If you have a garden, then you’ve probably had to deal with ground squirrels at some point. These pesky little creatures can cause a lot of damage to your plants and flowers.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to get rid of ground squirrels using several different methods. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent them from coming back.
So if you’re dealing with a ground squirrel infestation, read on!
What are Ground Squirrels?
Ground squirrels are a type of rodent that is native to North America. They are typically found in prairies, grasslands, and meadows. Ground squirrels are small animals, with most species ranging in size from 5 to 8 inches long. They have prominent eyes and furry tails.
Ground squirrels are able to dig burrows that can be up to 3 feet deep. These burrows provide them with shelter from predators and the elements. Ground squirrels are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
Their diet consists of grasses, seeds, nuts, insects, and snails. Ground squirrels play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and aerating the soil through their digging.
Where do ground squirrels live?
Ground squirrels live in many different parts of the world. In North America, they can be found in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. They also live in Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Methods to Get Rid of Ground Squirrels:
One way to get rid of ground squirrels is to use traps. There are several different types of traps that can be used, including:
- Live traps
- Snap traps
- Glue traps
- Cage traps
Trapping:
Live traps are the most humane way to trap ground squirrels. These traps capture the animal alive, so that it can be released into the wild far away from your home.
Snap traps are designed to kill the ground squirrels. They work by snapping shut on the animal’s neck or head, causing a quick and painless death.
Baiting:
The best bait to use for ground squirrels is peanuts. You can also try using sunflower seeds, corn, or oats.
Shooting:
Another way to get rid of ground squirrels is to shoot them. This method should only be used as a last resort, as it can be dangerous.
Poisoning:
Poisoning ground squirrels is not recommended, as it can be harmful to other animals and humans.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent ground squirrels from coming into your yard is to remove any food sources that might attract them. This includes bird seed, pet food, and garbage. You should also seal up any holes or cracks in your home that might provide them with access.
Bottom line:
If you have a garden, make sure to protect it with a fence. Ground squirrels are good climbers, so the fence should be at least four feet high. You can also try using netting or wire mesh to keep them out.
Ground squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are several ways to get rid of them. Try one of the methods listed above, and you should be able to get rid of your ground squirrel problem in no time. And don’t forget to take some preventative measures to keep them from coming back!
Do you have any tips on how to get rid of ground squirrels?
FAQs
What is the best bait for ground squirrels?
There isn’t necessarily one best bait for ground squirrels, as they’re known to be attracted to a variety of different types of food. However, some good options to consider include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Additionally, peanut butter or other sticky substances can be effective in attracting ground squirrels. Ultimately, it may be best to experiment with different types of bait until you find one that works well in your particular situation.
What do ground squirrels hate?
Ground squirrels hate getting wet, so they avoid areas where there is a lot of moisture in the air. They also dislike loud noises and prefer to stay in areas where there is little to no human activity.
However, the main thing that ground squirrels hate are predators. These small rodents are constantly on the lookout for hawks, snakes, and other animals that might want to make a meal out of them.
As a result, they tend to stay close to the ground and in areas with dense vegetation where they can hide if necessary.
What time of day do ground squirrels come out?
Ground squirrels come out in the morning. They like to sunbathe and warm up in the morning sun.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?
It’s possible that the smell of coffee grounds may keep squirrels away, but it’s more likely that the taste of the coffee is what makes them stay away. Squirrels are smart creatures and they will quickly learn to avoid anything that tastes or smells bad.
How do I stop squirrels from digging up my lawn?
One way to try to stop squirrels from digging up your lawn is by using a repellent. There are commercial repellents available, or you can make your own by mixing cayenne pepper with water and spraying it on the areas of your lawn that the squirrels are targeting.
Another option is to try to deter the squirrels from coming onto your property in all. You can do this by trimming back any tall trees or branches that provide a bridge from the tree canopy to your roof or eaves, and by installing a fence around your yard.
How deep are ground squirrel tunnels?
The main reason for why these little creatures dig so deep is for protection from predators and from the elements. Other animals, such as badgers and weasels, will also use ground squirrel tunnels for shelter. When it’s cold outside or there is a storm, you can often find grounded squirrels huddled together at the bottom of their burrows to stay warm.