The California Ground Squirrel
Animal Pest Management Services
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| California Ground Squirrel |
California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi)
are considered one of the most economically damaging rodent pests
in the state. Damage to ornamental plants is often severe on
young shrubs and trees due to gnawing of bark and roots and eating
twigs, buds, and leaves. In turf, their burrowing activity lowers
aesthetic value, damages mowers and other machinery, and creates
safety hazards from potential foot, ankle, and leg injuries.
Damage resulting from burrowing
on slopes (often resulting in erosion) has an even greater risk
potential. Dams, levies, irrigation ditches, roads, and even
fence lines are often damaged by the burrowing of these pests.
From a health standpoint, ground
squirrels and their ectoparasites are potential carriers of plague,
relapsing fever tularemia, and other diseases transmissible to
man.
Several types of fumigants are
registered for ground squirrel control. Traps can be used on
small problem areas (backyards, etc.) or where the infestation
is minimal.
As with other rodent control projects
(gophers, rabbits, mice, rats, etc.) controlling ground squirrel
on a large scale basis is difficult and requires the development
of a site-specific plan that will allow for both reducing the
existing infestation to a maintainable level and the implementation
of a continuous service program to prevent future reinfestation
problems.
Control strategy is different for
every site and involves researching and evaluating many variables
that must be considered before implementing any program. Experience
is essential to considering these factors and formulating a control
program that will be the most effective for the situation.
Control
Selection and timing of the proper control method
are the most important factors in controlling ground squirrel
populations. Most often, long term benefits will not be realized
unless a program is developed that takes into consideration several
important factors: biology and behavior, history of previous
control efforts, knowledge of all available control techniques,
and the utilization of habitat manipulation where feasible.
All baits and toxicants can be
very hazardous and must be used according to label directions.
Many require a restricted materials permit for use.
Biology and Ecology
California ground squirrels are medium sized rodents (1.25 to
2 lbs.) with head and body length averaging 9.5 to 11 inches.
They have a bushy tail which is usually about 68 inches.
Coloration varies but they are basically brown with a gray-flecked
back and sides.
When considering and designing
a control program, knowledge of their life cycle is especially
important.
To request more information please click here or call:
| Animal Pest Management Services,
Inc. (800)344-6567 (909)591-9551 FAX (909)590-1435 |
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Serving all of southern california with four locations! |
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| Corporate Office: 13655 Redwood Court Chino, California 91710 |
Orange County Office:
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| Riverside County PMB 446 31855 Date Palm Drive Cathedral City, California 92234-3100 |
Los Angeles/Ventura County 3541 Old Conejo Road Suite 115 Thousand Oaks, California 92360 |
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