13-Lined Ground Squirrel or Mice? Identifying Indoor Droppings

Finding seeds and small black droppings (resembling poppy seeds) in your basement during winter suggests rodent activity. While a 13-lined ground squirrel was seen outdoors, it's more likely you have house mice. Ground squirrels rarely enter homes, and chipmunks are more common in the Chicago suburbs.

Next Steps

Conduct a thorough inspection to identify the species and entry points. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (icwdm.org) provides detailed inspection procedures and species-specific control techniques. Proper identification is essential—control methods differ significantly between squirrels, mice, and other rodents.