GROUND SQUIRREL CONTROL FOR THE YARD AND GARDEN | BUGSPRAY

Though most people think of squirrels as animals which live in trees, there are several species throughout the United States which reside in the ground. These are close relatives of the grey and flying squirrels which populate much of the country. The more common species include the Thirteen Lined, the Belding’s, the California, the Rock, the Franklin, the Richardson, the Columbian, the Washington and the Townsend.


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GROUND SQUIRREL BIOLOGY

Ground squirrels, as their name implies, have chosen to live underground and though they can still climb trees quite well, they don’t live in trees.

Ground squirrels can become a problem in the yard and around the home when their burrows lead to flooding. Their presence brings fleas and other insects or even worse, the transmission of disease. Ground squirrels will readily eat garden fruit and vegetables as well as nuts and flowers. If left alone, they will quickly populate to levels which can cause mass destruction in little time. They will even move into our homes if given the chance. This article will detail some of the more common species and then explain how you can control local populations.

 

MANY SPECIES OF GROUND SQUIRRELS

The California ground squirrel is limited in it’s range to mostly the west coast from the state of Washington down to Mexico. They like flat grasslands as opposed to forests but will live close to trees if they have to. They don’t need much water and will readily feed upon any green vegetation including flowers, fruits and plants. They will also eat nuts and seeds. They live in burrows they dig and will occupy these burrows year after year. They have litters which have 7-10 young once a year. They live 3-5 years on average.

The Belding’s ground squirrel has a much more limited range extending throughout 5-6 states including California, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho. They too avoid forests preferring meadow-lands close to farms growing wheat and alfalfa. Though they will feed on seeds and nuts, they will tend to stick with green leafy plants and fruits when they can find ample supplies. The Belding also loves flowers. They will produce litters of 6-8 on average once a year and will live slightly longer than the California squirrel.

The Rock squirrel has a huge range extending from part of California through Arizona into Texas, Colorado and Nevada as well as Utah. As their name implies, they like to reside in rocky areas. This has enabled them to adjust well to roadside rock walls, fences and man made ditches. Though they too will eat plants as a staple, Rock squirrels love nuts, seed and fruit and will readily feed on them when available. They average 3-5 young per litter per year and will live 4-6 years on average.

The Thirteen Lined ground squirrel is probably the most mis-identified ground squirrel often mistaken for chipmunk and gophers. It resides throughout most of the great plain states all the way from Texas to Pennsylvania to Canada. These ground squirrels will eat just about anything including insects, mice, earthworms, small birds, other Thirteen Lined squirrels, seeds, nuts, vegetables, fruit and flowers. They will produce over 10 young per litter once a year and will live a few years on average.

The Franklin ground squirrel resides in several of the mid western states from the middle of the country up to Canada. They will eat a lot of insects and small animals when available but rely mostly on plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. They will change to seeds and nuts later in the year when available. Their litters can have 1-10 young and they only live a few years.

The Townsend has a range much like that of the Belding and relies on plants, fruits, vegetables and seeds for food. They have litters and life expectancies like the Franklin squirrel as well.

The Richardson, Columbian and Washington ground squirrels all reside in the northwest part of the country and like the Townsend, rely more on flowers, plant stems, fruit and seed for diet. They will eat nuts and grains when available and have one litter a year with as little as 2 or as many as 15 young. They only live a few years on average but because they can reproduce quickly a few can turn to 30-40 in a year.

 

GROUND SQUIRREL PROBLEMS

Most all ground squirrels look different and may reside in different regions of the United States. But they all behave in similar fashions, they all like urban environments and they can all cause damage to our plants and structures. Ground squirrels who want to live on your property will first have to dig burrows to nest. They may try to take advantage of old abandoned burrows but they’re good diggers and will quickly construct a network of tunnels. These tunnels will undermine cement slabs and foundations as well as present hazards to people and animals.

 

DISEASE RELATED TO GROUND SQUIRRELS

Ground squirrel activity will inevitably bring insects like fleas along with several diseases and virus all of which present a hazard to people. In recent years, black plague has been linked to animals like prairie dogs and animals like gophers and ground squirrels are almost assuredly helping spread this deadly disease indirectly.

GROUND SQUIRRELS LOVE GARDENS!

Ground squirrels will eat just about any ornamental flower or plant and since they love fruits and vegetables, most gardens will become a favorite feeding station once found. Since they like to live close to where they eat, once they start feeding in your yard they will colonize. This colonization can lead to some foraging into your home.

It’s for this reason that you should try to keep them off your property and once you find activity, take necessary action to remove all animals. The author will now list methods and products that can be used to repel ground squirrels from your yard to prevent local infestations. If you already have activity, there will be control options listed including poisoning, live trapping and kill trapping.

If you reside in a region which has ground squirrel activity, you must make note of surrounding land. Look for pockets of ground squirrels and some are present, expect them to move onto your land if left unprotected. If you know of people in the neighborhood who have had problems with these animals, make mental notes of where and when these problems were active. If neighbors immediately adjacent to your property have active ground squirrels or if your land adjoins fields where ground squirrels are present, you should start implementing some of the repellent treatments to make sure none move onto your land. Such repellents work well for this application.

 

GROUND SQUIRREL DETERRENT

Ground squirrels can be repelled and kept off you land using one of the deterrents listed below. In general, the best approach is to line your property with our sound repellers. These will create a “fence” of sorts they will not want to cross.

INSTALL SOUND REPELLERS ALONG PROPERTY BORDERS

Another effective way to keep ground squirrels out of the yard is to install some of our sound repelling devices. We feature two types; one for above ground, long distance coverage and the other is a “ground stake” low profile design.

ABOVE GROUND SQUIRREL REPELLER

For protection over large areas where ground squirrels can come from different angles, our ABOVE GROUND SOUND REPELLERS are the way to go. These units are very effective on ground squirrels to the extent that they can actually chase away animals already living in the yard.

This repeller is unique in that it uses ultra sound by default which is usually generally enough to ground squirrels away. But it also has a predatory animal audible sound you control. This sound can be turned up or down as needed. This sound alone will be enough to scare them away instantly.

Refer to our product page for more details on this equipment since it has too many options to list. But here is a quick summary of why this unit is a good option for ground squirrels.

1. It uses ultra sound to repel animals and ground squirrels do not like this sound.
2. It has a wireless remote control so you can turn the machine off/on as needed in case you need to use the area where its deployed.
3. It has a daytime only setting, a night time only setting or a 24 hour a day setting. For ground squirrels, it should be on during the day.
4. It has the optional audible sound setting.
5. It includes an AC power supply so if you can run it the device by plugging it into a power outlet, you can let the machine run constantly which will allow it to effectively control a huge area during the day. Using it this will give you coverage up to 70-80 feet away covering up to 4,000 sq/ft in the process.
6. It can also be powered by batteries which can last several months. But using it this way means you will need to have it activate via the motion detector only or else the batteries will run out after a few days if you leave it “always on”.

Plan on protecting your property by positioning these along property lines and borders where ground squirrels might enter.Units should be placed 1-2 feet above ground and pointed in the direction where animals are entering as well as “over” the turf you want to protect.

For easy installation, MOUNTING BLOCKS are handy. They can accept 1 or 2 repellers (picture to the right) and have a 1/2″ hole on their bottom so they will easily fit over a 1/2″ piece of rebar or any other wood or plastic stake. Ultra Sound Repellers will work fine by themselves as long as you have a good place to set them up. But we highly recommend getting the Units with Mounting Blocks in the kits we offer. Mounting Blocks allow you to place units anywhere and they will save time too.

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We also feature several accessories for our sound repeller including POWER CORD EXTENDERS (33 FEET AND 66 FEET), CIGARETTE LIGHTER POWER ADAPTER, ALLIGATOR CLIP POWER CORD and AC POWER SUPPLY REPLACEMENTS.

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Install units pointing in the direction from where they will enter and ground squirrels will avoid the property. The sound is simply too irritating to the animals. This is particularly helpful at keeping unwanted animals off your property. So if you have animals coming around visiting periodically, they will effectively chase them away. But for nesting animals with active tunnels, you’ll need to first gas them and then install our in the ground repellers listed below.

LOW PROFILE SOUND REPELLERS

The ground stake repellers are a more “discreet” setup for the yard. Once installed, you’ll be able to keep them from creating nest tunnels. But again, plan on gassing active tunnels first.

So which unit do you install?

One design is strong enough to use as a barrier along property lines to keep foraging ground squirrels looking for homes away from your yard. The second unit is much stronger incorporating ultra sound along with the standard vibration and sound our basic unit provides.

There are lots of these units on the market these days but most are under powered and won’t be strong enough to handle the job when it comes to ground squirrels. That being said, the science is proven. Basically ground burrowing animals like ground squirrels will avoid dirt under construction or where they hear ongoing “noise”. For this reason, devices which intentionally send out sound waves can be used to both chase away ground squirrels and keep them from entering your property in the first place.

BASIC SOLAR POWERED GROUND SQUIRREL REPELLER

So if you’ve had ground squirrels in the yard and you want to make sure they don’t come back this year, install our basic SOLAR POWERED GROUND SQUIRREL CHASER along property borders. This device uses sunlight to charge a small battery which in turn will keep the unit running all day and all night. In fact it can run several days without sun so once installed, you’ll have 24 hours a day protection.

This basic unit can cover up to 6,500 sq/ft and if placed along property lines where ground squirrels might enter, these units will effectively reroute any nuisance animal elsewhere.

Coverage is about 4,000-6,500 sq/ft depending on soil type. Soft, loamy soil like that typically found along water ways will tend to absorb the sound and effectively deaden it. This means coverage will be thwarted and reduced to the lower range of 4,000-5,000 sq/ft. But for hard pan, clay type soil, coverage can be 5,000-6,500 sq/ft.

When placed along property lines, install units every 45-50 feet to establish an invisible “wall of sound” ground squirrels will not want to pass.

When the units arrive, they will have a slight charge but its not enough to use afield. So before installing units in the yard, we recommend letting them sit out in sunlight (turned off) for at least one day to get a good charge on their battery. This way when you deploy them in the yard, they’ll be ready to work at full strength.

Now if you currently have active ground squirrels, you’ll need the next unit down the page and possibly the above ground repeller listed above as well as the gas sticks for active tunnels.

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DELUXE SOLAR POWERED GROUND SQUIRREL REPELLER

So if you have active ground squirrels centered on your property say in a garden or flower bed, our DELUXE GROUND SQUIRREL REPELLER will be needed. This model is one of kind and not available for sale elsewhere. True, there are models which look similar. But they don’t have all the features our units have which are needed for certain animals like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, chipmunks and voles.

Our deluxe model works essentially the same as the basic unit above. It too uses the sun to charge an on board battery so it runs on its own, around the clock. And it releases a vibration that will both move the ground and create a sound wave that will “rattle” ground squirrels so they want to leave. But our deluxe model incorporates other sounds making them well suited for control of existing problems when used in conjuction with the gassers.

As stated, this unit will vibrate several times a minute constantly rotating the sound cycle. But it also sends out “ultra sound”. In general, ultra sound won’t help fight true, under-the-ground dwellers like moles since they’re down in the ground and well protected from sound active above them in the open air. This is why all the other ground stake repellers on the market don’t include ultra sound. But for animals that like to forage up out of the ground (like ground squirrels), ultra sound is helpful and for the most part, a necessity if you’re trying to treat an active problem.

This short video (less than 60 seconds long) shows how our Ground Stake Repeller works:

In addition to the ultra sound being sent out, it also uses LED bulbs located on the underside of the controller head. These light when its dark which effectively give the units an “evil” look at night. Small animals that like to forage on the ground will look up and see these flickering lights and perceive it to be a threat. This in turn will make them uncomfortable and nervous. Combined with the ultra sound, the vibration and the audible sound, the deluxe repeller is powerful enough to be used in the middle of a an active ground squirrels colony and within two weeks, force them to leave.

So if you have active ground squirrels and want to use this unit to chase them away, plan on gassing them first. After you gas the tunnels, wait a day and install the units directly into the tunnels and dens. During this initial phase you don’t want to install units along property borders for the first two weeks. Leaving the property borders unprotected will allow the nesting ground squirrels a way to escape.

If the above video wasn’t informative enough, this next one is a lot longer but provides all the details you’ll need to know:

Now after two weeks, you should still leave the units in nests where first installed for another month but at this time you can also install units along property borders. This will keep them out of your yard for good. And after another month, you can relocate the units from the middle of your property to the peripheral edges where they can work at keeping all other unwanted animals out.

Coverage for these units is a bit more compared to the basic unit. So for loamy soft soil, plan on getting 4,000-5,000 sq/ft of coverage. But for hard pan, 6,500 to 7,500 sq/ft per unit is to be expected. Along property borders, place units every 45-50 feet.

Setup for these is like the other unit in that you’ll want to let the head unit charge for 1-2 days prior to setting them out in the yard. This way they go afield under full power making them best suited to get the job done. For more detailed directions on how to set them up, download our SETUP DIRECTIONS (.pdf).

 

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Regardless of which unit you get, you need to properly prepare the ground by drilling a smooth hole for them to fill. The hole must be the proper depth and width. Our SOIL AUGER is perfectly designed for the task.

This short video (less than 60 seconds long) shows how to use our Earth Auger:

Simply attach it to your favorite hand drill and take it out to the yard for the task at hand. Holes can be drilled in 10-20 seconds and will be just right. Plan on making them about 9 inches deep as units need to be installed so 1-2″ stick out to keep the head unit off the ground.

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GAS STICKS FOR GROUND SQUIRRELS

If you already have burrows and plan on installing our deluxe units to chase active animals away, use these gas fumigants to force them to move. These use sulfur as their driving force. They are “dynamite” looking GAS STICKS but don’t explode so you shouldn’t think you are deploying some kind of bomb! But they do get lit and then they basically “smoke” quite bit. Place them down dens and tunnels after they’re lit and then “cap” the hole so the smoke stays in the tunnel network. The goal of this approach is to literally “smoke” them out. If animals are in the den when you treat and their network is small (20 feet or less), there is a chance the smoke could suffocate them.

The second option that routinely happens is that they leave the den using an exit tunnel and escape off the property.

Gassing is effective and will provide 2-3 weeks of control. But when used with ground stake repellers, you’ll get more permanent results.

1-2 sticks per den is generally enough. And if you can close up or “cap” entrance/exits you see close to the one you want to use, do so as this will help keep the released gas in their tunnel.

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Now for these to be effective, its best if the targeted animal is in the burrow. This can be confirmed by observing it run down it’s den as you approach. Once sure targeted animals have moved down their dens, make an effort to locate all entrance/holes and use rocks to close up and “cap” these other entrances. Leave one hole open through which you will apply the Gas Stick and make sure it is one of the main holes used. Keep one more rock which will be used to seal this last hole once the Gas Stick has been applied.

Next, light the Gas Stick, place it down the den and close the den up with that last rock you have ready. If the holes are sealed correctly, the Gas Stick will release sulfur gas which will move about the tunnel network reaching all areas where nesting ground squirrels will be living. The gas will take about 3-5 minutes to completely release and animals which are breathing the fumes will quickly and painlessly pass away. If done correctly, results are immediate. It is important to understand that there is no residual left behind from treatments; once the gas is gone so too is any chance of killing targeted ground squirrels. This is why knowing they are present in the den is crucial for success. Most dens will take 1-2 sticks; larger ones will require 3-4 all applied at one time.

WHAT ABOUT A POISON BAIT FOR GROUND SQUIRRELS?

We routinely get asked for a ground squirrel “poison” and though there are are couple of formulations on the market, these are for use by licensed professionals only because of the active ingredient. We do have a non restricted GOPHER BAIT which works well on gophers and moles. Using grubs and worms as the main attractant, any small animal that eats some will succumb to the active. Generally used at the rate of 2 oz per tunnel or nest, its the only bait you could try if you insist on using one but keep in mind, its not labeled for such ground squirrels – just moles and gophers.

 

HOW TO TRAP GROUND SQUIRRELS

If you have active animals nesting or foraging and prefer to remove them for good, consider a good live or kill trap. Trapping is effective. Once animals are removed, repellents work best and can be set up with confidence because they always work when repelling new animals coming to the area. But trying to repel established animals can be a challenge and in some cases, removing the animals is the best way to proceed.

BEST LIVE TRAPS FOR GROUND SQUIRRELS

We have three live traps effective for ground squirrels.

Th smallest is the LT3310 and really is only suggested to use on animals which are less than 10 ounces like the 13 Lined Ground Squirrel. This trap measures 3″ wide by 3″ tall and 10″ long.

To set the trap, simply push the front door “in”. It will then lock in place. Animals that enter will pass over the front door and eventually reach the “trip pan” which will release the door so it closes behind the animal keeping it contained inside.

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The more common traps used for ground squirrels are the GREEN ECONO 5X5X16 and the LT5518RD.

The Green trap is what we consider to be a “economy” trap and not designed to last years or to catch lots of ground squirrels. Its definitely “low” quality but sells for a good price so if budgeting is a concern, try this trap as it will work. Just be prepared to “tweak” the trip pan setting as its more likely to adjust over time.

This trap measures 5″ wide by 5″ tall and 16″ long. It’s painted green and will blend into most landscapes well.

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The best ground squirrel live trap is our LT5518RD. You can get it “stock” with front door access only but the rear door model is well worth the extra cost. This model will allow you to easily bait the trap as well as remove or release trapped animals. Made for professionals, this trap will last for many years. The author has this model and has trapped well over 500 animals using it over 14 years.

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LIVE TRAP BAIT FOR GROUND SQUIRRELS

Trapping ground squirrels is actually quite easy. The key is trap placement. Simply place your trap alongside activity or burrows and with the right lure placed inside, you’ll get fast results.

We have found our LOGANBERRY PASTE or PECAN PASTE to be a great way to get ground squirrels to enter your trap.

For fruit eating animals (squirrels targeting your garden), go with the loganberry. Use a teaspoon full per set along with a small piece of their favorite fruit.

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For nut eating squirrels, the pecan paste will work best. Same amount needed; 1 teaspoon full per set along with some bird seed or the local nut they’re targeting.

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BEST KILL TRAPS FOR GROUND SQUIRREL

If you don’t want to live trap your squirrels and have no guilt about using a kill trap, there are two a few styles available that can make the job easy.

BODY GRIP SQUIRREL TRAP

The first is known as a Bodygrip Trap. These are clamp like traps which are placed directly over ground squirrel entrance/exit holes. As the animal sticks it’s head out it will get crushed which instantly kills it. Death is both painless and quick. These traps come in many sizes and don’t need to be baited. They simply need to be placed over ground squirrel holes.

The easiest way to make a set is to use bricks on either side of the trap and then to “set” the trap springs in between a small gap you leave between two blocks. In most cases, 8 blocks will be needed. Set 4 blocks on opposite sides of the hole. Stack two on top of one another and leave a gap just far enough apart to allow the trap spring to fit in place between the blocks. The double spring #120 trap is well suited for this set. If you look at the picture of the trap, you’ll see the springs are in place. The picture is showing the trap “set”. Imagine laying the trap down flat, just over the hole, with the two springs laying between the bricks. When the squirrels emerge from the hole, there head will hit the “V” trigger releasing the jaws.

These traps measure 5″ wide by 5″ tall and can handle any ground squirrel.

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PIPE TUBE TRAP FOR GROUND SQUIRRELS

A similar type of trap – but one which is much easier to use – is the PIPE TRAP. This design uses a similar type of killing mechanism inside the pipe which is 4 inches wide. Squirrels love to enter pipes, tubes, hoses, down spouts and just about anything which is hollow and round. This design takes advantage of the squirrels natural curiosity but once inside, they don’t leave. Basically the trap acts like a pair of pliers which are being closed on the target animal.

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SQUIRREL ZAPPER

Another kill trap which can be utilized effectively is the SQUIRREL ZAPPER. These devices are small plastic chambers which have a high conducting metal pad inside on the floor. As targeted animals enter, they will unknowingly ground themselves which causes a strong surge of electricity to flow through their bodies which causes a quick and painless death. These devices are excellent for use on ground squirrels and should be baited with either our Loganberry or Pecan paste for best results. Like live trapping, your set needs to be just outside their den on the ground.

Zappers are easy to deploy. Just add batteries, some of our Paste and set them out. Squirrels will enter but not leave. This is the “easiest” kill trap to use and one set of batteries will be strong enough to handle 20+ animals.

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To protect the Zapper from the rain and other elements, be sure to install them with TRAP TUBE. This is a super heave PVC pipe designed to keep your zapper “high and dry”. They come with two stakes so you can anchor them to the ground. And they can be configured to stay in place on both flat surfaces or hills.

 

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