Control of Tree & Richardson Ground Squirrel

Other Names: Chipmunks, gophers, prairie gophers, yellow gophers, picketpins, flickertails and tawny American marmots.

The Richardson Ground Squirrel was named after the naturalist John Richardson who first collected specimens of the rodent in the early 1820's.

Introduction:

These cute critters are territorial, closely related and hibernate during winter. All bury their “stash�?and are able to sniff and dig out weeks later even through several inches of snow.

Tree squirrels are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, scampering along tree limbs, occasionally stopping to scold and chatter at creatures which pass by.

Ground squirrels live in large colonies with their own individual territory. They sleep underground from just before sunset until shortly after sunrise.

Physical Description:

Tree squirrels and chipmunks are universally recognized by their bushy tails. As the ground squirrel has a very short, fur covered tail.

For both tree and ground squirrels sizes are variable but up to about 12�?(30 cm) and weigh about 1 lb (500 g).

Tree squirrels colours range from tan, grays, silvers, red and occasionally black. Ground squirrels are usually brown above with tan below.

Life Cycle:

Most squirrels are territorial and antisocial, except during breeding season. Both are vulnerable to diseases and to internal and external parasites including ticks as well as predators.

In the wild they rarely live past the age of four years. Up to one-half of the population of squirrels perishes in any given year mainly because of starvation and predation. Populations fluctuate due to availability of food and habitat.

Habits:

Squirrels chastise anyone who violates their territory and store nuts and food for winter. They can locate their catch weeks later by using their keen noses, even through several inches of snow. Squirrels (and ground squirrels) hibernate during winter.

Richardson's ground squirrels hibernate up to eight months, alone in burrows which are plugged off with soil. Males emerge from hibernation from late February to mid March while females come out a few weeks later. Each burrow system has up to seven exits and five sleeping areas, which may be used for rearing young. Vacated burrow systems are soon taken over by dispersing Richardson’s ground squirrels. They also avoid heavily forested areas preferring open plains with short grasses.

Stored food is only eaten once the squirrel has come out of hibernation

Garden Targets:

Both critters love to dig in gardens, uproot planted bulbs, leaves, roots, plants and seeds. Garden feasts include corn, fruits, berries, newly planted seeds, tender bulbs, wild nuts, mushrooms, and insects. They will also nibble on cucumber seeds, strawberries, veggies and tomatoes.

Richardson’s ground squirrels do not kill for food, but they sometimes nibble on easy-to-obtain meat such as road kill.

Signs of Damage:

They enjoy digging up seeds, bulbs, transplants and entire plants. Some enjoy sampling on ears of corn, bark from young trees and raiding bird feeders.

Deterrents:

Ground squirrels are deterred by scent. Use blood meal when planting. Also use a plant spray made from hot peppers. Prowling cats and rampaging dogs are also a good deterrent. Try placing dog or cat hair in panty hose around the garden will also discourage these furry friends.

With corn cover ears with paper bags tied with string or rubber bands after the silks have turned brown. You can also try applying drops of hot ground pepper, and mineral oil applied to the silks of corn. 

They scout for enemies from the protection of their burrows entrance. Try establishing a tall groundcover to block their view at ground level.

If you live on acreage consider planting a shelterbelt or large native trees. This will help attract birds of prey.

Exclusion:

Try spraying repellants on bulbs and seeds then place chicken wire over freshly planted seeds and bulbs. Discourage from climbing by using baffles to protect bird feeders, metal bands wrapped around the tree trunk and tumblers to discourage sitting on top of ears or posts.

Some research has shown use of tall vegetation will cause a ground squirrel to relocate to areas with open fields.

Natural Controls:

The use of raptor (hawk and owl) nest boxes and perches close to ground and tree squirrel colonies and may reduce their numbers and limit colony growth.

Predators:

House cats, dogs, wildcats, foxes, hawks, falcons, coyotes, weasels, badgers and rattlesnakes. The only predator capable of getting into the ground squirrel’s tunnels is the badger

Removal:

Use live traps baited with oranges, apples, peanut butter or raisins. Use a metal commercial live trap as they will eat through a wood contraption. Be sure to check daily.

Poisons, Smoke and Explosives:

All should be avoided because of questionable results and effects on pets, domestic animals and wildlife.