There are tons of different types of squirrels out there. Most people are familiar with tree squirrels, which are our furry friends who climb trees and walk along power lines in search of nuts to snack on. However, there is another type of squirrel that rarely spends any time in trees.
While ground squirrels can climb trees if necessary, they spend most of their time on the ground – hence their name. These squirrels are considered burrowing animals, as they make holes in the ground for shelter, food storage, birthing young, and hibernation.[1]
Ground squirrel populations can be found in temperate climates around North America and Europe. You will usually find them in fields, grassy areas, pastures, and wooded hillsides. However, some ground squirrels might come into developed areas like parks or yards if they find a good food source.
Unfortunately, ground squirrels can do significant damage to your yard, especially if you have a garden. For this reason, you might be wondering how to get rid of them. The best way to remove ground squirrels from your property is by calling a professional like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers.
In this article, you will learn:
- What attracts ground squirrels to human property
- What types of damage ground squirrels can cause to your yard
- How a professional like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers will get rid of ground squirrels
What Attracts Ground Squirrels to Your Yard?
If you are wondering how to get rid of ground squirrels, it can be helpful to understand why they are attracted to your yard. The main reasons these critters come onto human property are for food and shelter.
Ground squirrels are attracted to yards that have the following types of foods:[2]
- Fruits
- Nuts like acorns and walnuts
- Green vegetation, including flower beds
- Grains like corn and wheat
- Frogs and insects
- Garbage or human food leftovers
- Seeds and birdseed
- Bird eggs
- Fungi
- Pet food bowls left outside
If you have a front or backyard that is grassy and has soil that is easy to excavate, ground squirrels might be attracted to your property. This is because they like to make burrows to sleep in, hide their food in, and raise their young.
Do Ground Squirrels Cause Damage?
Ground squirrels can cause significant damage to your yard. Because they are burrowing animals, you might find holes all over your lawn. Additionally, their eating habits can lead to overturned gardens, vegetables strewn across the yard, and more.
Even further, ground squirrels might damage trees by gnawing on the bark, eating twigs and leaves, and burrowing around the roots. They are especially attracted to oak trees because of the shelter they provide.
If you are worried about the damage being done by ground squirrels to your attic or property, you should contact a professional. While some states allow you to kill ground squirrels, you should avoid doing this. Some states require you to carry a license while others consider this a criminal act.
Instead of harming the ground squirrels, you should call a pest management company. Ground squirrel control is best done by a professional pest control organization like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers.
How Will a Professional Get Rid of Ground Squirrels?
Squirrel repellents rarely work–especially DIY ones. Companies like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers use effective methods to remove ground squirrels from your property. Depending on the number of ground squirrels in your yard, we might use live catch traps with bait stations or burrow fumigation.
Trapping
When you are only dealing with a small number of ground squirrels, trapping is the preferred method. At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we believe in using humane and ethical techniques to remove animals from your yard. This means the traps we use will not kill or injure the squirrels.
We will place a live trap with a bait station near the squirrel’s burrow. Once the squirrel comes out to eat the bait, the trap will close and shut them in. Then, we will take the squirrels somewhere safe and away from your property for relocation.
Fumigation
Fumigation is only used when there is a large population of ground squirrels and the location is far enough away from residential properties to keep humans and pets safe. This method should only be used when other animals are not occupying the burrows, as they could be injured.
When fumigation is used, smoke will be introduced to the squirrel’s burrow. This will cause them to leave the property, as the smoke can be harmful. Because Nuisance Wildlife Rangers believes in a humane approach to removing ground squirrels, fumigation is not used frequently.
Get Connected to a Ground Squirrel Removal Service
If you or a loved one is struggling with a ground squirrel infestation, it’s time to seek professional help. At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we have years of experience in pest control. We also use an ethical approach to removing animals, preventing the animals from coming to harm or disrupting the natural ecosystem.
We have a great team of animal trappers who will work tirelessly to ensure that your home is free of any nuisance critters. We do not use any harmful products and we will focus on humane methods to exterminate the animals. Our trappers are experienced and will explain every stage of the wildlife removal process. We are committed to ensuring that your home is safe and fully protected from the invasion of animals.
Contact us today for more information on how we can remove ground squirrels from your property.
References:
- University Of California Agriculture And Natural Resources: Ground Squirrel
- Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner: Ground Squirrels