ground squirrel control - utah pests...after the alfalfa had greened up we tested using zinc...

41
extension.usu.edu Ground Squirrel Control Mark Nelson, USU Extension, Beaver County extension.usu.edu

Upload: others

Post on 06-Jul-2020

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Ground Squirrel ControlMark Nelson, USU Extension, Beaver County

extension.usu.edu

Page 2: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Pest Identification

Never attempt a

pest control

program until

you are sure of

what the pest is.

Page 3: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Page 4: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Pocket Gopher vs Ground

SquirrelsPocket Gophers Ground Squirrels

extension.usu.edu

Page 5: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Townsend Ground Squirrel

Is a small gray squirrel

found in Nevada and

Western Utah.

Adults may be up to 7

inches long and the

belly and flanks are

mostly white.

Page 6: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Hundreds of acres of

alfalfa ground in western

Beaver County are infested.

The Townsend Ground

Squirrels are also found in

Iron, Milliard, Sanpete and

Sevier Counties.

The problem has increased

substantially the last few

years.

Page 7: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

The infestations began along the fence lines but

have now moved into the fields.

Page 8: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

IPM/Sustainable Ag Grant

I received a several

grants to conduct

research trials to

compare the

effectiveness of

different rodenticides.

Page 9: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Start Control Early

Once the alfalfa greens

up it is hard to get the

squirrels to eat the bait.

The squirrels will eat a

lot of different things

early in the spring but

after the alfalfa greens up

they only eat the alfalfa.

Page 10: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Eliminating Piles

The old cement ditches

are a great place for

squirrels to build their

burrows.

You should burn brush

piles and eliminate trash

piles

Page 11: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Shooting

Page 12: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Trapping Squirrels

Trapping squirrels would work well in towns and around homes where you can’t use baiting, shooting or you only have a few squirrels to control.

We tried many different baits and found that cabbage and apples, (fresh material) works best.

Page 13: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Live Animal Trap

Animals must be

humanely

euthanized after

being caught.

Trapping is not a

science it’s an

art.

Page 14: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Flooding

Flooding is an effective

way to kill the squirrels.

The water forces the

squirrels out of the holes

but you have to have

dogs or some other

method to kill the

squirrels.

Page 15: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Page 16: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Fumigants

Page 17: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Aluminum Phosphide

Comes in tablet form

Reacts with the moisture

in the soil to produce a

lethal phosphine gas that

is toxic to all mammals.

You must add water if

the soil is dry.

Page 18: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

These squirrels were killed by Aluminum Phosphide.

This gas can be very dangerous and should never be close to houses.

Page 19: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Burrow Exploders

Page 20: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Rodenator

The burrow is filled with

a mixture of propane

and oxygen gases; the

gases are then ignited by

a spark created by the

trigger on the applicator.

It can be effective but

you have to treat every

active hole.

Page 21: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Gas Cartridges

Gas cartridges are available, but they are costly and time-consuming to used and give varying results.

Because squirrel tunnels are extensive, gas may not disperse through the entire system.

extension.usu.edu

Page 22: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Pressurized Exhaust Rodent

Controller PERC Pure exhaust (2.5% carbon

monoxide, Co) is captured

off a gas engine that drives a

compressor, cooled,

pressurized, and injected

into the burrow of a gopher

or squirrel.

Page 23: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

PERC Machine

Several farmers on the

Milford Flat have

purchased PERC

machines

These machines have

proven effective in

controlling the ground

squirrels

Page 24: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

PERC

Every hole has to be

treated.

These machines are

expensive.

Some of the squirrels come

out of their hole to die.

Page 25: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Anticoagulants

Chlorophacinone – 0.005% and 0.01%

Diphacinone 0.005% and 0.01%

Anticoagulants prevent the formation of blood clots

and cause smaller capillaries to rupture.

Anticoagulants must be taken in multiple doses.

Must be applied in bait stations on crop ground so you

will not kill non target animals.

Page 26: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Ditrac Ground Squirrel Bait

Licensed in the State of

Utah to control the

California Ground

Squirrel.

Must be placed in secure

tamper-resistant bait

stations.

Page 27: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Ditrac Ground Squirrel Bait

The active ingredient is

Diphacinone.

This is the same active

ingredient found in the

Ditrac Tracking Powder used

to control rats and mice.

I am going to be testing this

product again this year.

Page 28: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Rozol Vole Bait

Currently working

with the company to

get the product

licensed for Ground

Squirrel Control in

Utah.

Must be placed in

tamper resistance bait

stations.

Page 29: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

The active ingredient is Chlorophacinone.

I tested this product last summer and found the ground squirrels liked the pellets better than the grain based gopher baits.

This bait is available at IFA in Cedar City.

Page 30: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Bait Stations

JT Eaton Bait Station Wilco Bait Station

Page 31: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Bait Stations

PVC Bait Station TomCat Bait Station

Page 32: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Using Bait Stations

If you are using bait

stations you should use

one of the pelleted

baits.

We recommend trying

the Rozol Vole Bait or

the Ditrac Ground

Squirrel bait.

Page 33: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Baiting Squirrels

I conducted 3 different trials in

2016.

The first trial was conducted

before the alfalfa greened up and

we compared Ditrac pellets to

Rozol Vole pellets.

The Rozol showed an 81%

reduction and the Ditrac showed

a 46% reduction.

extension.usu.edu

Page 34: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Ditrac vs. Rozol Bait Stations

We conducted a bait trial

in May after the Alfalfa

was growing good.

We followed label

recommendations and

put the baits in bait

stations.

The results of the this

trial was very poor.

Page 35: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Zinc Phosphide Concentrate

on Cabbage

In Oregon and California

they have tested applying

Zinc Phosphide Concentrate

on Cabbage.

Page 36: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Concentrated Zinc

Phosphide on Cabbage

After the Alfalfa had greened up

we tested using Zinc Phosphide

on Cabbage.

We were able to get a 52%

reduction in ground squirrels

using the treated cabbage.

This is an effective method but

requires special safety

equipment.

extension.usu.edu

Page 37: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Research Plans for 2017

Evaluate the Rozol Vole

Bait

Evaluate the Ditrac Ground Squirrel Bait

Work with the companies who make these products to get them labeled to use on the Townsend Ground Squirrel.

Page 38: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

What Producers Should do.

Pick several control methods and treat all of

your property.

Start the control method early. Within 3 weeks

of when the Squirrels first come out.

If you see a lot of young squirrel in April and

May you should apply control methods again.

Page 39: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Follow the Label

Do everything it says

on the label of what

ever Rodenticide

Control Product you

are using.

If you follow the label

the company is liable.

If you do not follow

the label you are liable.

Page 40: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Everyone Needs to

Work Together

As in many agricultural situations, we have found

that if one producer does a good job of treating

squirrels and the neighbor does not, then the

problem will move from the neighbors’ field to the

well controlled field.

In this project we need to continue to worked to

educate all the farmers in the area on the

importance of controlling the ground squirrels.

Page 41: Ground Squirrel Control - Utah Pests...After the Alfalfa had greened up we tested using Zinc Phosphide on Cabbage. We were able to get a 52% reduction in ground squirrels using the

e x t e n s i o n . u s u . e d u

Questions

[email protected]