Getting rid of ground squirrels starts with correctly identifying their burrows, which are typically 3–4 inches wide with scattered dirt nearby. Once confirmed, avoid sealing holes or using homemade repellents that rarely work. Instead, use humane traps placed near active burrows and follow local wildlife laws to handle captured animals properly. It’s also important to seal all entry points and fill tunnels to prevent new squirrels from moving in. Long-term control includes keeping vegetation trimmed, removing food sources, and monitoring your yard regularly for fresh signs of activity.
If you’ve spotted a ground squirrel darting across your yard, there’s a good chance you’re not dealing with just one. These furry little engineers are known for turning peaceful lawns into sprawling underground tunnel networks and they don’t ask for permission. Unlike tree squirrels, which typically stick to the trees and attics, ground squirrels prefer to burrow, creating extensive tunnels beneath your property. Left unchecked, a ground squirrel’s colony can weaken foundations, wreck your landscaping, and invite even more pests to the party.
As the ground squirrel population grows, including species like the thirteen-lined ground squirrel and the California ground squirrel, so does the scale of damage and the urgency to act. The tricky part? Getting rid of them isn’t as simple as blocking a hole or throwing down some bait. In Florida and other states, there are rules, risks, and real consequences for doing it wrong. That’s where this guide comes in. We’re walking you through everything you need to know to deal with ground squirrels safely, effectively, and legally starting with what not to do.
The Real Damage These Rodent Invaders Can Do to Your Property
Ground squirrels may look harmless at first glance, but give them a few weeks and they’ll turn your peaceful yard into a patchy, unstable mess. These animals aren’t just digging holes for fun, they’re building entire underground complexes. The damage goes way beyond surface-level dirt piles.
Their burrows can stretch several feet long and dive deep beneath your lawn, forming an intricate burrow system that weakens the ground and causes it to sink or collapse over time. If they tunnel under patios, driveways, or walkways, you’ll start to see cracks or slumping areas that can be expensive to repair. And if the burrows get too close to your home’s foundation? That’s a structural risk you don’t want to gamble on.
It doesn’t stop there. Ground squirrels are chewers by nature, which means irrigation lines, garden hoses, and plant roots are all fair game. They’ll tear up landscaping, gnaw on tree bark, and ruin flower beds without hesitation. In some cases, they even damage crops or ornamental plants, basically anything that tastes good or gets in their way. So while they may be small, the destruction adds up fast. If you wait too long, the repairs can cost far more than the removal.
Proven Way to Get Rid of Ground Squirrels from Your Yard
Getting ground squirrels out of your yard isn’t about quick fixes or backyard myths—it’s about being smart, thorough, and legal. These critters are persistent, and if you don’t handle the problem correctly from the start, they’ll be back faster than you can say “burrow collapse.” Here’s how to deal with them the right way.
Inspect for Active Pest Burrows First
Before doing anything else, take a walk around your yard and get familiar with what you’re up against. Ground squirrel burrows are small but obvious once you know what to look for: round holes about three inches wide, often near fences, foundation edges, trees, or garden beds. You’ll usually find loose dirt piled nearby, a clear sign something has been digging. If you see multiple holes scattered across your lawn, you’re likely dealing with an entire colony, not just a single rogue squirrel.
The worst thing you can do is fill in those burrows without checking if they’re still active. Sealing up a live burrow can trap animals underground, creating a terrible situation for the squirrels and an even bigger problem for you. It also pushes surviving members to create new exit points, which may pop up under sheds, patios, or even close to your home’s foundation. That’s a fast way to turn a yard nuisance into a structural nightmare.
Skip the DIY Rodent Repellents That Never Work
Let’s be real, most prefabricated repelling agents are more myth than method. Sure, you’ll see tips online about using cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, predator urine, or even motion-activated sprinklers. But ground squirrels are resourceful. Once they get comfortable, they’ll ignore the smell, the sound, and the gimmicks. A little spice or a plastic owl won’t convince them to pack up and leave a burrow they’ve invested in.
And then there’s Florida’s weather to consider. Repellents that might last in dry climates are almost useless here, where humidity and rain wash them away in no time. Most of these solutions wear off before they even make a dent. That’s why folks around the Treasure Coast still end up calling in professional wild animal removal services.
Use Humane Traps for Legal and Effective Ground Squirrel Removal
Catching a ground squirrel isn’t as easy as baiting a trap and waiting. These animals are quick, cautious, and incredibly good at avoiding danger. Even if you manage to trap one, Florida law doesn’t make it simple to handle what comes next. Relocation isn’t always allowed, and improper handling can lead to fines or unintended harm to the animal.
That’s why calling a licensed professional matters. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we use traps that are not only humane but also compliant with all state regulations. We know how to place them in the right locations, use the proper bait, and monitor them safely. Our team is trained to remove the animals without stress or injury, giving you a clean, legal solution that doesn’t backfire later.
Lock In Your Ground Squirrel Removal Success with a Solid Control Method
Once the squirrels are gone, the job isn’t finished—it’s just beginning. Ground squirrels are opportunists. If your yard stays inviting, a new colony will move in before the dust settles. That’s why closing off access points is just as important as removal. We seal off old burrows, fill tunnels with appropriate materials, and compact soil to prevent easy re-digging.
We also install subtle deterrents to discourage return visits, including natural scent barriers and exclusion materials. In some cases, we recommend modifying your landscaping to eliminate popular nesting zones, like brush piles or low, overgrown shrubs. The key is making your yard a place squirrels want nothing to do with—and keeping it that way long after we’re gone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Right Ground Squirrel Control Method
Tired of playing whack-a-mole in your own backyard? Getting rid of ground squirrels isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about doing things in the right order, with the right tools, and a clear plan. Here’s your walk-through, step by step, for finally evicting those burrowing freeloaders without making the problem worse.
Step 1: Confirm That Ground Squirrels Are the Pest You’re Dealing With
Before you start any removal process, make sure you’re targeting the right pest. Ground squirrels are often confused with gophers, chipmunks, or voles—and treating the wrong species wastes time and money. Some species of Ground squirrels are active during the day, often seen standing upright near their burrow entrances. Their holes are usually about 3–4 inches wide with no surrounding mounds, just scattered loose dirt. If you’ve spotted these behaviors or entry points, chances are, it’s time to act.
Using the wrong ID at this stage often means setting the wrong traps or applying ineffective repellents, which won’t solve the problem at all. Worse, you might end up with a colony that keeps expanding while you’re busy chasing the wrong critter.
Step 2: Map the Burrow Network to Keep Ground Squirrels Contained
Once you’ve confirmed it’s a ground squirrel issue, walk your yard and look for all active burrow sites. Use lawn flags, stakes, or even small stones to mark each hole. These aren’t just random tunnels—they form part of a complex network. Some burrows are for nesting, others for escape. Knowing which is which helps determine trap placement and how widespread the infestation is.
Don’t try to block them yet. That could force the squirrels to dig out somewhere unexpected—like under your foundation or driveway. Mapping gives you control over what you’re dealing with, and it’s the first move professionals take before making any next step.
Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
This is where most homemade attempts go sideways. People try to drown squirrels, use poisons like zinc phosphide, or shove random stuff down their burrows. Not only are these tactics cruel, they’re dangerous and often illegal in Florida. Poison baits can harm pets, wildlife, and children even when they’re labeled as “targeted” solutions.
Some homeowners look for fast ways to kill ground squirrels, but quick-kill solutions rarely work as intended and usually come with more problems than they solve. Water flooding doesn’t just fail, it can collapse tunnels and damage your property further. And sealing burrows before removal just traps squirrels inside, creating stress for the animals and a stinky situation for you.
Trying to outsmart wild animals with shortcuts almost always backfires. The squirrels adapt or relocate to an even worse part of your property. Skip the internet myths and do it right the first time.
Step 4: Humane Trapping Techniques to Control Ground Squirrel
Trapping isn’t as simple as tossing a peanut in a cage. You need to know where to place it, when to set it, and how to monitor it. In Florida, relocating ground squirrels without a permit is against wildlife laws. That means you can’t trap one and release it into a park or forest—it’s not just illegal, it’s ecologically irresponsible.
AAAC Wildlife Removal uses humane, state-approved traps designed for safety and efficiency. We position them based on burrow activity, bait them with what ground squirrels actually want, and check them frequently to reduce stress. Once captured, animals are handled according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines—no guesswork, no legal risk.
Step 5: Close Off Burrows Properly to Keep Ground Squirrels Away
After removal, those open burrows become invitations for more ground squirrels, like its cousin California ground squirrel and the 13-lined ground squirrel, or other animals such as gophers and vole—to move in. Every tunnel should be filled with soil or gravel and packed tightly to prevent re-digging.
For burrows near foundations, it’s smart to use reinforced fill like crushed rock or wire mesh below the surface to strengthen the ground and discourage new excavation. Leaving just one burrow open is like leaving a backdoor unlocked. Squirrels are creatures of habit, and if one colony found your yard attractive, others will too. Shutting down their entry points is non-negotiable for long-term results.
Step 6: Install Preventive Deterrents
Even with the current colony gone, your job isn’t done. Now it’s about making your yard less appealing to future pests. That means keeping vegetation trimmed low, clearing out debris piles, and removing food sources like birdseed or dropped fruit. We also recommend natural scent deterrents like castor oil granules or predator urine, which can create an invisible no-go zone.
For high-risk properties, we may suggest physical barriers like underground mesh or L-shaped fencing around gardens. These measures don’t just deter ground squirrel infestation, they show them your yard isn’t worth the effort.
Step 7: Monitor the Area for Signs of Return
This step gets overlooked often, and it’s why many ground squirrel problems return. Keep checking for new holes, soil disturbances, or signs of fresh digging—especially in the first few weeks after removal. Squirrels are territorial, but nearby colonies can migrate in once the space becomes available.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we offer follow-up inspections and can adjust the prevention strategy if anything shifts. It’s all about staying one step ahead and not giving ground squirrels a second chance to settle in.
Don’t Let Professional Ground Squirrel Pests Take Over Your Yard
Dealing with a ground squirrel might seem minor at first, but their damage adds up quickly and quietly. From torn-up lawns and cracked patios to chewed-up plants and buried infrastructure, these little diggers don’t play fair. To properly control ground squirrels, it takes more than just setting traps or sprinkling spicy powder around your garden. You need a real plan, legal know-how, and follow-through that sticks.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we help homeowners across the Treasure Coast take back their yards without breaking the law or their backs. From Fort Pierce to Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach, our team is ready to inspect, remove, and prevent future infestations with humane, effective strategies that actually work.
Don’t wait for your lawn to collapse—call your local squirrel removal pros today and let’s get your property squirrel-free the smart way.
