Ground squirrels ripping up your garden? Pest control experts swear by this one hack to prevent further damage – and it costs less than $15

Ground squirrels are currently running rampant across many urban and agricultural areas of the US. These rodents may look just like the tree squirrels you're used to seeing, but instead, they burrow into the ground and cause significant damage to plants and infrastructure.

Although you can use some of the methods to get rid of squirrels, the behaviour of ground squirrels requires some different approaches to be fully effective. The truth is ground squirrels can be hard to tackle, especially when they have established burrows underground in your yard. However, there is one hack pest control experts swear by to stop ground squirrel damage and discourage them from returning – using mesh as a physical barrier.

But, it isn't as simple as protecting your crops and plants with mesh. There's a specific technique when it comes to the placement of the mesh that experts recommend to ensure you effectively stop ground squirrels in their tracks. Here's everything you need to know, plus other methods you should also consider.

How to use wire mesh to stop ground squirrels

While using marigolds to deter squirrels and using peppermint to deter squirrels can be effective repellents for tree squirrels, ground squirrels aren't as likely to be deterred by them.

This is largely because of their burrowing nature, where they create a network of tunnels underground and cause significant damage across your yard.

'Property-wise, they can tunnel through lawns and garden beds and damage your drip lines searching for water. In the garden, they eat roots, flowers and grown produce that you have been caring for,' explains Ed Dolshun from Catchmaster.

The good news is there's a technique you can use to stop ground squirrels and discourage them from returning.

'I would start with physical barriers, perhaps a wire mesh (from Amazon) or hardware cloth (from Amazon) around the base of raised beds,' says Ed.

'If you are attempting to protect garden beds and trees, remember to bury your barrier at least 12 inches deep to block tunnelling,' he says.

The burying of the barrier is the most important part of this method, blocking the ground squirrels from digging into raised beds and infrastructure beneath surface level.

Use essential gardening tools to dig into the ground when employing this method, like this garden digging shovel from Walmart or this garden trowel from Walmart.

This is also a good way to stop squirrels from digging up bulbs. For extra precaution (mainly to stop tree squirrels from contributing to damage), consider also using cloches (from Amazon).

As the ground squirrels struggle to reach the resources they're aiming for, your yard becomes a less desirable place, encouraging them to leave and not return.

Ed Dolshun

Ed is the Catchmaster® brand’s Vice President of Business Development and Technical Director and an expert in trapping tips. In his role, Ed is responsible for both the development of new products as well as validation for existing products. However, Ed’s most important unofficial title is "CTO", or Chief Trapping Officer. Ed has over 12 years experience in the pest management industry.

Other methods to get rid of ground squirrels

'Effective ground squirrel control typically requires combining multiple methods,' says pest control expert, Kourtney Paul.

So, with your physical barrier buried into the ground, it's worth also employing other methods to ensure you get rid of ground squirrels effectively.

'If you (or an adjacent property) have fruit trees or a vegetable garden, clean up any fallen fruit or vegetables as soon as possible,' Kourtney says.

'Similarly, consider forgoing bird feeders, as the seeds can attract squirrels,' he adds.

You can also keep squirrels away from bird feeders by placing them away from low tree branches and using a baffle (from Amazon).

'I have also seen folks set up motion sensor sprinklers (like this one from Amazon), essentially scaring the squirrels away with unsuspecting splashes of water,' says Ed. 'Although this is a pretty expensive venture if you are only trying to get rid of one or two squirrels,' he adds.

Kortney Paul

Kourtney is CEO and President of Ideal Partners, a Texas-based home and property services company. Since its start as a pest control company in 2010, Ideal has grown to include specialized divisions in pest control, roofing, security, fire protection, and HVAC services.

FAQs

Can you trap ground squirrels?

Yes, it is possible to catch and trap ground squirrels, using something like this humane trap from Amazon. However, there may be different regulations around this in different areas. It's therefore best to check with local regulations before attempting to do this.

'You would want to be sure you place the trap near active burrow openings. Relocation is not always legal or effective, so check your local regulations,' says Ed Dolshun from Catchmaster.

There are so many other things you can do to get rid of ground squirrels without causing them harm. For example, try deterring squirrels with fake predators, like these rubber top snakes from Amazon – a fun but effective method.