AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I was a professional animal damage controller. If you are having problems with squirrels, raccoons, beavers, moles, voles, etc. damaging your property, I can help give you information to resolve that damage. I was an assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology magazine and have published numerous articles as well as two books in this field.
Experience former Assistant Editor of Wildlife Control Technology magazine, the nation's only exclusive professional magazine for animal damage controllers. I have published two books, the Wildlife Removal Handbook and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook.
Expert: Stephen Vantassel Date: 6/10/2008 Subject: ground squirrel or rat?
Question QUESTION: I live in the AZ desert on 3 acres. What I thought were cute little ground squirrels are now becoming aggressive and entering our fenced house yard. I haven't found a pic on the internet that looks like them. They have holes all over the property that they duck into. We have an aviary that is attracting them. How can I keep these critters at a distance? They are fun to watch playing with each other but I don't want them so close. Would the pellets or sprays used to detract cats and dogs from areas work?
Thanks for any information you can give.
ANSWER: Don't waste your time or money with repellents. They won't work.
I doubt you have woodchucks but you might. I am thinking you have some other ground squirrel. Since I don't know what you have, I can't be more specific on control advice. So I will have to direct you to our website. There is tons of info there, and its is all free. http://icwdm.org
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: After researching further. I think we have Round Tailed Ground Squirrels.
