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The most effective way to get rid of ground squirrels is through a combination of professional trapping, burrow exclusion, and habitat modification. This approach not only removes existing squirrels but also prevents new ones from moving in, ensuring long-term control.
Ground squirrels may look cute, but they’re destructive diggers that can quickly turn your yard into a maze of holes and tunnels. Left unchecked, they’ll damage gardens, weaken foundations, and invite even bigger pest problems.
Getting rid of them isn’t just about quick fixes—it takes the right methods applied at the right time. In this guide, we’ll show you what truly works, what doesn’t, and why professional help often makes all the difference.
Why DIY Methods Often Fail
Traps Without Strategy
Setting traps without understanding squirrel behavior usually leads to frustration and minimal results. Ground squirrels are smart, cautious, and often avoid unfamiliar objects, especially if they sense human scent or poorly placed traps.
Even if you catch one or two, you’re unlikely to capture the entire colony without a targeted approach. Without a follow-up plan to seal burrows or prevent re-entry, more squirrels will move right in.
Poisons and Repellents
Using poison to control ground squirrels is dangerous, unreliable, and often illegal in residential areas. These toxins can harm pets, local wildlife, and even children if misused or accidentally consumed.
Most over-the-counter repellents wear off quickly, and squirrels simply adapt or avoid treated spots temporarily. In the long run, these methods rarely offer lasting results and may cause more harm than good.
Ineffective Home Remedies
Home remedies like mothballs, ammonia-soaked rags, or ultrasonic devices sound promising, but they usually fall short. Ground squirrels either avoid these areas for a while or ignore the deterrents entirely once they realize there’s no real threat.
These quick hacks might give a false sense of progress while the squirrels continue to dig and nest nearby. Without addressing the core problem—access and attraction—DIY tricks won’t get the job done.
Most Effective Long-Term Strategies
Burrow Exclusion and Sealing
One of the most reliable ways to stop ground squirrels is by sealing off their burrow systems after they’ve been emptied. This prevents them from returning and deters new squirrels from using the same access points.
Professionals use safe, proven materials like underground mesh, hardware cloth, or soil compaction to close burrows without harming other wildlife. Timing is key—sealing too early can trap animals inside and make the problem worse.
Habitat Modification
Ground squirrels are attracted to easy food, loose soil, and shelter. By removing bird feeders, fallen fruit, dense vegetation, and open compost piles, you make your yard far less appealing.
Landscaping changes like gravel borders, low ground cover, and clean, well-maintained areas make it harder for squirrels to hide or dig. This natural deterrent strategy works best when combined with removal efforts.
Professional-Grade Trapping and Relocation
Licensed wildlife pros use specialized traps and baiting techniques to capture ground squirrels humanely and efficiently. Unlike store-bought options, these methods are regulated, targeted, and far more effective.
Once captured, squirrels are either relocated (where permitted) or removed according to local laws, preventing the colony from rebounding. This approach ensures a clean break without harming other species.
Installing Physical Barriers
Installing physical defenses around vulnerable areas can stop squirrels before they start digging. Fencing with tight mesh, underground barriers, and netting over garden beds all create strong deterrents.
These barriers are especially useful for protecting vegetable gardens, flower beds, and structural foundations. When installed properly, they offer long-term protection with minimal upkeep.
How AAAC Wildlife Removal Does It Right
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we solve the root of the problem. Our process starts with a detailed property inspection to locate active burrows, identify attractants, and evaluate the severity of the infestation.
From there, we implement a customized plan that includes humane trapping, safe burrow exclusion, and long-term habitat modifications. We also offer expert advice on how to keep squirrels from coming back, all while following local wildlife laws and eco-friendly practices.
Why Speed and Consistency Matter
The longer ground squirrels are allowed to stay, the more entrenched and damaging their colony becomes. Delaying removal gives them time to dig deeper tunnels, expand their networks, and attract even more squirrels to the area.
Consistent follow-through is just as important as starting early. One-time fixes or scattered attempts won’t work if the squirrels keep returning. A committed, step-by-step plan—like the ones AAAC Wildlife Removal offers—ensures the infestation doesn’t come back stronger.
What to Avoid When Dealing With Ground Squirrels
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is sealing burrows too soon, trapping squirrels underground. This can lead to dead animals, foul odors, and new problems like insect infestations or scavengers digging them up.
Other common missteps include using unapproved poisons, relying on old wives’ tales, or ignoring local regulations. These choices can be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst, potentially harming pets, protected species, or even violating wildlife laws.
When to Call a Wildlife Removal Professional
If you’re seeing multiple burrow holes, daytime squirrel activity, or recurring damage to your yard or garden, it’s time to call in a pro. Ground squirrels may seem manageable at first, but their colonies grow fast and their tunnels run deep.
Wildlife professionals like AAAC have the training, tools, and legal knowledge to handle the situation safely and effectively. We don’t just patch things up—we create long-term solutions that protect your property and the local ecosystem.
Conclusion
Ground squirrels are persistent, but with the right strategy, you don’t have to live with them tearing up your yard. Quick fixes and guesswork only delay the problem—lasting results come from a combination of removal, prevention, and follow-through.
By choosing humane, effective solutions and acting early, you protect more than just your lawn—you safeguard your home’s structure, your landscaping investment, and your peace of mind. AAAC Wildlife Removal is here to help you do it right the first time.
