Red Phone: Ground squirrel problems

“Red Phone, we live in the county near San Martin and we’re having a big problem with ground squirrels. They are undermining our garage and barn and we’re getting concerned as they carry diseases and fleas. We tried to poison them, but in Santa Clara County there’s no way to get the poison. We tried shooting them, we tried trapping them, but they are just overwhelming and we can’t get a handle on the situation. I’m sure we’re not the only ones with this problem. Thanks.”

Red Phone: Dear Squirreled Out, Red Phone contacted Associate Wildlife Biologist Conrad Jones, with the Department of Fish and Game. He said ground squirrels can be a sticky problem.

The Department’s preferred method to control squirrels is either shooting or trapping or a combination of both.

“Your reader should be aware, if they aren’t already, that Santa Clara County falls within the Gridley-Tree California Condor Protection Zone and therefore non-toxic ammunition must be used if they intend to continue shooting ground squirrels,” Jones said. “It wasn’t clear what types of traps your reader had used but it is possible a different type might prove successful.”

Recent information suggests that poisoning of non-target species has become a significant issue in California.

“Birds of prey and mammalian predators appear to be particularly susceptible and have suffered secondary poisoning by consuming their natural prey which has been tainted,” Jones said. 

“The biggest issue at hand is the potential presence of kit foxes and/or burrowing owls on or near your reader’s property. For this reason, but also because of their expertise in contending with ground squirrels, your reader should contact their local county agricultural commissioner’s office for information.”

The ag commissioner’s number in Morgan Hill is 465-2900.

The following link to the University of California, Davis, pest notes provides a pretty thorough discussion of ground squirrels, their biology, legal status and control measures: www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7438.html.

Good caller, hope that helps.