Every year it starts the same way. A small mound of fresh dirt near the edge of a house. A hole that wasn’t there a week ago. Then another. And before long, what looked like a minor nuisance turns into something moving quietly beneath your feet. Across Southern Oregon, ground squirrel season has returned, and for many homeowners, the problem is already underway.
This isn’t just about a few animals in the yard. Ground squirrels are relentless burrowers, and once they settle in, they rarely stay contained to a single hole. What they build underground is far more extensive than what shows above the surface. Tunnel systems can stretch beneath foundations, patios, and driveways, hollowing out the soil that supports everything built on top of it. Left alone, that activity can lead to shifting ground, cracking surfaces, and in some cases, structural damage that is far more expensive than most people expect.
In communities like Grants Pass and throughout Josephine County, the conditions are ideal for this kind of activity. Open space, mild winters, and a steady supply of food sources make residential areas just as appealing as rural land. By the time activity becomes obvious, squirrels are often already established and expanding.
State guidance from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife allows property owners to take action when ground squirrels are causing damage, but it also makes clear that not every approach is acceptable. Relocating squirrels is not permitted and does little to solve the problem anyway. Removing a few animals without addressing the burrow system often creates a temporary gap that is quickly filled by others.
What works is a combination of action and prevention. The first step is identifying whether the burrows are active. Fresh soil, open holes, and visible daytime movement are all signs that the tunnels are in use. From there, the focus shifts to eliminating the current population through trapping or other lawful control methods, followed by addressing the structure of the burrow itself. Simply filling a hole is not enough. Unless tunnels are collapsed and access points are reinforced, squirrels will return and reopen the same ground.
Protecting the perimeter of a home is where long-term success begins. Installing underground barriers such as wire mesh around foundations can stop new digging before it starts. Just as important is removing what draws squirrels in the first place. Spilled bird seed, accessible gardens, and unmanaged vegetation all make a property more attractive. Clean spaces tend to see fewer problems.
For homeowners who discover tunneling directly beneath their house, the situation becomes more serious. This is where experience matters. Professional wildlife control operators can locate the full extent of a burrow system, remove animals safely, and install exclusion measures that prevent repeat infestations. Trying to handle a deeply established colony without the right approach can make the problem worse rather than better.
Ground squirrels are a familiar part of life in Southern Oregon, but the damage they cause is anything but routine. Each season brings the same choice: deal with the problem early and thoroughly, or risk letting it grow into something far more disruptive.