There are five species of ground squirrels that are native to California. The ground squirrel that is most likely to be encountered in Los Angeles County is the California Ground Squirrel also known as the Beechy Ground Squirrel.

How Do I Know if I Have Ground Squirrels ?
The California ground squirrel can be identified by physical as well as behavioral characteristics. Adult ground squirrels can reach an overall length of 18-20 inches with the body slightly longer than the tail. California ground squirrels are gray with lighter flecks distributed over the surface of the back and sides. The nape of the neck has a pair of dark triangular patches that extend just beyond the shoulders. A noticeable white fringe adorns the sides and tip of the tail. When frightened they always seek shelter in an underground burrow. Ground squirrel live in unplugged burrows in the ground that are approximately 4 inches across and are active only during the day.

Damage
Ground squirrels damage many fruit and nut trees as well as vegetables and ornamental plants. They may damage young trees, shrubs and vines by gnawing bark, girdling trunks, eating twigs and leaves, and burrowing around roots. Ground squirrels will chew on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation pipe. They also feed on the eggs of ground nesting birds, such as pheasant and quail. Their extensive burrows damage landscaping and undermine structures, roads, dams, and slopes contributing to erosion. When populations become unnaturally high, their burrowing and feeding activities may serve to degrade an area’s biodiversity, sometimes leaving it a pockmarked moonscape.

Control
California ground squirrels do very well in areas disturbed or altered by man which border a natural setting. In fact, in these areas ground squirrel populations may increase to many times the level it would be in a truly natural environment. It is in these situations that control frequently becomes necessary.
The most effective control measures for ground squirrels are poison baits, burrow fumigants and trapping. The last two techniques are options that a homeowner can use successfully. Control measures are available from hardware and garden supply stores as well as the Agricultural Commissioners office at cost. However, due to a change in US EPA labeling requirements, poison baits distributed by the County Agricultural Commissioner offices are no longer available for sale to the general public. Remember, poison baits can pose a risk to pets and wildlife if used improperly- FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS VERY CAREFULLY.

Legal Status
Ground squirrels are classified as nongame mammals by the California Fish and Game code. Nongame mammals which are found to be injuring crops or other property may be controlled at any time or in any manner that is legal and humane by the owner or tenant of the property. They may also be controlled by federal, state or county officers or employees while acting in their official capacities.

More Information
For more detailed information on ground squirrel control, contact the office of the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures Department, Pest Management Division at (626) 575-5462 and request a copy of the PEST INFORMATION SERIES on Ground Squirrels. The document can also be downloaded by clicking here.