Ground Squirrel Control

Bay Area's Gopher & Pest Control Specialists

The Pests Stop Here!

(408) 871-6988

Get Rid of Ground Squirrels

california ground squirrel

California ground squirrels are most active from spring through fall, but they’re a year-round problem due to their rapid breeding and burrowing nature.
A single ground squirrel burrow could have ten squirrels inside, and they can burrow under concrete and dig under fences to gain access to the property.

Ground squirrels destroy everything in their path, causing between $10,000 and $50,000 in damages every year. At Smith’s, we offer residential and commercial ground squirrel trapping and baiting solutions in California from Novato to Concord to Monterey.

If ground squirrels are causing issues around your home or business, we’re ready to help: (408) 871-6988

Our Ground Squirrel Control Process

Ground squirrels have between five and nine babies per season which makes it necessary to take action quickly if you suspect you have ground squirrels.

The longer you delay in taking action, the more damage the squirrels will cause and the more it will cost you. Ground squirrels will inhabit old burrows, so not only is it important to remove the critters currently living under your yard, but their burrow openings must be filled in as well to reduce repeat instances of ground squirrels damaging your property.

Here’s how we get rid of ground squirrels:

1

Ground Squirrel Inspection

The first step in removing ground squirrels is to locate their burrow sites and determine how they’re accessing your property. A licensed pest control technician will visit your property, complete a thorough inspection, and evaluate the population density of neighboring properties. We’ll also assess the extent of damage to your property.

2

Develop a Management Plan

Based on the inspection findings, Smith’s will develop a plan to manage the ground squirrel infestation. Smith’s relies on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to reduce the use of poison. IPM plans address what attracts ground squirrels to your property, how they get in, and what they do once they’re there.

3

Ground Squirrel Elimination

Many of our customers call us for help after trying do-it-yourself methods of squirrel control ranging from injecting chemicals into squirrel burrows, blocking burrows with coyote urine, concrete, or even cat feces – but none of these methods prevent ground squirrels effectively. Some customers have tried other local pest control companies that use a watery sand injection to safely remove ground squirrels but end up calling us for help because the method is not 100% effective.

Ground Squirrel Exclusion

While we do not provide ground squirrel exclusion, we will make recommendations if we see exclusion is necessary to prevent these destructive pests.

The goal of our ground squirrel control methods is to make your property less attractive to the critters. Ground squirrel exclusion involves installing barriers that prevent entry, improving concrete structures, adding tree and shrub screening, and adding impediments to slow ground squirrels down.

Smith's Ground Squirrel Control Methods

Smith’s ground squirrel elimination methods may involve trapping, fumigation, or poison.

Ground Squirrel Trapping

After your inspection, Smith’s will place an appropriate number of above-ground traps to eliminate ground squirrels from your property discreetly. Smith’s maintains the appropriate trapper’s license required for trapping and will return to check your traps every 24 hours as required by California law.

Ground Squirrel Fumigation

Smith’s uses an injection of carbon monoxide into ground squirrel burrows to eliminate ground squirrels humanely. After injecting the carbon monoxide, our pest control technician will cover the burrow with dirt. During a follow-up visit, the technician will look for open burrows which are often a sign that squirrels from neighboring properties have entered the burrows after the treatment. If found, we create a new plan for ground squirrel removal.

Ground Squirrel Baiting

If your inspection reveals the best option for ground squirrel removal is through baiting, Smith’s will assess the pest level and set up bait stations. The bait stations contain an appropriate amount of poison which is lethal to ground squirrels but are impossible for pets or children to access. Smith’s pest control technicians will return to check and refill the bait stations until all of the ground squirrels are gone. A ground squirrel infestation may require one to three months to resolve.

Annual Ground Squirrel Baiting

To protect your property year-round, Smith’s offers an annual ground squirrel control program. We visit your property regularly to prevent and remove ground squirrels as needed for a flat, monthly rate.

Where We Service

service area map
  • Fremont
  • Hayward
  • Oakland
  • Pleasanton
  • Alameda
  • Berkeley
  • Livermore
  • Dublin
  • Piedmont
  • Concord
  • Danville
  • Walnut Creek
  • Clayton
  • San Ramon
  • Lafayette
  • Orinda
  • Novato
  • Mill Valley
  • San Rafael
  • Stinson Beach
  • Greenbrae
  • San Anselmo
  • Fairfax
  • Ross
  • Tiburon
  • Belvedere
  • Larkspur
  • Monterey
  • Carmel
  • Seaside
  • Salinas
  • Santa Cruz
  • Soquel
  • Capitola
  • Aptos
  • Watsonville
  • Bonny Doon
  • Corralitos
  • Belmont
  • Woodside
  • San Mateo
  • Daly City
  • Menlo Park
  • Millbrae
  • Redwood City
  • Foster City
  • Half Moon Bay
  • Portola Valley
  • Hillsborough
  • San Carlos
  • Atherton
  • San Jose
  • Gilroy
  • Los Altos
  • Los Gatos
  • Morgan Hill
  • Palo Alto
  • Mountain View
  • Saratoga
  • Sunnyvale
  • Cupertino
  • Sebastopol
  • Santa Rosa
  • Rohnert Park
  • Penngrove
  • Petaluma
  • Sonoma
  • Kenwood
  • Glen Ellen

Smith's Ground Squirrel Control Guarantee

A ground squirrel guarantee may be available for your property, please ask us for details.

Nancy G. - Atherton, CA

“For years I’ve raised all the produce in my garden that we eat in our home. One year we started having gopher problems. When I contacted a local pest control company they wanted to use poison which we did not agree with. Smiths offered a non toxic and effective approach to getting rid of my gophers, moles, and rats.”