Ground squirrels dig burrows and tunnels in yards, orchards and gardens. They eat whole seedlings, nibble tops of vegetables, and eat fruits and berries, thus destroying the vegetable garden. The tunnels appear as raised lines in the lawn. Walking across a lawn with ground squirrel tunnels is like walking on a grass covered sponge, as the tunnels cave in beneath the feet.
To remove ground squirrels, use tube snap traps. Another way is to install sound repelling devices, featuring two types: one for above ground, long distance coverage; the other a “ground stake” low profile design. The above ground squirrel repellers are very effective to the extent they can chase away animals already living in the yard.
Coffee grounds work as natural pesticides for insects and animals that damage plants. Most people don’t like the thought of killing ground squirrels, even though they are a major problem. On one hand ground squirrels provide entertainment, on the other they destroy the vegetable garden.
Are chipmunks and ground squirrels the same?
Chipmunks and ground squirrels seem similar. However, differences exist. Chipmunks consume smaller plants. Ground squirrels belong to the squirrel family Sciuridae. This family has tree and ground squirrels. Ground squirrels belong to the subfamily Xerinae which has 26 genuses.
The difference lies in their appearance. Ground squirrels have smaller, closer ears. They have larger, bushier tails. Chipmunks have stripes; ground squirrels sometimes do.
Moreover, chipmunks are smaller, around 5-8 inches long and 1-6 ounces. Ground squirrels measure 9-20 inches and weigh up to 14 ounces. The small chipmunk can easily run underground. The larger ground squirrel better covers ground above.
Additionally, chipmunks have fuzzy, erect tails held high when running. Ground squirrels have streamlined, low tails. Only chipmunk bodies have stripes. Ground squirrels lack stripes.
Both build underground burrows up to 30 feet with tunnels. However, chipmunks prefer forests and yards while ground squirrels like grassy areas. Only ground squirrels hibernate. Both are active during the day.
Ground squirrels seem more solitary. Chipmunks appear more playful, storing nuts and seeds. Tell them apart by head stripes, body shape and habitats.
What states do ground squirrels live?
Ground squirrels live in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa in open habitats like grasslands, savannas, open forests, rocky areas, mountains, and arid regions. The name refers to small rodents that dig burrows and live on the ground rather than in trees.
Richardson’s ground squirrels are one of 21 ground squirrel species in North America. They don’t need big bushy tails for balance like tree squirrels. Ground squirrels tunnel and forage, causing problems for farmers and ranchers. We’ll explore their habitats and permanent removal.
They usually live in open fields, pastures, hills, yards, golf courses, gardens and parks. Look for squirrels and where they burrow. The ground must be soft and dry. Squirrels burrow underground rather than in trees.
There are two introduced squirrel species in Australia – the American grey and northern palm squirrels. The southern flying squirrel lives in eastern USA. The northern flying squirrel lives along the West Coast and into the Northwest. Squirrels live on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Tree squirrels prefer woods while ground squirrels fit their name.
California ground squirrels live in colonies in burrows where they sleep, rest, store food and raise young. Their systems have multiple entrances with scattered soil. They prefer open rocky areas, fields, pastures and hills but also live in grassy areas like parks and golf courses. The eastern chipmunk lives about three years. Other names for ground squirrels include suslik and gopher.
California ground squirrels breed and mate in burrows. Without a hillside they dig vertically several feet. Their burrows range from 5-35 feet long and 4-5 inches wide. In cold areas they hibernate; in hot areas they estivate.
The African ground squirrels from the Xerini tribe inhabit dry, open savannas and sometimes disturbed forests. The cape and mountain ground squirrels live as far as South Africa. The Barbary ground squirrel lives in northern Africa’s mountains. One species ranges from northeastern Iran to southeastern Kazakhstan. Their shared burrows can be very large.
In cold areas, California ground squirrels hibernate for months. In warm areas with no snow they are active year-round. In hot areas they may estivate for days. Ground squirrels are beneficial, aerating soil and improving water retention. But they also damage gardens. They are prey for many predators. The species ranges depends on the region. Eastern gray and fox squirrels live in eastern USA. Flying squirrels live out west and up north. Ground squirrels fit their name.
How can you tell a squirrel from a ground squirrel?
You might not be able to tell the difference, but with a careful eye you will notice tree squirrels have bushier tails to help balance when climbing trees. Whereas ground squirrels have shorter and less bushy tails, and their fur is tan-grey with gray and white spots. Chipmunks Tamias are easily identified by the light and dark stripes on their back and head. However, they can be confused with some of the striped ground squirrels. Chipmunks are smaller and have facial markings and five dark stripes down the back, including a distinct midline extending to the head.
Typically, tree squirrels will climb up a nearby tree when scared. Ground squirrels will scurry off into a hole. Squirrels look similar, but ground squirrels may have markings like white rings around their eyes or stripes down their backs. Tree squirrels often have lighter-colored undersides and no markings. The average lifespan of a squirrel is 5-6 years. They can live up to 15 years in the wild. Although ground squirrels look similar to tree squirrels and can climb trees, when frightened they generally will retreat to a burrow, whereas tree squirrels will climb a tall structure and never use a burrow.