At first glance, ground squirrels might seem like harmless little creatures, but if they start invading your yard or garden, they can quickly become a major problem.
They dig deep tunnels that can damage plants, ruin lawns, and even weaken the foundations of your property. Their constant chewing and digging can cause headaches for even the most patient gardeners.
But instead of turning to harmful poisons or dangerous traps, there are many natural and humane ways to deal with them.
With a little consistency and care, you can get rid of ground squirrels and protect your garden without hurting the environment.
Remove What Attracts Them
The first and most effective step in keeping ground squirrels away is to stop giving them a reason to stick around. These animals are always on the hunt for food.
If they find snacks like fallen fruits, open trash bins, pet food, or bird seed in your yard, they’ll happily make it their new home.
Cleaning up your space regularly, removing or protecting bird feeders, and sealing your trash cans tightly can help a lot. The less food they find, the less likely they are to stay.
Use Natural Scents That Repel Them
Ground squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell, and there are certain scents that they simply can’t stand.
Garlic spray, castor oil, vinegar, or hot pepper solutions can be sprayed around garden beds, fence lines, and near burrow entrances to make the area unwelcoming.
Another powerful natural option is predator urine, like fox or coyote, which can be found at garden supply stores. When squirrels pick up the scent of a predator, they usually choose to relocate on their own.
Block Their Burrows And Access Points
Another important tactic is physically blocking the places where ground squirrels dig. If you notice burrows, you can fill them in with soil and place large stones or wire mesh over them to prevent re-entry.
For larger areas like garden beds, installing a barrier of hardware cloth (buried at least 12 inches deep) can stop squirrels from tunneling in.
If you’re planting new trees or shrubs, placing wire mesh around the roots can also keep them safe.
Use Ultrasonic Repellent Devices
Ultrasonic repellents are small, solar- or battery-powered devices that release high-frequency sounds meant to irritate rodents like ground squirrels.
These sounds are silent to humans but unpleasant for squirrels, encouraging them to leave the area. While not always 100% effective on their own, they work well when combined with other natural methods.
For best results, move the devices around your yard from time to time so the squirrels don’t get used to them.
Invite Natural Predators
Nature has its way of handling pests, and sometimes the best solution is to encourage natural predators.
Owls, hawks, snakes, and even outdoor cats can help control ground squirrel populations.
Installing an owl nesting box or keeping areas open for birds of prey can create a natural line of defense in your yard.
Just make sure this approach is safe and appropriate for your location.
Stay Consistent and Patient
Getting rid of ground squirrels naturally won’t happen overnight. These are smart and persistent animals, and it may take time for them to get the message that your yard isn’t a good place to live.
The key is to stay consistent: reapply repellents, keep cleaning up, and monitor any new activity or digging.
With steady effort, your yard will become less appealing to squirrels, and they’ll eventually move on in search of easier territory.
Final Thoughts
Handling a ground squirrel problem doesn’t mean you have to go to war with nature. With the right natural strategies, you can protect your garden, lawn, and plants without causing harm to the animals or the environment.
By staying vigilant, using natural deterrents, and removing the things that attract them in the first place, you’ll send a clear message to ground squirrels: it’s time to move out.
And when you do it the natural way, everyone—especially your garden—wins.