In certain small areas fencing may be useful, but in larger areas it is impractical. Fencing of individual trees, ornamental plants, flower beds, or vegetable gardens may be an option. Fencing constructed of ¼ to ½″ hardware cloth should be buried at least 18 or 20″ deep and be 18″ high. Because of the cost and time to construct this type of barrier it is expensive and practical only for small areas.

Occasionally flooding of burrows may persuade ground squirrels to relocate.

Rodenticides, anti-coagulants and other poisons are available and most economical for large populations of squirrels, but they can only be used by a licensed pest control operator. These are poisons and are potentially harmful to people and pets, and other wildlife, and should be handled with utmost care. Consequently, we do not recommend poisons for most situations. Fumigants are also effective on burrowing animals. Some of these are also for use only by licensed operations and others are available through garden centers or feed stores. Fumigants are placed directly in burrows and rely on adequate soil moisture to activate. Instructions for fumigants must be followed exactly. Remember these are poisons and also potentially hazardous to humans and pets.