If you’re dealing with burrowing pests in your yard or garden, learning how to get rid of ground squirrels is essential. Effectively managing ground squirrels involves a combination of habitat modification, exclusion, and population control.
These persistent rodents can cause significant damage. They undermine structures, destroy plants, and create tripping hazards with their extensive tunnel systems.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach. We’ll cover everything from identification to long-term prevention strategies.
How To Get Rid Of Ground Squirrels
Successfully removing ground squirrels requires a multi-faceted plan. There is rarely a single solution. A persistent approach that targets their food, shelter, and safety is most effective.
Your strategy will depend on the size of the infestation, your location, and your personal preferences regarding control methods. Always check your local and state regulations before proceeding, as some methods may be restricted.
Correctly Identify The Pest
Before you take action, ensure you are dealing with ground squirrels and not another animal. Misidentification can lead to ineffective control measures.
Ground squirrels are often confused with tree squirrels or gophers. Here are the key distinguishing features:
- Appearance: Ground squirrels have a slender body with a bushy tail. Their fur is mottled brown, gray, and white, often with spots or stripes. They are smaller than most tree squirrels.
- Behavior: True to their name, they live in burrows in the ground. You will see them foraging on the soil surface and quickly retreating to their holes when threatened.
- Burrows: Their entrance holes are typically 4-5 inches in diameter and lack the large soil mounds characteristic of gophers. The area around the hole is often clean and well-packed.
Proper identification is the first critical step. It ensures you don’t waste time on methods designed for different pests.
Inspect Your Property For Damage And Activity
Conduct a thorough inspection of your yard, garden, and the perimeter of any structures. Look for the telltale signs of ground squirrel activity to understand the scope of your problem.
- Look for fresh burrow entrances, especially near garden edges, along fences, or in landscaped areas.
- Check for damage to seedlings, fruits, vegetables, and the bark of young trees. Ground squirrels will also eat flowers and ornamental plants.
- Observe activity patterns. Are they most active in the morning or late afternoon? This information is helpful for timing control efforts.
- Note any burrows close to building foundations, sheds, or decks, as these can cause structural instability over time.
Assessing The Level Of Infestation
A few ground squirrels might be manageable with simple deterrents. A large colony requires a more agressive and coordinated approach. The number of active burrows is a good indicator of population size.
Modify The Habitat To Make It Less Attractive
This is a foundational step. By removing what attracts ground squirrels, you make your property less inviting. This supports all other control methods and is crucial for long-term prevention.
Ground squirrels are drawn to areas that provide food, shelter, and safety. Your goal is to eliminate these comforts.
Remove Food Sources
Without easy food, ground squirrels will look elsewhere. Be diligent about managing potential meals.
- Harvest garden vegetables and fruits promptly. Do not let overripe produce fall to the ground.
- Use raised garden beds with hardware cloth barriers underneath to protect root systems.
- Clean up fallen bird seed from beneath feeders, or consider removing feeders entirely until the problem is resolved.
- Store pet food, bird seed, and grass seed in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
- Keep your lawn mowed short to reduce cover and make it harder for them to forage unseen.
Eliminate Shelter And Hiding Places
Ground squirrels feel vulnerable in open spaces. By clearing clutter, you expose them to predators.
- Remove wood piles, rock piles, and dense ground cover near gardens or structures.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs that overhang or touch the ground, providing cover.
- Clear away tall weeds and dense vegetation, especially around fence lines and property borders.
Use Exclusion Methods To Block Access
Exclusion involves physically preventing ground squirrels from entering specific areas. It is a highly effective, non-lethal, and long-lasting solution for protecting key zones.
Install Underground Fencing
To protect gardens, young orchards, or specific landscaped areas, install a barrier that extends both above and below ground.
- Use 1/4-inch hardware cloth or galvanized wire mesh. Chicken wire is often not strong enough.
- Bury the fencing at least 18-24 inches deep, with an additional 12-18 inches above ground.
- Bend the bottom of the buried section into an “L” shape facing outward from the protected area to deter digging.
- Secure the fencing firmly to posts or existing structures to prevent squirrels from pushing underneath.
Seal Entry Points To Structures
Prevent ground squirrels from entering crawl spaces, sheds, or decks. They can cause significant damage by gnawing on wires and wood.
- Inspect the base of all structures for gaps or holes. Seal any openings larger than 1/2 inch.
- Use heavy-duty materials like hardware cloth, sheet metal, or concrete patching compound.
- Pay special attention to areas where utility lines enter the building, as these are common entry points.
Employ Repellents And Deterrents
Repellents aim to make your property unpleasant for ground squirrels through smell, taste, or fear. Their effectiveness can vary, and they often require consistent reapplication.
Natural And Commercial Repellents
These products can provide a temporary barrier, especially when used in conjunction with other methods.
- Castor Oil-Based Granules: Spread around the garden perimeter. They create an unpleasant odor in the soil that deters digging.
- Predator Urine: Available at garden centers, fox or coyote urine can create a fear response. Reapply after rain.
- Spicy Sprays: Homemade sprays with cayenne pepper or capsaicin can deter feeding on plants. They must be reapplied frequently.
Note that ultrasonic repellents have shown little consistent evidence of effectiveness against ground squirrels.
Scare Tactics And Physical Deterrents
Moving objects and reflective materials can startle ground squirrels and make them feel unsafe.
- Place pinwheels, reflective tape, or old CDs near garden beds. The movement and flashes of light can be unsettling.
- Use motion-activated sprinklers. These provide a sudden spray of water, startling the animals and conditioning them to avoid the area.
- Allow a dog to patrol the yard. The presence and scent of a natural predator is a powerful deterrent for many ground squirrels.
Consider Trapping For Removal
Trapping is a common and effective method for controlling a moderate ground squirrel population. It allows for live removal or humane dispatch. Always check local wildlife regulations regarding trapping and relocation.
Choosing And Baiting Live Traps
Single-door live traps are typically used for ground squirrels. Proper placement and baiting are key to success.
- Select a trap sized for ground squirrels, approximately 10-15 inches long.
- Place traps near active burrow entrances or along their common runways. Camouflage the trap with light brush.
- Use attractive baits like peanut butter, sunflower seeds, apple slices, or pieces of melon. Secure the bait to the trigger plate.
- Check traps at least twice daily, morning and evening, to minimize stress on any captured animal and comply with humane laws.
Proper Handling And Relocation
If you choose to relocate a trapped ground squirrel, do so responsibly. Relocation is often illegal and can be a death sentence for the animal if placed in an unsuitable territory.
- Wear thick gloves when handling traps to avoid bites.
- Relocate the animal only if permitted by law. Release it at least 5-10 miles away in a suitable, wild habitat where it will not become someone else’s problem.
- Consider humanely dispatching the animal if legal and within your capabilities. This is often considered more responsible than stressful relocation.
Use Baiting And Toxicants As A Last Resort
Rodenticides (toxic baits) are powerful tools but come with significant risks to pets, children, and non-target wildlife. They should only be used when other methods have failed and with extreme caution. Always follow the product label instructions exactly.
Types Of Rodenticides And Application
Anticoagulant baits are commonly used. They require multiple feedings over several days to be effective.
- Placement is Critical: Use tamper-resistant bait stations designed for ground squirrels. These protect other animals and keep the bait dry.
- Secure the Stations: Anchor bait stations to the ground or a heavy object so they cannot be moved.
- Monitor Closely: Check bait stations regularly to replenish bait and remove any dead squirrels to prevent secondary poisoning of scavengers.
Zinc phosphide is a single-dose toxicant sometimes used by professionals. It is highly restricted and dangerous, requiring special licensing in many areas.
Critical Safety Precautions
Never use loose bait pellets. The risks of accidental poisoning are far to high. Always read and adhere to every warning on the product label. Consider hiring a licensed pest control professional for this method.
Close Active Burrows
Once you have reduced the population, it’s important to close the burrow systems to prevent re-colonization by new squirrels. This should only be done when you are confident the burrows are empty.
Methods For Burrow Closure
- Flooding: Gently run a garden hose into the main burrow entrance for 15-30 minutes. This can encourage any remaining squirrels to exit. Be cautious, as flooding can damage landscaping or foundations.
- Smoke or Gas Cartridges: Commercial products are available that produce smoke or gas to fumigate burrows. These are pesticides and must be used according to their labels. They are effective but require care.
- Excavation and Packing: For small infestations, you can dig out the entrance tunnels and pack them solidly with soil and rocks.
After confirming burrows are vacant, pack the entrances tightly with gravel or soil mixed with rocks. This makes it difficult for new squirrels to reopen them.
Maintain Your Property For Long-Term Prevention
Getting rid of ground squirrels is only half the battle. Consistent maintenance is key to keeping them from returning. Make habitat modification a regular part of your yard work routine.
- Continue to manage vegetation and remove debris that provides cover.
- Keep inspecting and repairing exclusion fencing as needed.
- Monitor for new burrow activity, especially in the early spring and late summer when ground squirrels are most active.
- Address new problems promptly before a small issue becomes a large infestation.
When To Call A Professional Exterminator
For large-scale infestations, persistent problems, or if you are uncomfortable using certain control methods, hiring a professional is a wise choice.
Licensed pest control operators have access to tools and methods not available to the public. They can also provide a guarantee on their work, offering peace of mind. They will correctly identify the pest, assess the damage, and implement a comprehensive management plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Ground Squirrels?
The fastest method often involves a combination of trapping and baiting, but these come with responsibilities and risks. For immediate reduction in a serious infestation, consulting a professional exterminator is usually the quickest and most effective route. They can employ professional-grade tools and strategies.
What Home Remedy Kills Ground Squirrels?
It’s important to note that many “home remedies” are ineffective or inhumane. Flooding burrows can encourage them to leave. However, most lethal home methods, like using exhaust fumes or homemade poisons, are dangerous, illegal, and can harm pets, other wildlife, and the environment. Focus on proven deterrents and exclusion for a safer approach.
What Smell Do Ground Squirrels Hate?
Ground squirrels are repelled by strong, unfamiliar odors. Castor oil, predator urine (like fox or coyote), garlic, and certain spicy scents like cayenne pepper can act as temporary deterrents. However, squirrels can become accustomed to smells, so these are best used in rotation with other methods and require frequent reapplication, especially after rain.
Does Flooding Ground Squirrel Holes Work?
Flooding can be partially effective for encouraging ground squirrels to abandon a burrow, especially if done persistently. However, it is rarely a complete solution on its own. Their burrow systems can be extensive and deep, making them difficult to saturate. Flooding should be used as part of a broader control plan, followed by immediate closure of the empty burrows.
What Is The Best Bait For Ground Squirrel Traps?
Ground squirrels are attracted to nuts, seeds, and sweet fruits. Effective baits include peanut butter (smear it on the trigger plate), whole peanuts in the shell, sunflower seeds, slices of apple, or pieces of cantaloupe. The bait should be fresh and securely attached so the squirrel must work to remove it, triggering the trap.