How To Get Rid Of Ground Squirrels

Have you ever watched helplessly as a perfectly manicured lawn transforms into a pockmarked battlefield, courtesy of those pesky ground squirrels? You're not alone. These seemingly cute critters can wreak havoc on gardens, landscapes, and even building foundations with their extensive burrowing habits. Beyond the cosmetic damage, ground squirrel infestations can lead to significant agricultural losses and pose health risks, making their control a serious concern for homeowners and farmers alike.

Controlling ground squirrels is essential for protecting your property and preventing further damage. Ignoring the problem allows their populations to explode, leading to even more extensive tunneling and feeding activity. From your prize-winning roses to the structural integrity of your shed, ground squirrels can put a lot at risk. Luckily, there are effective strategies for managing these rodents and reclaiming your yard or field.

What are the most effective methods for getting rid of ground squirrels, and which one is right for me?

What are the most effective methods for getting rid of ground squirrels?

The most effective methods for getting rid of ground squirrels involve a combination of habitat modification, exclusion techniques, and, when necessary, lethal control measures. These strategies work best when implemented strategically and persistently, addressing both the immediate squirrel population and preventing future infestations.

Effective ground squirrel control starts with making your property less attractive to them. This includes removing food sources such as spilled birdseed, fallen fruit, and pet food. Keep your yard tidy by mowing regularly, trimming shrubs, and removing any debris piles where squirrels might build nests. Consider using ground squirrel-resistant bird feeders and cleaning up fallen nuts frequently if you have nut-bearing trees. Modifying irrigation practices to avoid overly moist soil can also help deter ground squirrels, as they prefer drier conditions for burrowing. Exclusion techniques play a crucial role in preventing ground squirrels from accessing vulnerable areas. Fencing, especially hardware cloth with a mesh size of 1/4 inch or smaller, can be installed around gardens, valuable plants, and the base of buildings. Bury the fencing at least 12 inches deep to prevent squirrels from digging underneath. For individual plants or trees, wire mesh cages offer added protection. Sealing any holes or cracks in foundations and outbuildings is essential to prevent squirrels from entering these structures. If preventative measures are insufficient, lethal control methods may be necessary. Trapping is a common approach, using live traps or snap traps baited with peanut butter, seeds, or nuts. Relocating trapped squirrels is often illegal and can spread diseases, so humane euthanasia is generally recommended. Fumigation with aluminum phosphide is a highly effective method for eliminating ground squirrels within their burrows, but it requires proper training and adherence to strict safety regulations due to the toxicity of the fumigant. Always consult with local wildlife authorities or pest control professionals to determine the most appropriate and legal control methods for your specific situation.

Are there any humane ways to deter ground squirrels from my yard?

Yes, several humane methods exist to deter ground squirrels, focusing on making your yard less attractive, creating barriers, and using natural repellents. These methods prioritize preventing the squirrels from entering or damaging your property without harming them.

Ground squirrels are attracted to yards with readily available food and shelter. Removing these attractants is the first step in humane deterrence. Keep your yard clean by promptly cleaning up fallen birdseed, nuts, and fruits. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent squirrels from scavenging. Reduce potential shelter by trimming back bushes and shrubs, filling in ground squirrel burrows (after ensuring they are vacant), and removing woodpiles or rock piles. Consider replacing grass lawns with ground cover less appealing to ground squirrels. Beyond reducing attractants, physical barriers and repellents can be effective. Fencing made of hardware cloth, buried at least 12 inches deep and extending 18 inches above ground, can protect gardens and vulnerable plants. Ultrasonic devices, while not always consistently effective, may deter some squirrels with high-frequency sounds. Natural repellents containing ingredients like peppermint oil, garlic, or capsaicin can be sprayed around areas you want to protect. Remember to reapply repellents after rain or irrigation. Predator urine, such as fox or coyote urine, purchased from garden centers, can also create a deterrent scent. Regularly rotate your chosen methods for maximum effectiveness, as squirrels can become accustomed to any single approach over time.

How do I identify ground squirrel damage vs. other pests?

Ground squirrel damage is typically characterized by distinct, round burrow entrances (2-4 inches in diameter) near plants, under structures, or along fences, along with gnawed stems at ground level, partially eaten vegetables and fruits (often with characteristic teeth marks), and patchy lawns where they’ve clipped vegetation for their burrows. Distinguishing this from other pests involves looking for these specific burrow characteristics and plant damage patterns unique to ground squirrels.

Ground squirrels create noticeable and specific damage. Unlike voles, which create shallow tunnels and leave runways on the surface covered with grass or mulch, ground squirrel burrows are open and easily visible. Rabbits tend to leave clean, angled cuts on stems and consume larger portions of plants than the nibbling damage caused by ground squirrels. Deer damage is usually higher up on plants and involves browsing, where they tear off clumps of leaves and stems. Insect damage, on the other hand, typically involves visible signs of insect presence, such as holes in leaves, chewed edges, or webbing, and rarely involves the creation of burrows. The type of damage done to your garden can also point you to the culprit. Ground squirrels are active during the day. If you observe damage happening primarily at night, then the pest may be nocturnal such as rats, mice, or voles. Also note, if you have burrowing animals such as gophers or moles, their entry points are usually plugged with soil.

What are the dangers of using poison to control ground squirrels?

Using poison to control ground squirrels presents significant dangers, primarily because it poses a risk of non-target poisoning, environmental contamination, and can lead to secondary poisoning of predators. These risks often outweigh the perceived benefits of quick eradication and should be carefully considered before deploying any poison-based control measures.

The primary danger is non-target poisoning. Ground squirrels are not the only animals that might consume the poisoned bait. Birds, other rodents like chipmunks and voles, pets such as dogs and cats, and even livestock can accidentally ingest the poison. This can lead to serious illness or death for these unintended victims. Furthermore, improperly applied or stored poison can leach into the soil and water, contaminating the environment and potentially impacting other wildlife and ecosystems. Secondary poisoning is another major concern. When a poisoned ground squirrel is consumed by a predator like a hawk, owl, fox, or coyote, the predator can also be poisoned. This bioaccumulation effect can decimate local predator populations and disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. The effects can ripple through the food web, causing unforeseen consequences. For example, a reduction in predator populations could lead to an increase in other pest species, exacerbating the problem. Finally, the use of poisons often requires specialized knowledge and handling. Misapplication can result in ineffective control, increased risks to non-target animals, and potential legal repercussions depending on local regulations regarding pesticide use. For all these reasons, integrated pest management strategies focusing on habitat modification, exclusion, and trapping are generally considered safer and more sustainable options for managing ground squirrel populations.

How can I prevent ground squirrels from returning after removal?

Preventing ground squirrels from returning after removal requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on habitat modification, exclusion, and ongoing vigilance. Eliminating food sources, modifying the landscape to make it less appealing, and using physical barriers are all crucial to long-term success.

Once you've removed a ground squirrel population, you need to make your property inhospitable to future invasions. Begin by diligently removing any food sources that attract them. This includes picking up fallen fruit and nuts, securing garbage cans, and storing pet food indoors. Consider using ground squirrel-resistant feeders for birds, or removing bird feeders altogether if the problem is severe. Modify the landscape by removing low-lying vegetation and brush piles that offer cover and nesting sites. Keep grass short and eliminate areas where squirrels can easily burrow and hide. Physical barriers play a significant role in preventing re-infestation. Bury hardware cloth or wire mesh at least 12 inches deep and extending 6 inches outward around gardens, trees, and other vulnerable areas. This will deter them from digging under fences. Regularly inspect your property for new burrow activity and address it promptly. Filling in burrows with compacted soil or gravel can discourage squirrels from re-establishing themselves in those locations. Long-term prevention requires constant monitoring and consistent application of these strategies. Remember that neighbors' properties can be a source of re-infestation, so communication and coordination can be helpful.

Will trapping and relocating ground squirrels solve the problem?

Trapping and relocating ground squirrels is generally not a recommended or effective long-term solution for controlling infestations. While it might seem humane, it often causes more problems than it solves, both for you and the squirrels.

Moving ground squirrels to a new location is often a death sentence for them. Ground squirrels are territorial and have established social structures. Introducing them to an unfamiliar environment means they have to compete for resources like food, shelter, and territory with existing squirrel populations, often leading to starvation or being killed by resident squirrels. Furthermore, relocated squirrels are less likely to survive as they don’t know the escape routes from predators or the location of suitable burrowing sites. Finally, relocation can also spread diseases to new areas.

Beyond the ethical concerns, relocating ground squirrels is rarely effective in the long run because it doesn't address the underlying reasons why they were attracted to your property in the first place. If you have a plentiful food source (like bird feeders, gardens, or uncovered compost), a suitable habitat (open areas for burrowing), and a lack of predators, other ground squirrels will likely move in to fill the void left by the trapped ones. In many jurisdictions, relocating wildlife is also illegal without proper permits, due to the ecological consequences. It's more effective and sustainable to focus on preventing ground squirrels from being attracted to your property in the first place.

Consider these alternative strategies instead:

Are there plants that naturally repel ground squirrels?

While no single plant guarantees complete ground squirrel eradication, some plants are known to deter them due to their strong scents or unpalatable qualities. Planting these around vulnerable areas can help reduce ground squirrel activity as part of a comprehensive control strategy.

While ground squirrels are primarily deterred by barriers and population control methods, certain plants can contribute to a less hospitable environment for them. Plants with strong scents, such as those in the mint family (peppermint, spearmint, catmint) are often disliked. Similarly, plants with prickly or fuzzy textures, like certain types of sedum or those in the daisy family, can make areas less attractive for burrowing and foraging. Other plants, like daffodils, are poisonous and ground squirrels tend to avoid them. It's important to understand that ground squirrels are adaptable and hungry. They might still nibble on "repellent" plants if other food sources are scarce. Integrating these plants with other control methods, such as fencing, trapping, and habitat modification (removing brush piles, reducing readily available food sources like fallen fruit), is essential for effective ground squirrel management. Before planting, research the toxicity of the plants to other animals and children.

Well, that about covers it! Getting rid of ground squirrels can be a bit of a process, but with a little persistence and the right approach, you can reclaim your yard. Thanks for reading, and we hope these tips help you win the battle against those pesky critters. Come back soon for more helpful hints and tricks to keep your garden thriving!