Ground squirrels (Spermophilus) are common rodent pests known for their extensive and destructive burrowing habits. These animals create complex tunnel systems that can reach depths of three to six feet and extend over thirty feet in length. This burrowing often destabilizes soil, creating tripping hazards in yards and fields. Ground squirrels also gnaw on irrigation lines and girdle the bark of young trees, causing significant property loss. Effective removal requires a strategic approach combining careful trapping with adherence to local regulations and long-term exclusion strategies.
Understanding Local Regulations
Before deploying any trap, consult with your state’s fish and wildlife department or local animal control office. Ground squirrels are classified as nuisance wildlife, but the rules governing their capture and disposition vary widely by municipality and state. Regulations often dictate the permissible trap type, whether lethal methods require a permit, and the mandatory frequency for trap monitoring.
A major legal variable is the restriction on relocating captured animals, which is prohibited in many jurisdictions to prevent the spread of disease and the introduction of non-native species. Many states require that a trapped ground squirrel must either be humanely euthanized or immediately released at the capture site. Ignoring these local laws can lead to penalties, making legal preparation an unavoidable step in the removal process.
Humane Live Trapping Techniques
The preferred non-lethal method for managing smaller ground squirrel populations involves single-door or double-door wire cage traps, often called Havahart-style traps. These traps capture the animal without causing harm, allowing for a decision on its final disposition after capture. Traps should be approximately 24 inches long and 5 inches wide to be appropriately sized for a ground squirrel.
Effective baiting is essential, as the bait must be more attractive than the squirrel’s natural food sources. Highly palatable options include nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), sunflower seeds, or peanut butter mixed with oats or cracked corn. Place the bait near the back of the trap; this encourages the squirrel to step on the trigger plate to access the food.
To maximize success, pre-bait the trap by securing the door open for two to three days, allowing squirrels to feed freely and grow accustomed to the trap’s presence. When setting the trap for capture, place it on a level surface near active burrows or established travel paths. Ensure the trap is stabilized to prevent the squirrel from tipping it over. Frequent monitoring, ideally multiple times per day, is necessary to prevent the captured animal from suffering from stress, overheating, or predation.
Permanent Removal Options
When live trapping is impractical or ineffective for controlling larger populations, permanent removal options are considered, subject to strict regulations. Lethal snap traps designed for squirrels are effective, but must be secured inside a protective box or placed directly inside the burrow to prevent harm to non-target animals (pets or birds). Tunnel traps and specialized box traps are also used, placed within the burrow system to shield the mechanism from the outside environment.
Burrow fumigation introduces a lethal gas into the underground tunnel system to eliminate the colony. Fumigants, such as gas cartridges or aluminum phosphide pellets, are most effective in early spring when moist soil contains the gas inside the burrow. However, restricted fumigants like aluminum phosphide are limited to licensed pest control professionals due to safety and regulatory requirements.
Post-Capture Management and Exclusion
Once a ground squirrel is caught in a live trap, the next steps must align with local wildlife laws, which usually dictate immediate, humane euthanasia or on-site release. If relocation is permitted, the animal must be transported quickly and safely to a suitable, approved habitat, often requiring written permission from the landowner of the release site. If lethal methods were used, or if euthanasia is the mandated outcome, the deceased animal should be handled with gloves and disposed of in a sanitary manner to mitigate disease transmission.
The final step is exclusion and prevention to deter re-infestation of the vacated territory. Immediately collapse and fill active burrows using materials like gravel, concrete, or a slurry of fine sand and water to ensure the tunnels cannot be reused. Removing external attractants, such as fallen fruit, spilled birdseed, or unsecured pet food, eliminates easy food sources that might draw new ground squirrels to the area.