7 Ground Squirrel Diseases That May Pose Risks To Humans

Ground squirrels are common throughout many parts of the western United States. Homeowners often notice them digging burrows in yards, around foundations, near gardens, and throughout open spaces. While structural and landscape damage are usually the first concerns, there is another issue worth understanding: the possibility of squirrel diseases to humans.

It is important to keep the risk in perspective. Most people will never become ill from a ground squirrel encounter. However, these animals can carry parasites, bacteria, and other disease-causing organisms that may create health concerns under certain circumstances. Knowing what professionals watch for can help homeowners better understand why ground squirrel infestations should not be ignored.

Why Ground Squirrels Can Present Health Concerns

Ground squirrels spend much of their time in burrows and frequently interact with soil, vegetation, insects, and other wildlife. Like many wild animals, they can serve as hosts for various parasites and pathogens.

The animals themselves are not always the direct source of illness. In many cases, fleas, ticks, contaminated materials, or environmental exposure play a role in disease transmission.

When ground squirrel populations increase around homes, schools, parks, or commercial properties, the opportunities for contact with these disease vectors may also increase.

Plague

One of the most well-known diseases associated with ground squirrels is plague.

Although many people associate plague with historical events, the disease still exists in certain wildlife populations today. Ground squirrels can become infected, and fleas that feed on infected animals may spread the bacteria to other hosts.

Plague cases in humans are rare, but wildlife removal services remain aware of the possibility when dealing with rodent populations in certain regions.

Symptoms in people can vary depending on the form of infection and often require medical attention. Public health agencies routinely monitor wildlife populations for signs of plague activity.

Tularemia

Tularemia is another bacterial disease that has been linked to rodents and other wildlife species.

Humans may become exposed through contact with infected animals, contaminated materials, insect bites, or environmental sources. Ground squirrels have been identified as potential hosts in some areas.

While infections are relatively uncommon, tularemia can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like conditions.

Because of these potential risks, handling wildlife without proper precautions is generally discouraged.

Flea-Borne Diseases

In many situations, the parasites living on ground squirrels create more concern than the squirrels themselves.

Fleas commonly infest ground squirrel populations and may carry disease-causing organisms. When squirrel activity occurs near homes, these fleas sometimes seek alternative hosts after their original host is removed or dies.

Potential flea-related concerns may include:

• Bacterial infections
• Skin irritation
• Secondary pest infestations
• Disease transmission in rare circumstances

This is one reason squirrel control services often address both the animals and the surrounding environment during control efforts.

Tick-Related Illnesses

Ground squirrels can also host ticks in some regions.

Ticks feed on many different wildlife species throughout their life cycles. As they move between hosts, they may carry organisms associated with various diseases.

The exact risks depend on local tick populations and geographic location. However, areas with active ground squirrel colonies may also support tick activity, especially where vegetation and wildlife habitats overlap.

Property owners who spend time gardening, landscaping, or working outdoors may face increased exposure when tick populations become established near residential areas.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease associated with the urine of infected animals.

Although rats are more commonly discussed in relation to leptospirosis, other wildlife species may also carry the bacteria. Contaminated soil, standing water, or surfaces can sometimes become sources of exposure.

People may encounter the bacteria through cuts, abrasions, or contact with contaminated environments.

The overall risk varies depending on local conditions, wildlife populations, and environmental factors, but it remains one of the diseases professionals consider when dealing with wildlife contamination.

Salmonellosis

Salmonella bacteria are often associated with foodborne illness, but wildlife can also contribute to environmental contamination.

Ground squirrels may spread bacteria through their droppings and activity around outdoor areas. Gardens, outdoor eating spaces, storage areas, and other environments may be affected if wildlife populations become established nearby.

While transmission from ground squirrels is not among the most common sources of salmonella exposure, it remains one of several potential concerns associated with wildlife activity around homes and businesses.

Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is a fungal infection that can affect both animals and humans.

Wildlife species, including rodents, may carry fungal organisms capable of causing skin infections. Direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials can sometimes lead to transmission.

Symptoms often include circular skin lesions, itching, and irritation.

Professional wildlife removal helps reduce opportunities for exposure while also addressing the underlying infestation.

Why Ground Squirrel Droppings and Nesting Areas Matter

Many homeowners focus primarily on the animals they can see. However, waste materials left behind may also contribute to concerns.

Ground squirrel burrows and nesting sites can contain:

• Droppings
• Urine contamination
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Organic debris

Over time, these materials may accumulate and create sanitation issues around the property.

This is why wildlife professionals often recommend cleanup and remediation after significant infestations rather than focusing solely on animal removal.

How Professionals Reduce Health Risks

Professional wildlife control services take a broader approach than simply removing nuisance animals.

When ground squirrel activity is discovered, specialists often inspect the property to identify active burrows, assess population levels, and evaluate conditions that may attract wildlife.

Depending on the situation, services may include:

• Ground squirrel removal
• Burrow management
• Exclusion recommendations
• Property inspections
• Cleanup services
• Ongoing monitoring

By addressing both the infestation and contributing factors, professionals help reduce the likelihood of recurring problems.

Protect Your Property from Ground Squirrel Activity

At Best Pest & Wildlife Control, we help homeowners throughout Colorado, Arizona, and California solve wildlife problems with lasting solutions, not temporary fixes. Our squirrel control services go beyond animal removal to include detailed property inspections, burrow and activity assessments, exclusion work, cleanup services, and long-term prevention strategies.

We focus on identifying why wildlife is using your property and addressing the conditions that allow infestations to continue. When needed, our team can also provide remediation services to help restore affected areas. Backed by more than 15 years of industry experience, we take pride in delivering complete wildlife solutions.

Contact Best Pest & Wildlife Control today to schedule your free inspection and consultation.

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