Ground squirrels become active in the spring as the days get sunnier. The number of calls go up when people get overrun with them or find them under their houses or around outbuildings. Typically, around residential dwellings we like to put out tube traps that work very well.
When using tube traps, to make them safer, you might want to add extension pipes to them. This keeps non-target animals and children out of them, limiting liability.
If ground squirrels are in large areas like fields, you will want to use more than one method to control them. You might want to do a baiting program along with an initial carbon monoxide clean out. Using a blaster is sometimes appropriate, depending on location.
Make sure when meeting up front with your customer you inform them that bringing the squirrel population under control can take time and several visits. Have them sign a contract agreeing to your initial cost and weekly visit service fees to make sure you are both on the same page, so to speak.
Widely Used Methods of Squirrel Control:
- Baiting
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- In-ground Blasting
- Live Trapping
- Kill Trapping
Every method has its advantages and disadvantages. We’ll discuss those next time. Meanwhile, happy hunting!