Pest Control for Ground Squirrels in Southern California

California ground squirrels are one of the most damaging and potentially dangerous rodent pests in Southern California. Unlike gophers and moles that stay underground, ground squirrels are visible above ground, active during daylight hours, and live in colonies that can number in the dozens on a single property. Effective pest control for ground squirrels requires understanding their colonial behavior and applying methods that address the entire population — not just individual animals.

Rodent Guys provides professional ground squirrel pest control throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. We use chemical-free trapping and carbon monoxide — no rodenticide bait, safe for pets and children, backed by a guarantee. Call 909-599-4711 for a free estimate.

Why Ground Squirrels Require Pest Control

Ground squirrels cause several types of damage that make professional pest control necessary:

Burrow damage. Ground squirrel burrow systems are extensive — multiple entrances, interconnected tunnels, and large underground chambers. Burrows undermine foundations, retaining walls, irrigation lines, and hardscape. On horse properties and ranchettes, burrow openings create ankle-injury hazards for livestock.

Plant damage. Ground squirrels eat seeds, bulbs, tubers, fruits, vegetables, and young plants. A colony of a dozen squirrels can devastate a vegetable garden or ornamental landscape in days.

Disease risk. California ground squirrels are a primary carrier of plague (Yersinia pestis) in Southern California. Fleas from infected squirrels can transmit plague to humans and pets. They also carry typhus and other diseases. Properties where children and pets spend time outdoors should address ground squirrel infestations promptly. See our full guide on why ground squirrels are dangerous.

Colony growth. Left untreated, ground squirrel colonies grow rapidly. A small group of squirrels in spring can become a large established colony by fall. Early treatment is significantly more cost-effective than addressing an established colony.

Pest Control Methods for Ground Squirrels

Trapping. Live traps and lethal traps are both effective for ground squirrel control. Our technicians place traps at burrow entrances and along travel paths where squirrel activity is concentrated. Trapping is the most targeted method — each trap addresses individual animals, making it ideal for smaller infestations and properties where collateral exposure risk must be minimized.

Carbon monoxide treatment. Carbon monoxide injected directly into active burrow systems is highly effective for ground squirrel colonies. CO fills the interconnected tunnel network, reaching animals throughout the system. This method is particularly efficient for large colonies with complex, interconnected burrows — it addresses multiple animals in a single treatment without leaving any surface residue.

Rodenticide bait. Grain-based bait is the most widely used method by general pest control companies because it is fast to deploy across large areas. However, bait poses serious risks to dogs and cats that scavenge bait stations or poisoned squirrels, and causes secondary poisoning in hawks, owls, and foxes. Rodent Guys does not use rodenticide bait.

Ground Squirrels vs. Gophers — Key Differences

Ground squirrels and gophers are both burrowing rodents but require different control approaches. Ground squirrels are social and colonial — where you see one, there are many. Gophers are solitary and territorial — one gopher per tunnel system.

Ground squirrels are visible above ground throughout the day, especially in morning and late afternoon. Gophers are almost never seen above ground. If you can see the animal, it is almost certainly a ground squirrel rather than a gopher.

Ground squirrel burrow entrances are 3-4 inches in diameter and open — no plug. Gopher tunnel openings are plugged with soil. For a full comparison, see our identification guide.

California Ground Squirrel Pest Control

The California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) is the species responsible for ground squirrel infestations throughout Southern California. They are year-round residents in our climate — unlike some ground squirrel species that hibernate, California ground squirrels remain active through most of the year with only a partial summer torpor period during the hottest months.

Foothill communities throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties are the most affected. Properties bordering open space, hillsides, undeveloped land, and parks face the highest pressure. See our California ground squirrel control guide for species-specific information.

Service Areas — Ground Squirrel Pest Control

Rodent Guys provides ground squirrel pest control throughout Southern California including foothill communities in all four counties:

• Los Angeles County: Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Pomona, Diamond Bar, and more
• Orange County: Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Brea, Placentia, Villa Park, Orange, and more
• San Bernardino County: Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, and more
• Riverside County: Corona, Riverside, Norco, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, and more

View the full service area list for all cities served.

Related Articles

• Are Ground Squirrels Dangerous?
• California Ground Squirrel Control Guide
• Gopher vs. Mole vs. Ground Squirrel — Identification
• Carbon Monoxide Treatment — How It Works
• Why Rodenticide Is Dangerous for Pets
• Secondary Poisoning in Hawks and Owls
• Pest Control Cost Guide
• Ground Squirrel Pest Control — Service Page

Call 909-599-4711 for ground squirrel pest control anywhere in Southern California. Free estimates, chemical-free methods, no rodenticide bait.