School Ground Invasion by 13-Lined Ground Squirrels

University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension

13-Lined Ground Squirrel

Photo: University of Nebraska

Drawing: University of Nebraska

13-Lined Ground Squirrel

Size: 11” long (including tail)Weight: 4-5 oz.Diet: grains, grasshoppers, mice, etc.Hibernates: October-Mar/AprilReproduction: 1 litter/yr/3-14 young

Ground Squirrel Hole

CleanOften a second hole 20 feet away

Photo: University of Nebraska

2-3 inch burrow opening

13-Lined Ground Squirrel

Trails through grass; note brown grass line

Photo: University of Nebraska

Ground Squirrel Habitat ModificationAllow grass to grow long and thickDeep soil cultivation can disrupt their activities as well

Photo: University of Nebraska

Ground Squirrel Exclusion

Check for underground pipes and power linesDig an 18” X 18” trench around area you wish to protectInstall 0.5” galvanized hardware cloth on the bottom and up the side extending 3 ft above the ground

Ground Squirrel Exclusion

Install 2-3 ft of sheet metal above the hardware clothGates should permit gaps no larger than 0.5”Prevent digging under threshold with cement

Trapping Safety

Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves when handling traps and animalsAvoid setting traps in areas with high human/pet trafficCheck traps daily. Don’t set them if you can’t check them the next day

Ground Squirrel Control Through Trapping

Rat sized snap traps inside protective containerBaited with peanut butter, apple, or nutmeat

Photo: University of Nebraska

Burrow Cage Traps

Place trap door up against burrow entranceProp trap in placeCheck traps dailyWear gloves when trapping!!

Drawing: University of Nebraska

Photo: University of Nebraska

Ground Squirrel Control through Flooding

Two gallon milk jugs, fill with waterHave you and partner pour water down into holes simultaneouslyKeep jugs inserted into holes. Squirrel will run inside, then secure with screw top cap

Two clean den holes

will be approx 20 ft

apartDrawing: OSHA

Ground Squirrel Repellents

There are no repellents registered for 13-Lined Ground Squirrels

Ground Squirrel Control: Toxicants

Follow Label InstructionsTHE LABEL IS THE LAW!

Ground Squirrel Fumigants

FumigantsSodium NitrateSulfur-Sodium NitrateAluminum Phosphide: Restricted use pesticide

Photo: University of Nebraska

Ground Squirrel Toxicants

BaitsZinc Phosphide: Restricted use pesticidePest Control Applicators License will be neededContact local extension educator to learn how to obtain one

Resources/InformationInternet Center for Wildlife Damage Management

http://icwdm.orgPrevention and Control of Wildlife Damage

http://icwdm.org/handbook/index.htm#omLocal Cooperative Extension/Pesticide Education Office

Learn more about becoming a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Only necessary for Restricted Use Pesticides (Wildlife Damage Control Category 14)

CreditsContent Specialists

Dennis Ferraro, UNL Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County Stephen Vantassel, UNL ExtensionDallas Virchow, UNL Extension

Content EditorErin Bauer, UNL Extension

CreditsPhotos

Dennis Ferraro, UNL Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County Stephen Vantassel, UNL ExtensionDallas Virchow, Wildlife Services, USDA-APHISOSHA

Artwork/GraphicsUNL Extension