To trap ground squirrels, place live or lethal traps right at the openings of their active burrows — that’s where they travel and where trapping works best. Ground squirrels are a different problem from the tree squirrels that get into attics: they’re burrowing rodents that damage lawns, gardens, and crops, and most live trapping is done for removal because relocation is restricted in many areas.
Key Takeaways
- Trap at active burrow entrances — that’s where ground squirrels reliably travel.
- Identify active burrows first (fresh diggings, open holes) so you don’t waste traps.
- Live cage traps and lethal traps both work — choice depends on your goal and local law.
- Bait with nuts, seeds, or greens, and pre-bait unset traps to build trust.
- Check regulations — relocating ground squirrels is often restricted; some species are protected.
Ground squirrels vs. tree squirrels
It’s worth being clear which animal you have, because the approach differs:
- Tree squirrels (gray, fox, red) nest above ground and get into attics — handled with exclusion and structural trapping.
- Ground squirrels live in extensive underground burrow systems in open ground. They damage lawns and gardens, undermine structures with tunnels, and eat crops. This page is about them (UC IPM: Ground Squirrels).
Step 1: Find the active burrows
Ground squirrel colonies riddle an area with holes, but not all are in use. Before setting traps, identify the active burrows:
- Look for fresh soil, open (not cobwebbed) entrances, and squirrels seen entering or leaving.
- Active burrows are where trapping pays off — setting traps at abandoned holes wastes effort.
Step 2: Choose and place your traps
Two trap types are standard:
- Live cage traps catch the squirrel unharmed. Place them directly at or beside an active burrow entrance, or along the runways between burrows and feeding areas.
- Lethal traps (box or tunnel-style kill traps) offer a quick dispatch where relocation isn’t permitted; set them at burrow openings per the instructions.
Position traps where the squirrels naturally travel, and anchor them so a struggling animal can’t drag them off.
Step 3: Bait and pre-bait
Ground squirrels respond to walnuts, almonds, oats, barley, and fresh greens. A useful trick is pre-baiting: leave traps unset and baited for a few days so the squirrels get used to feeding from them without being caught. Once they’re feeding confidently, set the traps. This sharply increases your catch rate.
Step 4: Check traps often and follow the law
- Check traps at least once a day (more in heat) — it’s both humane and legally required in many places.
- Know your regulations. Relocating ground squirrels is restricted or prohibited in many states, and some ground squirrel species are protected. Confirm the rules with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before relocating anything.
- Combine with habitat control. Ground squirrels thrive where there’s cover and food. Removing brush piles, controlling weeds, and (for larger infestations) other regulated control methods support trapping.
When trapping isn’t enough
Large agricultural ground squirrel infestations often need an integrated program — trapping plus burrow treatments and habitat management under your local agricultural guidelines. For a few squirrels in a yard or garden, burrow-entrance trapping with pre-baiting usually does the job. For the tree-squirrel version of this problem, see how to get rid of squirrels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you place traps for ground squirrels?
Right at the entrances of active burrows, or along the runways between burrows and feeding areas — that’s where ground squirrels reliably travel. Setting traps at abandoned burrows wastes effort, so identify the active holes (fresh soil, open entrances) first.
What is the best bait for ground squirrels?
Walnuts, almonds, oats, barley, and fresh greens work well. Pre-baiting — leaving traps unset and baited for a few days so the squirrels feed without being caught — significantly improves your success once you set the traps.
Can I relocate ground squirrels I trap?
Often not legally. Relocation is restricted or prohibited in many states, and some ground squirrel species are protected. Check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before relocating, since the rules vary widely by location and species.
How do I get rid of ground squirrels permanently?
Combine burrow-entrance trapping with habitat control — remove cover and food sources, control weeds, and for larger infestations follow an integrated program under local agricultural guidelines. Trapping reduces numbers; removing what attracts them keeps new squirrels from moving in.