underground against burrowing rodents. This means that baiting can be done, but you are limited in the rodenticides you can use in California. 

Fumigation

Burrow fumigation is conducted below ground, making it an effective method of controlling burrowing rodents like California ground squirrels while keeping non-target species safe. Smoke bombs and phosphide tablets are common ways to kill these rodents quickly. 

Fumigation is most effective in late winter and early spring when the moist soil is at high enough levels to contain the gas. 

This can be effective, but it isn’t the most recommended way to kill California ground squirrels. It cannot be done too close to buildings, and it is not cheap or easy. It requires specialized equipment, training, and chemicals.

Image source: Unsplash

California Ground Squirrel Trapping Regulations

Regulations for trapping California ground squirrels vary by state, so it’s important to research the laws in your area before taking action. 

In California, no license is required to trap squirrels if they cause damage to your property. If you are trapping professionally, you need a wildlife control license, but if you do it privately, you don’t need one. 

Using poison or fumigation to kill ground squirrels is not recommended, as it poses serious risks to pets, wildlife, and the environment, and most states have strict regulations.

Get Rid of California Ground Squirrels for Good with Automatic Trap

California ground squirrels can be a persistent problem, but with the right approach, you can effectively remove them and prevent future infestations. Whether you use natural deterrents, trapping, or other methods, taking action early is key to protecting your property. 

For an effective and nontoxic option, use the TerraTrap GS Kit, designed specifically to manage infestations and get rid of California ground squirrels without poison. Take care of your pest problem and get rid of California ground squirrels with Automatic Trap!