Ground Squirrel Control in Southern California
California ground squirrels are colonial, disease-carrying rodents that damage lawns, undermine foundations, destroy gardens, and create serious health hazards. Effective ground squirrel control requires addressing the entire colony using methods that are safe for the pets and children sharing your property.
Rodent Guys provides professional ground squirrel control throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. We use chemical-free trapping and carbon monoxide — no rodenticide bait, no poison. Call 909-599-4711 for a free estimate.
Why Ground Squirrel Control Is Different from Gopher Control
Gophers are solitary — one gopher per tunnel system. Ground squirrels are colonial — where you see one, there is an entire community underground. Eliminating one squirrel does nothing to resolve a ground squirrel infestation. Ground squirrels are also visible above ground throughout the day. If you can see the animal scurrying across your yard, it is almost certainly a ground squirrel rather than a gopher. See our identification guide for help.
Ground Squirrel Control Methods
Trapping. Traps placed at active burrow entrances and along travel corridors are the most targeted ground squirrel control method. Ideal for smaller infestations and properties where minimizing collateral risk is the priority.
Carbon monoxide treatment. Carbon monoxide injected into active burrow systems fills the entire interconnected tunnel network and reaches animals throughout the colony in a single treatment. The preferred method for large colonies and extensive burrow systems — faster than trapping for high-population situations, no surface residue.
Why not rodenticide bait? Bait can be accessed by dogs and cats, and squirrels dying above ground cause secondary poisoning in hawks and owls. Rodent Guys does not use rodenticide bait.
The Disease Risk
California ground squirrels are the primary reservoir of bubonic plague in Southern California. Fleas from infected squirrels can transmit plague to humans and pets. They also carry typhus and other diseases. On properties where children and pets spend time outdoors, ground squirrel control is a health priority. See our guide on ground squirrel health risks.
Preventing Reinfestation
Properties near open space, parks, and hillsides face persistent reinfestation pressure as new squirrels migrate from surrounding areas. Rodent Guys offers ongoing maintenance plans for properties with recurring pressure. Regular monitoring and early treatment is more cost-effective than addressing large infestations repeatedly.
Where Ground Squirrel Control Is Most Needed
LA County foothills: Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont.
Inland Empire foothills: Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland.
Orange County hills: Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Brea, Villa Park, Orange.
Riverside County: Corona, Norco, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula.
View the full service area list for all cities.
Related Articles
- California Ground Squirrel Control — Species Guide
- Pest Control for Ground Squirrels
- Are Ground Squirrels Dangerous?
- Carbon Monoxide Treatment
- Why Rodenticide Is Dangerous for Pets
- Ground Squirrel Service Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Trapping and carbon monoxide treatment are the most effective methods. Trapping targets individuals at burrow entrances. CO addresses entire colonies in a single treatment.
More challenging than gophers because they are colonial. The entire colony must be addressed, and properties near open space face persistent reinfestation.
Yes — only trapping and carbon monoxide, no rodenticide bait. Safe for pets immediately after service.
Initial service $150-$300. Free estimates available — call 909-599-4711.
Call 909-599-4711 for ground squirrel control anywhere in Southern California. Free estimates, chemical-free methods, no rodenticide bait.