What is the best deterrent for ground squirrel control?
It’s important to invest in ground squirrel control measures if you are dealing with ground squirrels. These highly destructive rodents are formidable garden pests that can be difficult to control.
They are quite known for eating everything including seeds, nuts, plant buds, flowers, grains, insects, bird seeds, garbage, frogs, human leftovers, and lots more. If they find their way into foundations, they will chew up wires, wood, and lots more. They will also dig unsightly burrows around your entire property and foundation causing structural failure.
Beyond that, they also carry a variety of dangerous diseases like other rodents including leptospirosis, rabies, and the bubonic plague. Their diseases can spread to humans through their saliva, bites, and when you touch the dead animal.
How to identify if you have a ground squirrel problem
The first step to getting rid of ground squirrels is to confirm that you are dealing with them. Doing so, ensures you are using the actual target solutions to repel and remove them. Ground squirrels are a species of rodents that are larger than chipmunks but with a more prominent and fluffy tail. They would also likely be more grayish than chipmunks who are lighter brown colored. Unlike tree squirrels, ground squirrels will have stripes on their body. They don’t also have head stripes like chipmunks.
Another difference between these three animals is that ground squirrels live on the ground like chipmunks. This is different from tree squirrels that preferably reside in holes in trees. So, like chipmunks, they will dig the ground and choose grassy areas. However, finding them can prove difficult. The best way to know if you have a ground squirrel problem is through other signs such as:
- Gnawing or chewing marks
- Missing chicken eggs
- Dug up flower bulbs
- Nests
- Scratching noises from your attic or walls
- Ground squirrel holes (usually two to three inches long and these holes appear shallow at first glance)
No technique is entirely squirrel proof
It’s important to realize that there is no best deterrent for ground squirrel control. You only have a combination of techniques that would ensure efficient squirrel removal. Here are the methods you can try:
Take preventive action
You need to eliminate the potential of squirrels in your yard by eliminating food sources such as bird seeds. If you must feed birds, invest in bird feeders that are squirrel proof. You also need to rake up fallen nuts, fruits, twigs, and leaves regularly as well. It’s also crucial to use locked containers for trash and storing food particles as well.
Build a chicken wireframe
Squirrels are great climbers which makes most fencing solutions pointless. Nevertheless, chicken wireframes around your flowers or garden are a great idea to stop squirrels from eating them up. Make sure your chicken mesh goes at least four to six inches into the ground so that it won’t dig underneath.
Use squirrel repelling plants
Some plants give off aromas that repel squirrels. They include castor beans, narcissus, and crown imperials.
Ground squirrel decoys
Squirrels have many predators such as felines, foxes, coyotes, eagles, hawks, and owls. You can buy a decoy and place it at vantage positions to get them out. We recommend using about three to four decoys and switching them frequently to maintain effectiveness.
Use a squirrel trap
You can also use live capture traps which allow you to trap and relocate the animal. However, this method should only be done by a professional as there’s a high chance of being bitten by the trapped animal. Also, look at your local laws and regulations because this practice isn’t allowed in many areas.
Consider a ground squirrel repellent
One of the best ground squirrel control solutions is investing in a squirrel repellent. The best products will provide an uncomfortable environment that keeps squirrels away without harming them. These products can be used comfortably around pets and children and should be reapplied from time to time to maintain their effects.
Invest in Nature’s Mace squirrel repellent
If you are trying to get rid of ground squirrels, then you need a repellent that won’t pose a risk to your landscaping, property, kids, and pets. Nature’s Mace squirrel repellent combines non-toxic and natural plant-based ingredients that will effectively get rid of ground squirrels without killing them. Nature’s Mace Squirrel repellent will not expose you or your pets and children to harmful chemicals. That way you can deal with your squirrel problem conveniently.
