Ground Squirrel ControlSeveral varieties of ground squirrels and their little cousins, chipmunks, are found locally. Ground squirrels include: the rock squirrel (Spermophilus variegates), Wyoming (or Richardson’s) ground squirrel (Spermophilus elegans), 13-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), and golden-mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis). The two chipmunks are: the Colorado chipmunk (Tamias quadrivittatus) and least chipmunk (Tamias minimis).
All local ground squirrels and chipmunks are native in various habitats and all hibernate. Rock squirrels are rather large speckled gray or tan squirrels with a bushy tail. They are a real nuisance burrowing under concrete and eating flowers. They are quite common in the higher rocky areas of Colorado Springs. The Wyoming ground squirrel resembles a miniature prairie dog in appearance and habits. They like mountain meadows at higher elevations. 13-lined ground squirrels are small, short-grass prairie animals that resemble a pale, slender chipmunk. Golden-mantled ground squirrels look like chipmunks on steroids. They and true chipmunks are found in rocky areas from Colorado Springs west all the way up to timberline.
Ground squirrels can be effectively controlled with the use of EPA registered poison baits or by live-trapping/relocation. Chipmunks can be live-trapped and relocated. We can provide any of these services.
We’ll have more information about ground squirrel and chipmunk biology, problems they pose, and solutions we offer coming soon. In the meantime, if you have a ground squirrel or chipmunk problem, call us at 719-636-1014 for an assessment and prices. |
