Chlorophacinone 0.005% and Diphacinone 0.005%

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Time of Year:

• Late spring and early summer when squirrels are eating is the best, although summer and fall can also be effective on those squirrels that are active. The appropriate time for baiting is related to vegetation more than calendar dates. In portions of central and northern California, the 6-week period from May 15 through June is often the best treatment period. The optimum treatment period would occur earlier in southern California. After the optimum period, estivation is likely. However, in unusual years with late spring rains and cool temperatures, the "window" for treatment can be pushed back considerably.
  
  Not ideal baiting weather
   
• When herbaceous vegetation is brown and dried out. Green vegetation upon which ground squirrels are feeding should not be present. This time usually corresponds to the time when young squirrels emerge from their burrows. 
• Do not bait during hot periods when estivation is likely or is occurring.
• Do not bait if a storm is due within 48 hours.
• Apply bait in the morning when possible, giving squirrels the entire day to feed.

Reduce Materials:

 

• Put out clean grain 2-3 days before distributing the poison bait to check for  bait acceptance .
• Do not over bait. Use only the amount specified on the label.
• Keep the bait stations away from irrigation lines and other sources of moisture to prevent it from becoming wet and moldy.

Non-Target Species:

• Local county ag commissioners can give advice on how to avoid non-target species. If kangaroo rats or other non-target species are at risk, use anticoagulants in modified bait stations (Boxor PVC ).  If kit foxes are at risk, use an end piece to be sure the entrance is no larger than 3 inches. For more information, see the website for the DPR Endangered Species Project .
• Do not let farm/ranch animals, domestic animals, or children have access to bait.

Safety:

• Put a lip or other restriction on the end of the bait station to help prevent squirrels from tracking the bait outside of the station.
• Keep poison bait out of reach of children, pets, and other animals. Be sure to lock it up when not in use.
• Clean up and dispose of all spilled bait or bait that was put out but not consumed.
• Keep bait stations is good repair.

Laws and Regulations:

• In areas of certain endangered species, specially modified bait stations (Box or PVC) must be used instead of the conventional stations.  Check with your local agriculture commissioner for endangered species found in your area. The Departement of Pesticide Regulation and the DPR Endangered Species Project  websites are also good sources of information.

Other Considerations:

• For more pictures about bait stations, click here:  Bait Stations Photo Album
• Some people choose to keep bait stations out year round. If so, bait stations should be filled with  a small amount of clean grain and checked periodically. When bait is taken, then replaced it with poison bait.
  
  Bait station bordering almond orchard.
• Bait stations should be placed 50-100 feet apart. They should be secured to a post or the ground to prevent them from being knocked over. Set them at least 5 feet away from fenced areas containing grazing animals so they are not kicked over.

Directions For Use:

1.  Construct bait stations so they hold 1-5 lbs. of bait.

2 .  Put a lip or elbow piece on the end of the bait station to prevent squirrels from tracking bait outside the station.

3.  Place bait stations in desired place and stake down to the ground or secure to a fence post.

4.  Conduct a bait acceptance test to determine if the squirrels are taking the bait. There is no point in filling the bait station with poison bait if the squirrels are not eating it.


5.  When squirrels are taking the bait, fill the bait station with 1-5 pounds of bait.

6.  Check daily to refill bait stations. The squirrels need a continuous supply to ensure the bait will be effective.

7.  Survey the area to collect dead carcasses. Dead squirrels that have eaten the bait still retain some toxicity. Dispose of them properly.

8.  When squirrels have stopped taking the bait, empty the bait stations. Replace with clean grain if desired to monitor if squirrels are still active in the area.