A ground squirrel hole is 3 to 4 inches wide, open, and flat with no dirt mound. It’s often near fences or sheds and part of a larger tunnel system.
You step outside with your morning coffee and notice a hole in the yard. It’s small, not dramatic, but definitely suspicious. Something has been digging, and it’s not just passing through.
Ground squirrel holes have a specific look. Spotting them early can protect your garden, prevent property damage, and help you act before a small issue turns into a bigger one. Here’s how to identify them with confidence.
What a Ground Squirrel Hole Looks Like
A ground squirrel hole is usually 3 to 4 inches wide. The opening sits flush with the soil and rarely has a mound of dirt piled around it, which is one of the easiest ways to tell it apart from gopher or mole tunnels. It has a smooth, open entrance that almost looks like it was made on purpose, not by accident. The edges might be slightly worn from daily traffic, but the hole itself stays pretty tidy.
These burrows often appear near fences, sheds, garden beds, rock piles, or even under patios. Ground squirrels are strategic, they pick quiet, sheltered spots that give them a quick escape from predators. What makes their holes tricky is that they’re usually part of a bigger underground system with several entrances. If you see one, there’s a good chance others are nearby, quietly spreading beneath your yard. This network can run deep, and ignoring the first signs often leads to more extensive damage later on.
Problems with Ground Squirrel Holes
Ground squirrel holes aren’t just cosmetic. They signal bigger issues brewing below the surface, and the longer they stay undisturbed, the worse it gets.
Soil and Structural Damage
Ground squirrel burrows can run several feet deep and stretch across wide areas. As these tunnels spread, they weaken the soil under patios, fences, walkways, and sometimes even the foundation of your home. This can lead to sagging ground, cracked concrete, or shifting pavers that need professional repair.
In properties with loose or sandy soil, this risk gets worse. The tunnels displace soil density, which makes the top layer of ground unstable over time. A small hole today could mean a sunken garden bed or collapsed walkway in a few months.
Increased Predator Activity
Burrows don’t just attract squirrels, they create a buffet for predators. Coyotes, snakes, bobcats, and hawks are drawn to the scent and sound of ground squirrel colonies. If you’re in a suburban or rural area, this means more wildlife traffic near your pets, kids, or outdoor spaces.
These predators often don’t stick to hunting just squirrels. Some, like coyotes, will scavenge through trash or dig further into your yard. It’s a ripple effect that starts with one burrow and turns into a full-on neighborhood wildlife show.
Surface Activity
Ground squirrels are show-offs compared to gophers. Gophers stay hidden almost all the time and do their damage quietly from below. You’re unlikely to catch a gopher outside the hole, even during active hours.
If your yard looks like something’s tearing it up underground but you haven’t seen a single critter in the act, that’s a strong hint it’s a gopher. Their stealthy style makes them frustrating to deal with and easier to miss in the early stages of infestation.
Damage to Gardens, Equipment, and Structures
Squirrels aren’t picky, they’ll chew on anything they need to survive. That includes plant roots, irrigation lines, garden boxes, and even the wooden frame of a shed or fence. Over time, you’ll notice gnawed corners, broken sprinkler heads, or plants that mysteriously wilt and collapse.
Their activity also compacts soil around important landscape features. That damages root systems and makes it harder for your garden to recover. If your plants start disappearing overnight or sections of your lawn feel soft and unstable, active burrows are likely to blame.
Risk of Infestation and Repeat Damage
Ground squirrels don’t just stop at one burrow. They build colonies with multiple entry and exit points. Once they feel safe and undisturbed, they reproduce quickly, doubling or tripling in number within a single season.
Ignoring one or two holes often leads to a widespread infestation across your yard. Even if you fill a few holes, they’ll usually reopen others if the main colony remains. Without a proper removal and prevention strategy, the cycle keeps repeating.
How to Prevent Ground Squirrels from Taking Over
Once you know they’re in your yard, the goal shifts from ID to action. Prevention isn’t just about blocking holes, it’s about making your yard as unwelcome as possible for these burrowing freeloaders. That means disrupting their comfort zone and cutting off their easy access to food, water, and shelter.
Ground squirrels are smart, stubborn, and fast to adapt. One half-buried fence or open compost pile is all it takes to keep them coming back. Here’s how to stop the problem before it digs in deeper.
Don’t Just Fill the Holes
Plugging an active hole without confirming it’s empty is a common mistake. It can trap the squirrel inside or force it to dig a new exit, often closer to your home or shed. That kind of damage builds fast, and the critter doesn’t just disappear.
If you’re unsure, place loose wads of paper or leaves inside the hole. If they’re still there after a few days, you’re likely in the clear to cover the entrance with soil and compact it well. That helps collapse the tunnel and discourages re-entry.
- What Doesn’t Work: Pouring water, bleach, or ammonia into the hole. It rarely reaches far enough to do anything and can drive the squirrel deeper, or create new tunnel exits elsewhere.
Pro Tip: Lightly stuff the entrance with natural material. If it stays untouched after 72 hours, it’s safe to fill.
Cut Off Food and Water Sources
Ground squirrels won’t stick around if the buffet’s closed. Secure trash bins, remove fallen fruit, and clear up birdseed spills. They’re opportunists, so every easy snack you leave out is a welcome mat.
In garden areas, use mesh or hardware cloth to protect the roots of high-value plants. Mulch alone won’t cut it, they’ll dig straight through. Limiting food supply forces them to search elsewhere, making your yard less appealing over time.
- What Doesn’t Work: Scattering garlic powder, chili flakes, or essential oils. They lose potency quickly and don’t hold up in rain or sun.
Pro Tip: Skip bird feeders for a few weeks if squirrels are around. That “free buffet” keeps them circling back.
Use Motion-Based or Ultrasonic Deterrents
Motion-activated sprinklers and ultrasonic repellents work by startling and irritating squirrels just enough to convince them to leave. These tools are most effective when placed near high-traffic zones like burrow entrances or pathways across the yard. They don’t require chemicals, and they’re easy to set up, great for people who want a hands-off, humane solution.
That said, these devices are not set-and-forget. Ground squirrels are surprisingly quick to adapt. If the deterrent stays in the same place or always triggers in the same way, they’ll learn to ignore it. Treat them like you would clever raccoons, switch things up frequently to keep them guessing.
- What Doesn’t Work: Leaving fake owls or rubber snakes in one spot. Once squirrels realize they don’t move, it’s game over.
Heads-Up: Rotate your deterrents weekly to stay one step ahead. Predictable placements lose their edge fast.
Install Physical Barriers
Physical defenses are your best bet for keeping squirrels out of critical zones. Use galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire mesh and bury it at least 12 inches deep with a bend outward to prevent tunneling. This approach works well around sheds, decks, garden beds, and even raised foundations where squirrels like to nest underneath.
For vulnerable areas, reinforce fencing with rocks or concrete along the base to keep them from squeezing through weak points. This isn’t a decorative fix. it’s about strength and depth. If the barrier doesn’t go deep or tight enough, squirrels will treat it like a challenge, not a blockade.
- What Doesn’t Work: Using decorative garden edging or standard chicken wire. It’s either too shallow or too flimsy to stop determined diggers.
Pro Tip: Use 1/4 inch hardware cloth and anchor it with gravel or concrete if you’re sealing off vulnerable areas.
Conclusion: If It Digs, You Deal With It
Ground squirrel holes might look harmless, but they come with serious baggage. Those tidy little entrances lead to tunnel systems that can damage your yard, garden, and even your foundation.
Spot the signs early. If you see clean holes, missing plants, or squirrel traffic during the day, it’s time to act. Use proven prevention steps, set solid barriers, and call in the pros if it’s getting out of hand. Don’t wait for one hole to become twenty, shut it down before they build a whole neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell if the hole is active or abandoned?
Lightly stuff the entrance with paper or leaves. If it stays undisturbed for 2–3 days, chances are it’s abandoned and safe to seal. Active holes will almost always be reopened or cleared out quickly.
Do ground squirrels live alone or in groups?
They’re social animals. If you see one, there’s likely a whole family, or colony, nearby, using a shared tunnel network. That’s why multiple holes often appear at once.
Is it safe to fill the holes myself?
Only if you’re sure they’re empty. Sealing active burrows can trap animals inside or cause them to dig new exits somewhere worse. It’s always best to confirm activity first or consult a wildlife expert.
What time of day are ground squirrels most active?
They’re busiest during daylight hours, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. If you spot movement during these times, it’s likely a ground squirrel.
Are ground squirrels protected or can I remove them freely?
Laws vary by state, and in some areas, humane removal is required. Always check local regulations or work with a licensed wildlife control service.
