How damaging can a ground squirrel or other rodent be?
Ground squirrels live in colonies that may include several dozen individuals in a complex of burrows. They can be very damaging to native vegetation along streams. Ground squirrels eat grain, nuts and fruits, devour plants in their seedling stage and gnaw on tree bark, twigs and leaves. Ground squirrels’ burrows — which can grow to 30 feet or more in length and may extend two to four feet below ground— undermine levees, roadways and structures, endangering wildlife habitat and public safety. They can also harbor harmful diseases, including bubonic plague, which is transmitted to humans by fleas carried by squirrels and other rodents. 2. What are the options for controlling burrowing animals? Control options are heavily influenced by the unique life cycle and behavior of ground squirrels. Baiting — using treated grain to poison squirrels — is most effective in summer and fall when squirrels primarily feed on seeds. Fumigation — using a gas pumped into burrows to kill squirrels — is most
