Are 13 striped ground squirrels destructive?
These squirrels can cause structural damage due to tunnels under patios, stairs, and foundations. However, their burrows are the most common type of lawn damage caused by Thirteen-lined ground squirrels.
How much damage can a ground squirrel do?
There are so many ways a ground squirrel can cause damage. They can damage plants in landscaping. They can damage gardens and fruit-producing trees. They can displace dirt under foundation slabs and cause cracks.
What do ground squirrels hate?
White pepper and cayenne smells frequently discourage squirrels, for example. If you sprinkle your plants with flakes of cayenne pepper, it might keep unwelcome pests out of your garden. Squirrels also dislike garlic and black pepper smells. Raccoons share this aversion to the smell of pepper.
How do you get rid of thirteen-lined ground squirrel?
Zinc phosphide (2 percent) is the only bait registered for control of thirteen-lined ground squirrels, and is cost- effective when large areas and several ground squirrels are to be treated. Some labels are General Use Pesticides (GUP) so a pesticide applicator’s license is not required.
What poison kills ground squirrels?
Zinc phosphide* is an acute toxicant that can also be use to control ground squirrels. It kills ground squirrels after a single feeding, so it can reduce numbers more quickly than anticoagulants. However, zinc phosphide* has a distinctive odor and taste that many ground squirrels seem to avoid.
Do ground squirrels damage houses?
Ground squirrels are pests that eat crops and can significantly damage plants, trees and vegetables. Though they don’t typically enter homes, ground squirrels are notorious for burrowing. They may burrow under patios, stairs and foundations, potentially causing expensive structural damage.
How long do 13 lined ground squirrels live?
Life span: Thirteen-lined ground squirrels have many predators (coyotes, hawks, owls, snakes and cats to name a few) so mortality is high. Five years is probably the maximum life span. Habitat: Thirteen-lined ground squirrels prefer flat, open grasslands or other dry, open fields wherever cover is short.
What kind of squirrel is a thirteen lined squirrel?
Although often called “striped gophers,” thirteen-lined ground squirrels actually belong to the squirrel family, which includes chipmunks, ground squirrels, tree squirrels, prairie dogs, and woodchucks.
What kind of damage does a ground squirrel do?
In rural areas, ground squirrels can do extensive damage to cropland or pastures. They may dig up newly planted seeds, eat sprouting plants and weaken earthen dikes with their burrows.
How is the population of ground squirrels controlled?
Ground squirrels can be controlled by a number of different methods. Where ground squirrel populations are high, several control methods may need to be used at the same time. Regular control may be required to prevent re-infestation from surrounding populations.
Is it legal to trap ground squirrels in Texas?
Although it is legal to trap ground squirrels at any time, persons wishing to live trap the animals and then relocate them should notify local representatives of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For additional information, contact the nearest office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service–Wildlife Services.