The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is a common pest in and around building foundations, golf courses, gardens, and lawns. Their primary seasons for activity are early spring until mid-fall. When inactive, the ground squirrel is hibernating underground. Upon emerging in the spring, the first order of duty is to mate. It takes about a month before females give birth. Preferred habitats of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel are open fields and brushy areas. Their diet consists mostly of seeds, fruits, roots, green vegetation, and insects. This presents problems in cultivated areas since there are newly planted seeds and other vegetation for ready consumption.

If thirteen-lined ground squirrels have invaded an area of land near and dear to you, they can be controlled where permitted. Some states have restrictions on control methods permitted and control activities may require a permit. The squirrel may be protected to varying degrees by some states. Check with the state regulatory agency before trying to control these squirrels.

Control measures can become quite complex depending on the type of ground squirrel, the level of infestation, and any environmental factors. Two primary control means are traps and specially designed rodenticides or baits. Traps can work well, but they need to be the correct type, placed properly, and monitored. The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is one of the smaller species of ground squirrels, so they need a trap which is properly sized. Traps, also, should be used for smaller infestations. Larger infestations need stronger control methods such as baits. Take care to ensure proper selection of product and research how to best use it/them. There is a third commonly applied option which is fumigation by a trained professional properly licensed by the state. Whichever method you chose, it’s recommended to find a solution which can be applied in the early spring prior to young being born, when there are fewer squirrels.

As always, it’s recommended to consult a pest control professional prior to attempting to control any pest population.