Chlorophacinone 0.005% and 0.01%
Diphacinone 0.005% and 0.01%

Anticoagulants are considered one of the best methods for California ground squirrel control. They are relatively effective and can be distributed in several different ways depending on your situation.

HOW THEY WORK:

• Anticoagulants prevent the formation of blood clots and cause smaller capillaries to rupture.
  
  Note blue anticoagulant-stained fat in abdominal cavity of squirrel.
  The animal essentially internally bleeds to death over the period of a few days to a week. The carcass can still contain some chemical residue which may harm potential scavengers.  The extent of the damage, if any, occurring in the scavenger is unknown at this time and necessitates further investigation. 
• Anticoagulants must be taken in multiple doses. If too little bait is consumed, the animal could fully recover.
• Studies indicate that Diphacinone may work more quickly, although both Chlorophacinone and Diphacinone have roughly the same efficacy. You will usually use whatever is available. Although the
  
  Squirrel bait
  0.01% concentration requires less bait to be consumed, concentration (0.01% or 0.005%) will be dependent on the method of distribution.
• The anticoagulant is adhered to the grain with oil and dyed  a color, usually blue, to act as a deterrent to birds and for identification purposes. Vitamin K is a widely used antidote for anticoagulant poisonings.

HOW TO USE IT:

There are three different methods for distributing anticoagulant bait. Be sure to follow the directions strictly on how often to feed bait. Interrupting the supply of bait may allow the squirrels to recover before they consume a lethal dose. Whichever method you choose, keep in mind that the bait should not come in contact with crops used for food or feed.

Mechanical and Aerial Broadcast Baiting
          - 0.01% Chlorophacinone or 0.01% Diphacinone

This method is used in/on:

• Rangeland during the dormant season only
• Orchards, Groves, and Vineyards during non-bearing season only
• Non-bearing fruit tree plantings
• Non-crop borders and uncultivated agricultural areas
• Rights-of-ways such as highways, levees, utilities and railroads
• Forest trees, recreational areas, campgrounds, and nurseries

Also used for:

• Deer Mice

Spot Baiting (hand) 
               -- 0.01% Chlorophacinone or 0.01% Diphacinone

This method is used in/on:

• In and around agricultural buildings and facilities for domestic animals Agricultural crops (orchards, vineyards, forage crops, grain and edible seed crops, oil crops, fiber crops, fruits and vegetables)
• Rangeland
• Non-crop borders and uncultivated agricultural areas
• Rights-of-ways such as highways, levees, utilities and railroads
• Forest trees, campgrounds, recreational areas, and nurseries

Also used for:

• Deer Mice
• House Mice (in bait station)
• Pocket Gophers (chlorophacinone only, use hand probe)

Bait Stations
            -- 0.005% Chlorophacinone or 0.005% Diphacinone

This method is used for:

• In and around agricultural buildings and facilities for domestic animals
• Agricultural crops (orchards, vineyards, forage crops, grain and edible seed crops, oil crops, fiber crops, fruits and vegetables)
• Rangeland
• Non-crop borders and uncultivated agricultural areas
• Rights-of-ways such as highways, levees, utilities and railroads
• Forest trees, campgrounds, recreational areas, and nurseries

Also used for:

• Meadow Mice (Voles)
• Chipmunks
• Jackrabbits (Black-tailed Hare)
• Muskrats
• Norway Rats
• Roof Rats (aka black rats or ship rats)
• Wood Rats
• Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels

SAFETY:

• Do not apply bait on roads, in or near water, or in a place where farm/ranch animals or children can reach it.
• Use only in areas where it will not be exposed to crops. Wear protective shoes and clothing and do not allow the bait to touch the skin.
• Do not apply in or near residential or domestic dwellings.
• Vitamin K is an antidote for anticoagulants. The toxicity of anticoagulants remains in the carcass of the squirrel, so it is important to keep scavengers, dogs, and children from coming into contract with them.  Properly discard of any exposed carcasses you may come upon.

WHERE TO GET IT:

• Anticoagulants are available from your local agricultural commissioner offices.