How to Get Rid of Ground Squirrels in Southern California

Effective Ground Squirrel Control — What Works and What Does Not

Getting rid of ground squirrels is more challenging than gopher or mole control for one key reason: ground squirrels are social animals. Eliminating one individual does not solve the problem — the colony continues and new individuals move in to fill vacated territory. Effective ground squirrel control requires a sustained management approach rather than a one-time fix.

Step 1 — Assess the Scope of the Problem

Before treating, understand what you are dealing with. Ground squirrel colonies range from a few individuals on a residential property to dozens on larger acreage. Signs of active ground squirrel activity:

Open burrow entrances 3-4 inches in diameter, often at the base of fences, walls, or slopes

Squirrels visible above ground during daylight hours — ground squirrels are active during the day

Gnawed vegetation, chewed bark, and stripped garden plants

Disturbed soil and excavated burrow entrances with fresh dirt

Trapping — The Most Effective Method

Professional trapping at active burrow entrances is the most effective ground squirrel control method for residential properties. Traps are placed at burrow openings and along travel corridors. For established colonies, multiple trapping visits over several weeks are required to address the full population.

DIY live trapping is possible but requires consistent monitoring and a legal relocation destination. Kill traps are more effective for rapid population reduction but require correct placement and daily checking.

Important: ground squirrel trapping does not include a guarantee. New squirrels can move in from neighboring properties within days of treatment. Ongoing management is typically required for lasting control.

Exclusion — Protecting Specific Areas

Physical exclusion prevents ground squirrels from accessing specific areas:

Hardware cloth fencing buried 12 inches deep with an L-shaped footer prevents burrowing under fences

Wire mesh over garden beds protects vegetables from above-ground foraging

Trunk guards protect young trees from bark stripping

Exclusion does not eliminate ground squirrels from the property but redirects activity away from protected areas.

What Does NOT Work for Ground Squirrel Control

Repellents — Castor oil, predator urine, and commercial repellents do not provide lasting control for established colonies

Ultrasonic devices — No scientific evidence of effectiveness against ground squirrels

Flooding burrows — Ground squirrels escape or quickly re-excavate flooded burrows

One-time treatment — Without follow-up management, new squirrels reinvade treated areas

Ground Squirrel Poison — Risks and Restrictions

Rodenticide can be effective for large-scale ground squirrel control but carries significant risks in residential settings — secondary poisoning of dogs, cats, and raptors is a serious concern. California restricts second-generation anticoagulants to licensed pest control operators.

Rodent Guys does not use rodenticide. We provide chemical-free trapping that is safe for pets and wildlife.

Professional Ground Squirrel Control

For established colonies or persistent pressure, professional management provides the most consistent results. Rodent Guys offers ongoing ground squirrel control programs with scheduled trapping visits to maintain control over time.

Call 909-599-4711 for professional ground squirrel control throughout Southern California.

Ground Squirrel Control Service | Gopher Control | All Services