There are two principle species of ground squirrels, the California, the Rock, which are of economic importance in our Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas.

Ground squirrels can become a problem in the yard and around the home when their burrows lead to flooding. Their presence brings fleas and other insects or even worse, the transmission of disease. Ground squirrels will readily eat our gardens fruit and vegetables as well as our nuts and flowers. If left alone, they will quickly populate to levels which can cause mass destruction in little time. They will even move into our homes if given the chance.

The California ground squirrel is limited in it's range to mostly the west coast from the state of Washington down to Mexico. They like flat grasslands as opposed to forests but will live close to trees if they have to. They don't need much water and will readily feed upon any green vegetation including flowers, fruits and plants. They will also eat nuts and seeds. They live in burrows they dig and will occupy these burrows year after year. They have litters which have 7-10 young once a year. They live 3-5 years on average.

The Rock squirrel has a huge range extending from part of California through Arizona into Texas, Colorado and Nevada as well as Utah. As their name implies, they like to reside in rocky areas. This has enabled them to adjust well to roadside rock walls, fences and manmade ditches. Though they too will eat plants as a staple, Rock squirrels love nuts, seed and fruit and will readily feed on them when available. They average 3-5 young per litter per year and will live 4-6 years on average.

All ground squirrels have similarities. These similarities include digging and eating - both of which can cause a lot of damage in or around the home. Ground squirrels which start to live on your property will first have to dig burrows to nest. Though they will take advantage of old abandoned burrows, they are good diggers and will quickly construct a network of tunnels which will become the life support for their colonies. These tunnels will undermine cement slabs and foundations as well as present hazards to people and animals. Ground squirrel activity will inevitably bring with it insects like fleas along with several diseases and virus all of which present a hazard to people. Ground squirrels will eat just about any ornamental flower or plant and since they love fruits and vegetables, most gardens will become a favorite feeding station once found. Since they like to live close to where they eat, once they start feeding in your yard they will start to colonize. This colonization may eventually lead to some getting in the home. It is for this reason that you should try to keep them off your property and once you find activity, take necessary action to remove all animals.