Have you noticed frustrating new damage in your yard?
Maybe you’re seeing dirt mounds, destroyed landscaping, or ruined garden plants.
If so, you may have a burrowing pest problem – but are the culprits ground squirrels or gophers?
Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we’ve been getting rid of ground squirrels and gophers on Bay Area properties for over 20 years, so we know a thing or two about telling these critters apart.
In this blog, we’ve compiled our knowledge so you can figure out which pest is present and decide on the most effective treatment method.
Key Takeaways
- While ground squirrels and gophers look similar at first glance, they have many significant differences: Ground squirrels are often seen above ground, running around and standing upright. They have slim bodies and bushy tails. Gophers, on the other hand, tend to stay underground and rarely come out of their burrows. They also have thicker bodies and shorter, less bushy tails.
- Once you’ve decided whether you have gophers or ground squirrels, use control methods like baiting, trapping, fencing, and habitat modification to get rid of them.
- If you need extra help coping with these critters, call Smith’s Pest Management to learn more about our services or request a pest control quote: (408) 871-6988.
What are Ground Squirrels?
Ground squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that belong to the Sciuridae family.
Unlike tree squirrels, ground squirrels burrow in the ground and live in open fields and grasslands.
They vary in size from a few inches to nearly a foot long, with rounded bodies, short legs, and bushy tails. Highly social, they live in colonies and communicate through various sounds.
Ground squirrels forage daily and eat seeds, nuts, fruits, and sometimes insects.
They help aerate the soil and serve as prey for many predators, playing a vital role in their ecosystems.
Comparing Ground Squirrels and Gophers
| Species | Appearance | Diet | Behavior |
| Ground Squirrels |
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| Gophers |
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How to Tell if You’re Dealing with Gophers or Ground Squirrels
Identifying the difference between ground squirrels and gophers can be challenging, but it changes how you manage the pests that are destroying your yard.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to tell the difference between the two critters:
| Species | Burrow Entrances | Burrow Systems | Surface Activity | Vegetation Damage |
| Ground Squirrels |
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| Gophers |
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Ground Squirrel Control Tips
Want to get rid of ground squirrels on your property?
Here’s what we recommend:
- Eliminate Shelter: Remove debris, rock piles, and brush to remove shelters for ground squirrels. Keep grasses cut low and vegetation trimmed up to take away their hiding places.
- Fence them Out: Put up an approximately 3-foot tall wire mesh fence around gardens or key landscape areas. Make sure the openings in the wire are smaller than 1 inch. Bury the fence at least 18 inches deep to discourage them from burrowing under. Likewise, use wire mesh to screen off access under all structures where possible.
- Set up Traps: Use live traps, or lethal wildlife traps to catch and remove ground squirrels. Follow local regulations on trapping and relocation. Beware of getting bit by live-trapped animals.
- Use Repellents: Apply heavy doses of commercial repellents several times a week around gardens or plants to create a scent barrier.
- Consider Baiting: Use toxic baits if legal in your area. Be sure to follow all label instructions and local laws. These baits can kill dogs, deer, and other wildlife if used incorrectly.
- Consider Hiring a Pro: For severe infestations, seek help from professional pest control services to create an effective management plan.
To learn more about how to get rid of ground squirrels, check out our blog.
Gopher Control Tips
Send gophers packing with these tips:
- Identify Active Tunnels: To identify active tunnels for gophers, use a probe and a shovel to open up the ground around fresh gopher mounds until you find the active runway. It will be a 1 to 2-inch diameter tunnel located approximately 4 to 6 inches underneath the ground.
- Set Traps: Place wire or box traps in active tunnels to capture gophers. Follow the traps’ instructions for best results.
- Use Baits: Use poison baits labeled for gopher control in the tunnels. Follow the label instructions to avoid harming non-target animals and pets.
- Keep Them Out: Install underground barriers using stainless steel gopher wire mesh, or double galvanized gopher wire mesh. Underground perimeter barriers should extend down at least one foot deep, and be placed underneath the roots of all sensitive plants before planting, and gopher wire should also cover the soil surface wherever possible. The use of prefabricated gopher baskets can make this much easier when protecting individual plants.
- Hire a Pro: Consider hiring professional pest control services to create and implement a management plan for extensive infestations.
For additional resources on gopher control methods, check out our blog.
Need Help Getting Rid of Destructive Pests? We’re Here for you
Controlling ground squirrels and gophers can be tough, but it’s essential if you want to protect your lawn, garden, and outdoor space.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone.
Here at Smith’s Pest Management, our team can help you identify and control gophers, ground squirrels, and any other digging pest that’s set up shop on your property.
We service residents all throughout the Bay Area and Central Coast, from Marin to Monterey.
