Ground Squirrel Damage: Signs and What to Do

Identifying and Stopping Ground Squirrel Damage in Southern California

California ground squirrels cause some of the most extensive property damage of any burrowing rodent in Southern California. Unlike gophers (rarely seen) and moles (almost never seen), ground squirrels are highly visible — active above ground throughout the day — making their presence unmistakable. Their damage, however, runs both above and below ground.

Types of Ground Squirrel Damage

Burrow systems: The most serious form of ground squirrel damage. Colony burrow networks extend 5-30 feet horizontally and up to 6 feet deep. These systems can:

Undermine retaining walls, foundations, and concrete structures

Destabilize slopes and embankments

Create open burrow entrances that are trip and fall hazards

Channel water during rain events, increasing erosion

Garden and landscape damage: Ground squirrels forage aggressively above ground, eating:

Vegetables, fruits, and nuts from gardens and orchards

Flower bulbs and ornamental plants

Bark from young trees (girdling can kill the tree)

Seeds and birdfeeders

Irrigation and utility damage: Ground squirrels chew through drip tubing, wiring, and other buried infrastructure near their burrow systems. Lawn damage: Burrow excavation and surface foraging creates extensive bare soil areas and uneven lawn surfaces.

Ground Squirrel Damage vs Gopher Damage

The key visual difference: ground squirrels leave open burrow entrances 3-4 inches in diameter, often at the base of fences or along embankments. Gopher mounds are fan-shaped dirt piles with plugged entrances. If you see the animal itself — a brown, spotted rodent 9-11 inches long sitting upright — it is a ground squirrel, not a gopher.

How Quickly Does Ground Squirrel Damage Accumulate?

Ground squirrel colonies grow quickly. A pair of squirrels can produce 5-8 offspring per year. An unmanaged colony can grow from 2-3 individuals to 15-20+ within a few seasons, with burrow systems expanding proportionally. Early treatment prevents exponential damage accumulation.

Professional Ground Squirrel Control

Rodent Guys provides chemical-free ground squirrel control throughout Southern California. Due to the mobile nature of ground squirrels, our service does not include a guarantee — but our professional trapping programs provide the most effective available control.

Call 909-599-4711 for professional ground squirrel control.

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