School Ground Invasion by 13-Lined Ground Squirrels
Transcript of School Ground Invasion by 13-Lined Ground Squirrels
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