By Shelby Robinson, M.Sc. AAg. Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Moose Jaw
May 2026
Richardson’s ground squirrel (RGS) can cause significant economic loss for producers by damaging pastures and hayland, reducing forage yield and lowering carrying capacity. RGS burrows can cause lameness or injury for livestock if animals step into them. Typically, RGS prefer open areas with short vegetation, such as those affected by dry conditions or areas that have been heavily used.
Strategic control methods can help reduce the financial impact of RGS in pastures and hayland. Timing of application is essential for success. Males can start to emerge as early as the middle of February into early March, while females emerge about two weeks later, from early to mid-March. Targeting mature females will increase the success of control.
An effective control plan is an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy; this includes both chemical and non-chemical options with the goal of achieving long-term sustainable control of RGS. Non-chemical controls for pastures may include maintaining pasture vegetation since RGS prefer shorter vegetation height, installing raptor platforms or nesting boxes for predatory birds or hunting and trapping. When using hunting and trapping as a control method it is important to make sure there are no livestock near the location and to follow all safety precautions.
Chemical control can also be a very effective component of an IPM strategy to limit RGS populations. Many chemical control options are grain-based poisoned baits. Grain is enticing to livestock, therefore, when using grain-based baits, they must be placed in a Tier 1 Bait station. Tier 1 bait stations can be purchased or constructed at home as long as they meet the following criteria:
- It is constructed from high strength material that is resistant to destruction by non-target animals and weathering events.
- The entrance is designed so non-target animals cannot reach the bait. A three-inch circular opening works well.
- It has an internal structure that prevents the bait from being shaken loose.
- It is lockable.
- It can be fastened securely to fence posts, trees or other strong stable objects.
These stations are designed so that the bait is not ejected and access is limited, ensuring bait will only be consumed by RGS and not by livestock or other non-target species.
When choosing a rodenticide, always read and follow the label instructions and recommendations, as they are legal statements that outline responsible use. Application methods and risk mitigation depend on pasture conditions – such as whether livestock are present, have already grazed the pasture or will return for further grazing this season. Pay close attention to instructions such as “do not graze livestock in treated areas” to reduce the risk the rodenticide poses to livestock.
Implementing an effective integrated pest management system is essential to help control RGS in areas that are used for livestock production. To find more information about RGS, different control methods and programs available to producers, please visit the Richardson's Ground Squirrel Management web page or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1‑866‑457‑2377.