How Do I Deal With Ground Squirrels in the Garden?

If you're frustrated with the garden damage from these critters and wondering how to deal with ground squirrels in the garden, let's talk...

Ground Squirrel Prevention

Let's look at some ways to keep ground squirrels out of the garden.

The best option for dealing with ground squirrels in your garden to not let them get into your garden in the first place.

By imlementing some of the following prevention methods preemptively, yau can get ahead of dirt squirrels before they become too big of a problem:

Squirrel-Proof Garden Fencing

Can ground squirrels climb? Definitely.

Are there ways to build garden fencing that they can't scale? Also yes.

I've seen smart fencing, designs involving a chain-link fence, with a layer of chicken wire at the bottom to keep out the smaller critters, and then a layer of black plastic buried a couple feet underground and extending a couple feet up the fence.

The slick black plastic often helps prevent critters from climbing up. What would be an otherwise very climbable fence.

I've also seen fencing that was topped with strips of aluminum sheet metal that create a slick surface too difficult for squirrels to climb.

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Buried Hardware Cloth Cages

Some people with recurring ground squirrel issues, find that they can create cages out of hardware cloth and bury them under their garden, plot to prevent ground, squirrels and other burrowing animals from digging up from below.

I generally find this method to be an enormous pain to implement, and often a detriment to route growth, so I can't advocate for it, however, folks who are willing to do this do you often say that it helps with ground squirrels.

Row Covers for Ground Squirrels

Using row cover netting can be in effective method for keeping squirrels away from your plants. Of course they can chew through this, but often don't if other food sources are available. Consider planting something that they like outside your garden, to give them an alternate food source.

Ground Squirrel Deterrence in the Garden

Some people say that you can use chili flakes to deter squirrels. You can also chop up chilies and soak them in water, and then spray this around the garden to help deter them.

Some people chop up garlic and soak that in the chili water as well, prior to spraying.

Others say that peppermint plants or peppermint oil will help to deter squirrels.

Bonus points for these 3, because you can grow them all yourself.

Some use plastic scare-owls to deter rodents, though I'm not sure I've noticed any affect from this personally.

Some gardeners swear by these methods, and I suspect that there's definitely some truth to these.

That said, most people find these are all somewhat ineffectual, and only provide a minimal amount of squirrel deterrence.

Keeping that in mind, these deterrence methods are probably a good secondary supplement to an already strong squirrel prevention plan.

Dogs

Dogs may or may not be able to catch ground squirrels, but they can surely deter them. No squirrel wants to be chased to get a meal, so a dog in the garden can help keep would-be veggie thieves out.

Consider that dogs may dig in garden soil and eat some plants, however, so you may want to keep them out of plant areas with fences.

Cats

If you've got a cat, they may help to catch ground squirrels in your garden or to chase them away.

Just remember that cats can have a negative impact on bird populations outdoors and may keep birds out of your garden too. Some folks will love that, others will hate it - it depends on how you see birds in the ecosystem.

They may be a nuisance that pick your fruit, but they also keep pest insect populations in check. Consider what role birds play before letting the cat out to play.

If you do let your cat roam the garden, just remember that predators such as coyotes, hawks, and owls may pose a danger at night. It's usually best to bring cats inside before it gets dark, especially if they're small.

Pellet Guns

If you've got time on your hands, a pellet gun can provide some deterrance for squirrels.

After they associate your garden with being a place they may become target practice in, squirrels may take the hint and head for greener pastures.

Catching Ground Squirrels

If you can't deter or prevent them, catch them. Try some of the following methods to geh rid of ground squirrels once you've already got them in your garden:

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Garden Squirrel Catch and Release

The commonly-sold Havahart traps are used for live rodent, catch and release. They're simple to use, and squirrels can be relocated after catching them in your garden.

This can be a repetitive task, however, for very small squirrel problems. It can be effective when you're having difficulty preventing and deterring them from getting into your garden.

Looking for ways to control other garden pests naturally? Check out the full guide here.

Snap Traps

If you don't mind killing ground squirrels that find their way into your garden, rat snap traps baited with peanut butter will do the trick.

Consider pairing this method with the deterrance and prevention methods above to reduce the need to snap them.