California homeowners are facing an emergency as invasive ground squirrels wreak havoc on properties across the state. The passage of The California Ecosystems Protection Act of 2023 (Assembly Bill 1322) has effectively removed the most reliable tools for combating these destructive pests, leaving residents scrambling for ineffective and costly alternatives.
Ground squirrels, once controlled by rodenticides, are now surging into suburban neighborhoods, causing extensive damage. The new legislation bans the use of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, like Diphacinone, that pest management professionals have relied on for decades. This ban leaves homeowners without affordable or lasting solutions to protect their properties.
Zachary Smith, a licensed pest control professional and founder of Bay Area-based Smith’s Pest Management, reports a significant increase in inquiries from desperate Californians. “Homeowners are in a state of panic,” says Smith. “The tools we used to rely on are gone, and what’s left is either ineffective or impractical for most properties.”
The Dire Impact of Assembly Bill 1322
Assembly Bill 1322 has turned ground squirrel control into a near-impossible task for most homeowners. Here are the critical changes:
- Millions in Property Damage: With the traditional rodenticides off the table, ground squirrels are free to cause unprecedented levels of damage. Their burrowing can undermine the structural integrity of homes, patios, and fences, leading to costly repairs. Ground squirrels also wreak havoc on gardens and lawns, destroying expensive landscaping and reducing property values. Smith estimates that without effective control measures, ground squirrel damage could exceed $1 billion over the next few years.
- Holistic Methods Fall Short: The law encourages sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategies. While well-intentioned, these methods are often impractical and expensive for the average homeowner. The bill promotes trapping and exclusion, both of which are costly and labor-intensive.
- Limited Effective Products: The remaining rodenticide, Rozol Ground Squirrel Bait, must be used at least 50 feet from any structure, making it useless for most suburban properties. Additionally, this product requires a professional license, putting it out of reach for homeowners.
Health Hazards: Disease Spread and Human Interactions
As ground squirrel populations surge, the risk of human and squirrel interactions increases, especially in public places like parks, stadiums, and schools. Uncontrolled squirrel populations can lead to frequent encounters with people, raising health and safety concerns. Ground squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that pose risks to humans and pets, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and even the bubonic plague.
Ground squirrels have been spotted at the Concord Pavilion during concerts, where they interact with guests at concession stands and lawn seating areas. In Castro Valley, ground squirrels were found in an elementary school cafeteria, stealing food from students’ tables during lunchtime. These interactions can lead to bites, the spread of diseases, and flea infestations.
Ineffective and Costly Alternatives
With traditional baits off the table, Californians are left with few options:
- Trapping: While effective, trapping is expensive and labor-intensive. It requires professional setup and monitoring, making it an unfeasible solution for many.
- Fencing: Creating barriers to keep ground squirrels out is nearly impossible and extremely costly. Most fences are ineffective as ground squirrels can climb over or dig under them.
- Repellents: These only work if applied constantly throughout the spring, summer, and fall, making them an impractical long-term solution.
A Call to Action
As ground squirrel invasions continue to surge, California homeowners are left feeling abandoned and unprotected. Smith warns that without a viable solution, the state will see increasing property damage and financial strain on its residents.
“It’s a crisis,” Smith emphasizes. “We need immediate attention and action to provide homeowners with effective tools to manage these invasive pests.”
For interviews and more insights into the new law and possible homeowner solutions, contact Zachary Smith at Smith’s Pest Management.
