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Pestgon FactSheet
“
If they fly they die…if they crawl they fall”
GROUND SQUIRREL (Spermophilus beecheyi)
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Description:
Ground squirrels are large burrowing rodents with a snub nose and small ears.
It’s body measures 9 to 11 inches long and its semi-bushy tail adds
another 5 to 9 inches in length. The fur is brownish gray, speckled with
off-white along the back; the sides of the head and shoulders are light gray
to whitish. They are commonly seen above ground from the coast to the desert.
Biology:
Ground squirrels live in a burrow system where they sleep, rest, rear young,
store food, and avoid danger. Burrow openings are about 4 inches in diameter,
but can vary considerably. The burrows may be 5 to 30 feet or more in length
and may go 2 to 4 feet below the soil surface. There is usually more than
one opening in a burrow system. Ground squirrels live in colonies that may
include several dozen animals in a complex of burrows. This squirrel is found
throughout southern California except the desert regions.
Economic Impact:
California ground squirrels are one of the most troublesome and destructive
pests to commercial property managers. They cause millions of dollars of
damage to commercial landscapes and embankments. Ground squirrels damage
young shrubs, vines and trees by gnawing bark, girdling trunks and eating
twigs and leaves. Burrowing around roots sometimes topples trees. Also, they
will gnaw on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation pipes, causing costly
repairs.
Besides being very destructive with their teeth, burrowing can present a
serious liability hazard to landscape machinery and pedestrians. Burrowing
beneath buildings and other structures can weaken a foundation and necessitate
costly repairs. Embankments are left vulnerable to collapse from winter rains
when ground squirrels are allowed to burrow in them. Also, ground squirrels
can harbor diseases harmful to humans, particularly when squirrel populations
are dense. Of major concern is bubonic plague. It is transmitted to humans
by fleas carried on the squirrels.
Management Methods:
Baiting, trapping, fumigation and habitat modification are all options. However,
Pestgon’s selection of squirrel control procedures is influenced by
a number of important factors. Some of these are; the life cycle and behavior
of the ground squirrel, the population density, the particular season, the
prevalent food source as well as public and private perceptions. Pestgon’s
experienced technicians are very successful at managing all sorts of wildlife
for commercial property managers.