Ground squirrels are rodents who prefer to make their homes underground in burrows and tunnels. While they climb trees in search of food, they live the majority of their lives underground and retreat to burrows when they’re scared or threatened by predators. Some species of ground squirrels found in America include chipmunks, marmots and prairie dogs. Because these animals live primarily underground, you may not think of them when it comes to deterring rodents from your home, but a ground squirrel infestation can cause devastating damage. Here are five things you can do to prevent a ground squirrel infestation.

1. Know What Ground Squirrels Look Like

Ground squirrels are typically smaller than regular tree squirrels. Most of the squirrels you see in your yard probably make their homes in trees, but ground squirrels dig extensive burrows and tunnels underground to create elaborate colonies. They often live in large groups in environments such as meadows or fields where they have easy access to grain and crops. There are different species of ground squirrels, but they usually have slightly fatter bodies than their tree squirrel cousins. They are gray or brown in colour and often fit into the palm of your hand.

2. Manage Trash Wisely

Squirrels are always on the lookout for accessible food sources, and because they eat a variety of foods, your garbage can provides the perfect all-you-can-eat buffet for rodents. The best way to keep squirrels away from your home is to reduce potential food sources. Make sure you tightly secure your garbage can so squirrels cannot access any food you have thrown away. It is also a good idea to take the trash out on a regular basis and keep the can clean so you don’t attract squirrels to the smell.

3. Plant Squirrel-Repelling Plants

There’s no guaranteed way to deter ground squirrels from entering your home, but you can reduce the risk of an infestation by planting squirrel-repelling flowers around your home. This is a natural solution that often wards off squirrels so you don’t have to take more extensive action. There are many plants you can use, but common choices include hyacinth, daffodil, geranium and Lily of the valley.

4. Remove Bird Feeders

Birds aren’t the only animals that are attracted to bird feeders. Squirrels view bird feeders as an easy food source, and they will likely visit the feeder every day and steal most of the food. If the feeder is located close to your home, the squirrel is likely to move in and make a nest inside your attic. Removing bird feeders from your property is the best idea, but if you want to keep them, you should at least move them to the other side of your property away from your house. 

5. Hire a Professional

Squirrel removal is not a simple process because there are usually multiple animals involved, especially if you are dealing with ground squirrels. You likely do not have the tools and experience to get rid of ground squirrels without harming them, so call the experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control immediately for help. Not only can we help you identify how they accessed your home we can and give you tips on how to prevent them from getting back inside. Skedaddle services include a thorough cleaning of all the areas the squirrels were present. Our team has the equipment to reach all the high-up and heard-to-reach areas that squirrels love. We will clean out any nuts, droppings or damage they may have left behind, leaving your home decontaminated and safe for everyone inside. 

Schedule an Appointment for Squirrel Removal

If you are dealing with a ground squirrel infestation, you must call wildlife control in Okanagan immediately. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help with a team of experts who have the knowledge and tools necessary to provide quick and efficient squirrel removal. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.