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Richardson Ground Squirrels Chemical Control Products

By Shannon Chant MSc PAg, Crops Extension Specialist, Swift Current

April 2026

Richardson ground squirrels (RGS), commonly known as gophers, can cause significant crop damage, uneven terrain and holes that can be dangerous for people and animals. This article focuses on chemical control products that are alternative to strychnine and how to optimize their performance. As with any other pest, an integrated approach with multiple management strategies is the best way to reduce the impact of Richardson ground squirrels.

When to use chemical control products

Normally, March 15 to April 30 is the best time to manage RGS. This year the weather has been unusual and the appropriate timing may vary for different parts of Saskatchewan. Males emerge first in the spring and females emerge about two weeks later. Keep an eye on the site and apply when emergence is complete. Since males can mate with 10 females, targeting males will have less effect on population control than reducing female numbers. It is important to control before juveniles emerge. Early plant growth will provide a preferred food source, so baits should be put out before green-up. After green plants are available, the effectiveness of some products may be significantly reduced. Some baits need to be replenished regularly. Check the product label for specific directions on use.

Safety and efficacy tips for the use of specific control products:

For all products, scouting for species at risk and other non-target species is required by label statements (the label is a legal document).

Zinc phosphide (ZP)-treated oat bait:

  • To get RGS used to eating oats and greatly increase the effectiveness of the product, place 15 grams of untreated grain 15 to 20 cm (six to 12 inches) from the hole one week before applying the product.
    • Studies with pre-baiting have shown 85 to 97 per cent RGS population reduction when using pre-baiting. Efficacy can drop considerably if this method isn’t used.
    • Because of the characteristic odour and taste of the products, RGS can develop bait shyness, particularly if alternative foods are available.
  • ZP products are stable up to 40 C, with a bait life of 20 days on wet soil. However, temperatures exceeding 50 C can cause rapid breakdown and reduce efficacy. Consider this when storing or transporting this product.
  • In weak acids like the RGS gut or in weak acidic conditions in soil, ZP breaks down to release phosphine gas. Dry storage is essential.
  • Coated oats are more effective than pellets.
  • Breakdown can occur with soil moisture, heat or acidic soils.
  • Label directions for ZP treated oat baits indicate that application later in the season, when grasses begin to dry down (July) can also be effective. (Other products do not have specific recommendations for timing)

Anti-coagulants

  • Multiple formulations are available and include treated oat baits, pellets and blocks.
  • Chlorophacinone (active ingredient in ROZOL RTU Field Rodent Bait, a treated oat product)
  • Diphacinone (active ingredient in Ramik Green)
  • Multiple feedings are required and death can take seven to 10 days. Many applicators report good results with these products.
  • There is anecdotal evidence that mixing Rozol with a ZP oat bait can improve the efficacy of both products.

Rocon

  • A combination of white mustard seed powder and soap that acts as a suffocant.
  • The formulation is a foam that is pumped into burrowing rodent burrows and suffocates RGS. Do not treat unoccupied or inactive burrows. Spring application is best.
  • This product is a significant irritant that can cause irreversible eye damage to the pest or the applicator.
  • Consideration for other occupants of RGS burrows is essential as these can include species at risk like burrowing owl and western tiger salamander which would also be impacted.

Always follow label instructions when using RGS control products to ensure effectiveness and protect the applicator, livestock, pets, non-target wildlife and others. All these products can be dangerous, so they must be used according to label instructions and with caution.

Bait stations

Several products can be placed directly into a bait station above ground. Specific requirements for bait stations are:

  • Products containing chlorophacinone
    • Active holes:
      • count population over 48 hours
      • one bait station per 50 RGS
      • protected bait stations or tamper resistant boxes with an entrance hole of 7.6 cm (three inches)
      • bait amount limit: 500 grams per station
      • An uninterrupted supply is needed for three weeks or until feeding stops.
    • In areas where RGS have been known to inhabit but are not currently present, preventative bait stations can be placed every 30 to 60 metres (100 to 200 feet) with 500 grams of bait
    • Check daily and replace spoiled or mouldy bait as needed.
    • Remove and bury carcasses.
  • Products containing zinc phosphide
    • 15 to 20 cm from the gopher hole
    • 15 grams of bait
    • The bait station must have the product name, active ingredient, guarantee, registration number, “WARNING POISON” and the skull and crossbones symbol.
    • Tier 1 bait stations are required if the station will be exposed to pets or livestock. Tier 1 stations are also required in two non-agricultural settings (residential and public spaces).

Tier 1 bait stations

The use of a Tier 1 bait stations is required for baits if used in residential or public spaces and/or where pets or livestock occur. This information will be on the product label.

A Tier 1 bait station is:

  • High-strength material that is resistant to children/non-target animals and weakening by the elements.
  • Entrance designed so that children and non-target animals cannot reach the bait.
  • Internal structure that prevents bait from being shaken loose.
  • Access panel which fastens securely and locks.
  • The product name is clearly labelled including the active ingredient, guarantee, registration number, “WARNING POISON” and the skull and crossbones symbol.

Saskatchewan Gopher Control Program

  • Funded under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
  • Administered by Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).
  • Rebate program for accepted control practices
    • Up to 50 per cent of registered gopher (RGS) control products. Keep your receipts.
    • 2 per cent liquid strychnine concentrate (strychnine) is not eligible under the Gopher Control Program.
  • Non-chemical means to increase predation
    • Raptor platforms and nest boxes are eligible for 50 per cent to a maximum rebate of $125.
  • Offered to rural municipalities and First Nations then onto producers.

Chemical control products are good tools for RGS management, but they must be used at the right time and in the right way. They can be combined with other control methods to manage RGS populations in Saskatchewan.

For help with all your RGS questions, contact your local crops extension specialist, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or watch our RGS webinar.

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