Which species can be controlled with traps, rodenticides and fumigants, with spring burrow fumigation most effective when soil moisture is high?

Which species can be controlled with traps, rodenticides and fumigants, with spring burrow fumigation most effective when soil moisture is high?

• A. Ground squirrel control
• B. Squirrels
• C. Chipmunks
• D. Woodchucks

Answer: (A)

Ground-dwelling burrowing rodents have extensive tunnel systems that can be attacked using traps, rodenticides, and fumigants. In spring burrow fumigation, the gas is introduced into the burrow and must diffuse through soil to reach active tunnels. Higher soil moisture helps seal the burrow and improves gas diffusion, making fumigation more effective at reaching residents. Among the options, ground squirrels are the species whose burrows are well-suited to this integrated approach—traps and rodenticides can be applied directly in tunnels, and spring fumigation can be used to target the entire burrow system. The other animals listed are less compatible with this combination: many are arboreal or have different burrow characteristics, and fumigation is not as practical or effective for them.

Ground-dwelling burrowing rodents have extensive tunnel systems that can be attacked using traps, rodenticides, and fumigants. In spring burrow fumigation, the gas is introduced into the burrow and must diffuse through soil to reach active tunnels. Higher soil moisture helps seal the burrow and improves gas diffusion, making fumigation more effective at reaching residents. Among the options, ground squirrels are the species whose burrows are well-suited to this integrated approach—traps and rodenticides can be applied directly in tunnels, and spring fumigation can be used to target the entire burrow system. The other animals listed are less compatible with this combination: many are arboreal or have different burrow characteristics, and fumigation is not as practical or effective for them.