You can tell if you have ground squirrels by spotting small, round burrow holes in your lawn, chewed plants, scattered debris near entry points, and daytime rustling or chirping sounds. These pests are active during the day and often dig multiple tunnel entrances in open, dry areas like garden beds or near fences.
A small dirt hole shows up near the fence. The garden looks chewed through overnight. Something’s tunneling under the yard, and it’s not going away on its own. These are common early signs of a ground squirrel problem.
Ground squirrels are persistent, highly active, and surprisingly destructive for their size. Catching the signs early helps prevent serious lawn damage, chewed irrigation lines, and a growing colony you didn’t sign up for.
This guide walks through the clear indicators you’re dealing with ground squirrels, and what to do next to keep your yard from turning into their permanent playground.
How Do You Tell If You Have Ground Squirrels?
Before you see a single ground squirrel, your yard might already be sending signals. These burrowing rodents aren’t exactly low-impact neighbors. From lawn damage to unexpected holes, the signs often appear well before you ever spot one. Knowing how to identify ground squirrels versus other pests like gophers or voles helps you take the right next step.
1. Look for Round, Dirt-Free Openings
Ground squirrel holes are clean and deliberate. Each one is typically 2 to 4 inches wide and sits flush with the ground, without the raised mound you’d see from a gopher. These squirrel burrows often resemble post hole digs, no clutter, no plugs, just a direct entry into their tunnel system.
Unlike pocket gophers that prefer sealed mounds, ground squirrels live in open burrow systems and often maintain multiple entrances. If you spot several identical holes across your lawn or garden, it’s a strong sign of a ground squirrel problem, especially if they’re spaced a few feet apart and show signs of fresh activity.
2. Check Near Fences, Patios, and Garden Beds
Ground squirrels are strategic about where they dig. They prefer areas with cover and easy access to food, which makes your garden and patio prime real estate. Fence lines, sheds, decks, and the base of raised beds are all popular locations. They’re drawn to spots where human activity is minimal but vegetation is close by.
Even if you don’t catch them in the act, these areas are worth inspecting regularly. You may find holes partly hidden by mulch or leaves, especially in spots where you don’t usually walk. Once they move in, they rarely stay quiet for long.
3. Watch for Soft Soil and Subtle Lawn Damage
The tunneling doesn’t just stay underground. It weakens the top layer of soil, which can make parts of your lawn feel soft or unstable when you walk over them. That squishy, uneven patch isn’t just bad turf, it’s a sign that something’s shifting below the surface.
You might also notice discolored grass or shallow indentations forming in odd places. These changes are easy to miss at first, but they’re classic symptoms of burrow systems affecting root structure and water flow. If the ground starts sagging, there’s likely a squirrel network underneath.
What Ground Squirrels Sound Like
Ground squirrels aren’t silent squatters. When they’re active, they make plenty of noise, especially during the day. If you’ve been hearing strange rustling sounds or tiny footsteps darting through the yard, you’re likely picking up on their daily routine as they forage near burrow entrances or nesting zones.
1. Chattering, Rustling, and Sudden Scurries
Ground squirrels use sound to stay alert and communicate with each other. Their most common noises include rapid scratching, dry-leaf rustling, and high-pitched chirping. If you’ve ever heard a quick clicking sound coming from a bush, that’s not your imagination, it could be a squirrel sounding the alarm.
These little animals are busybodies. You’ll often catch them making noise near their burrow entrances, especially if you walk too close. Once they spot you, they’ll freeze, go quiet, and then make a break for the hole. It’s a quick, rhythmic pattern: move, chirp, stop, vanish.
2. Active Only During the Day
One easy way to tell ground squirrels apart from other pests is their schedule. They’re diurnal, which means you’ll only hear them during the day, usually in the morning or early afternoon. If the noise stops at sundown, it’s another clue pointing to squirrels, not raccoons, rats, or mice.
This daily activity is common in many species of burrowing rodents, especially those that hibernate in colder seasons. During the warmer months, ground squirrels spend more time above ground to forage, communicate, and maintain their territories. Catching these sounds early can help you act quickly before you need to consider how to get rid of ground squirrels entirely.
Ground Squirrel Droppings (Yeah, We’re Going There)
If you’re seeing droppings, you’ve got more than just a hunch. Ground squirrels leave small, pellet-shaped poop that’s dry, oval, and about the size of a grain of rice. It’s usually dark brown or black with blunt ends, and you’ll often find it in clusters near burrow entrances, garden beds, or feeding spots. Unlike rats, which tend to leave more pointed droppings indoors or in sheltered spaces, ground squirrels keep it out in the open.
These little deposits are more than gross, they’re a sign of consistent activity. A single sighting might be random, but poop? That means they’re comfortable, settled, and probably sharing the news with their colony. It’s not uncommon to spot droppings near:
- Fence lines
- Patios or raised decks
- Along garden borders
- Around food scraps or damaged plants
Clean-up should always be handled carefully. Use gloves and avoid sweeping it dry to prevent stirring up bacteria or parasites. Finding droppings confirms you’ve got an active, local squirrel population, and the longer you wait, the bolder they’ll get.
Signs of Ground Squirrel Damage in Gardens and Around the Yard
Ground squirrels aren’t just digging holes, they’re tearing through gardens, chewing whatever they can reach, and leaving a trail of mess behind. If your yard’s starting to look like a mix between a construction site and a buffet line, these signs will help confirm what’s happening.
Common Clues to Watch For:
Chewed Leaves, Stems, and Fruits – They love soft garden plants like lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries. You’ll notice ragged bite marks and stripped stems, especially low to the ground. Unlike rabbits, ground squirrels leave no pattern or precision, just chaos.
Uprooted Bulbs or Half-Eaten Seedlings – These burrowing rodents don’t stop at leaves. They’ll rip up bulbs, sprouts, and young plants. Some pieces might get dragged into burrows, others left beside them. This is especially common in areas where ground squirrels live in colonies and forage above ground during the day.
Scattered Shells or Plant Debris Near Burrows – Look for sunflower seed husks, broken stems, or bits of chewed fruit littering the area around burrow entrances. Ground squirrels snack close to home and rarely clean up after themselves.
Chewed Irrigation Tubes and Plastic Garden Tools – Their strong teeth can damage drip lines, PVC piping, and even storage bins or planters. If you’ve noticed unexplained leaks or bite marks on gear left outside, that’s another red flag.
Dusty, Cleared Patches in Loose Soil – Ground squirrels dig shallow areas for dust bathing. These circular, vegetation-free spots often show up near burrow entrances or under shaded cover like decks or shrubs.
Bark Damage and Gnawed Shrubs – They’ll chew on the base of small trees or woody plants, especially in winter or dry months. Bark stripped low to the ground can leave young trees vulnerable to pests or rot.
What To Do If You’ve Confirmed the Culprit
Once it’s clear that ground squirrels have claimed your yard, it’s time to act fast. Here’s what to do next:
- Cut Off Access to Food and Shelter: Clean up fallen fruit, bird seed, and pet food left outside. Trim overgrown vegetation and remove clutter near burrow entrances. The less convenient your yard is, the more likely they’ll pack up.
- Monitor Damage and Activity Daily: Keep an eye on garden beds, irrigation lines, and any new holes forming. If you’re spotting fresh damage every morning, the problem’s escalating—and the squirrels are getting comfortable.
- Keep Pets and Kids Away From Burrows: Burrows can collapse, and ground squirrels may bite if they feel cornered. Mark off areas of high activity until you’ve taken control of the situation.
- Avoid DIY Traps Unless You Know Local Laws: Ground squirrels are protected in some regions, and using the wrong trap or method could get you in legal trouble. Repellents and gadgets might seem helpful, but results are usually short-lived without a plan.
- Call a Wildlife Control Expert if It’s Getting Out of Hand: If you’re seeing multiple burrows, growing damage, or daytime squirrel parades, it’s time to bring in a pro. They’ll safely remove the colony, seal up the burrows, and help you prevent a return visit.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Ground Squirrels Take Over Your Yard
Ground squirrels may seem harmless, but their digging and feeding habits can cause serious, costly damage. Left unchecked, they destroy gardens, weaken soil structures, and invite more of the colony to settle in.
Now that you know the signs and how to respond, you’re in a stronger position to protect your space. Early action prevents long-term damage and reduces the risk of a full infestation. Stay alert, document the activity, and move quickly to regain control of your yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do ground squirrel holes look like?
They’re typically 2 to 4 inches wide with smooth edges and no mounded dirt around them. The holes are often found near fences, patios, and open garden areas.
What’s the difference between ground squirrels and gophers?
Ground squirrels have open burrows without dirt mounds, live above ground during the day, and eat both plants and seeds. Gophers create large, plugged mounds and rarely surface.
Are ground squirrels dangerous to pets or children?
They’re not aggressive, but their burrows can collapse if stepped on. In some cases, they may carry diseases or parasites, so it’s best to keep pets and kids away from active areas.
Do ground squirrels carry diseases?
Yes, they can carry fleas and ticks that spread disease, including plague in rare cases. Avoid direct contact and sanitize areas where droppings are found.
Will ground squirrels come back after removal?
They can return if the burrows aren’t sealed or if food sources remain. Prevention steps like fencing, landscape cleanup, and routine monitoring help keep them out.
