Although they're small, cute, and furry, ground squirrels can be a real pest for California residents and gardeners. Found throughout California, burrowing ground squirrels cause damage to landscapes and structures while feeding on ornamental or food-bearing plants.
How can you get rid of ground squirrels?
There are several management options for ground squirrels. They might include:
- habitat modification
- exclusion
- trapping
- fumigation and toxic baits
It's important to understand the life cycle and behavior of ground squirrels for...
/h2>California ground squirrels are common throughout much of California and may be found living near homes, structures, gardens, and landscapes where they can be a real nuisance. Ground squirrels' damaging habits can include:
- Eating vegetable seedlings and green grasses
- Damaging young shrubs, vines, and trees by gnawing on and girdling trunks
- Eating twigs and leaves
- Burrowing in lawns and landscapes and around tree roots
- Gnawing on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation lines
Effective ground squirrel management methods vary during the year. In winter, manage populations before breeding seasons begins. Visit the UC IPM publication
- Author: Niamh Quinn
[From the November 2015 issue of the UC IPM Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM News]
...Continued from Tree or Ground Squirrel: What's the Difference?, Part I
Eastern Fox Squirrel Management
Of the four tree squirrels, the eastern fox squirrel is considered to be the most serious pest to homes and gardens in urban and suburban environments. Fox squirrels that are found to be injuring growing crops or...
/h3>/span>- Author: Niamh Quinn
[From the November 2015 issue of the UC IPM Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM News]
Read Part 2 of this article.
California is home to several species of squirrels, which can be divided into three groups: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.
Ground squirrels have been identified as the most common vertebrate pest in agricultural areas, but...
/span>- Author: Anne Schellman
Did you know that this week (November 15-21) is Rodent Awareness Week? The goal of the week is to bring awareness about the risks that rodents can pose to your health and the problems they can cause to your home and garden.
In and around the home, Norway rats, roof rats and house mice can be problematic by consuming and contaminating food intended for you and your pets. These rodents often enter structures in winter and can also carry several diseases and parasites.
In the landscape and garden, tree squirrels, ground squirrels, gophers, moles and voles can be a nuisance and feed on many garden...