Garden destruction by ground squirrels prompting worries? Save your green space with this cost-effective pest control trick recommended by professionals, costing less than $15.
In urban and agricultural areas across the United States, ground squirrels are causing damage to plants and infrastructure. To protect your garden from these pesky creatures, pest control experts recommend employing a combination of methods, one of which is using wire mesh as a physical barrier.
Here's a step-by-step guide to using wire mesh effectively:
1. **Select the Right Mesh Material**: Choose a durable material like hardware cloth, which is often recommended for its effectiveness. A mesh size of 1/4 inch is effective for preventing squirrels from passing through.
2. **Proper Placement**: Install the mesh around the base of raised beds or trees. Ensure it surrounds the entire area you want to protect.
3. **Burying Depth**: Bury the mesh at least 12 inches deep to prevent squirrels from digging underneath. This depth is crucial for blocking their burrowing activities.
4. **Installation Technique**: When burying the mesh, bend it outward at the bottom. This prevents squirrels from tunneling underneath the barrier.
5. **Additional Measures**: Consider using other deterrents like cloches for added protection. Cloches can protect specific plants from above-ground access. You can also use gravel or garden fabric on top of the soil to discourage digging.
6. **Monitor and Adjust**: Keep an eye on the barrier's effectiveness. If you notice any damage or attempted digging, adjust the mesh placement or depth as needed.
Kourtney Paul, CEO and President of Ideal Partners, a Texas-based home and property services company, suggests using this method in addition to other strategies. For instance, using fake predators like rubber top snakes can be an effective method for deterring ground squirrels without causing them harm.
When trapping ground squirrels, it's important to check local regulations before attempting this. Relocation of ground squirrels may not always be legal or effective, so it's crucial to research local rules. Placing traps near active burrow openings is recommended when trapping ground squirrels.
Forgoing bird feeders can also help prevent ground squirrels from being attracted to the area. Placing bird feeders away from low tree branches and using a baffle can keep squirrels away.
Motion sensor sprinklers can be used to scare away ground squirrels, but this can be an expensive solution for just one or two squirrels. Ed, the Vice President of Business Development and Technical Director at Catchmaster® brand, with over 12 years of experience in the pest management industry, emphasizes the importance of combining methods for effective ground squirrel control.
Remember, ground squirrels burrow into the ground instead of trees, so different approaches are required to effectively get rid of them compared to tree squirrels. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively deter ground squirrels and protect your garden.
Engage in gardening by incorporating raised beds for easy planting, and protect your home-and-garden lifestyle from ground squirrels by using wire mesh as a physical barrier. For optimal results, select the right mesh material, bury the mesh at least 12 inches deep, and install it around the base of raised beds or trees, bending it outward at the bottom. Additionally, consider using other deterrents like cloches, gravel, garden fabric, or fake predators to further safeguard your garden from these pesky creatures.
