The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is often the species responsible for the extensive tunnel systems that cause concern on developed properties. These rodents, which are a type of ground squirrel, are drawn to human-altered landscapes because the consistently mowed grass provides both easy forage and clear sightlines for predator detection. Addressing a prairie dog issue naturally and humanely requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on making the environment less hospitable rather than resorting to toxic control methods. This article focuses on non-lethal strategies, including physical exclusion, sensory deterrence, and humane removal, to encourage these animals to relocate away from unwanted areas.
Physical Exclusion and Landscape Modification
Preventing prairie dogs from establishing a colony is often simpler than removing an existing one. To deter burrowing, property owners can fill existing or newly discovered holes with a mixture of soil and gravel, ensuring any active burrow is empty first. This action makes the ground less pliable for digging new tunnels and discourages the re-entry of the animals.
The most effective physical barrier is a specialized fence design that discourages both climbing and tunneling. Perimeter fencing should feature a bottom edge that is buried at least 18 inches deep, often in an L-shaped footer extending outward to prevent digging directly beneath the barrier. The fence material itself should extend at least 2 to 3 feet above the ground and be opaque to disrupt the prairie dogs’ visual line of sight.
Beyond physical barriers, modifying the landscape can naturally reduce the area’s appeal to prairie dogs. They prefer short-cropped vegetation, as it allows them to spot predators like coyotes and raptors from a distance. Allowing grass to grow taller than 8 inches in areas where prairie dogs are unwanted can serve as a natural visual barrier, making them feel vulnerable and encouraging them to move to more open ground.
Sensory Deterrents and Repellents
Sensory deterrents aim to make the environment unpleasant for prairie dogs by appealing to their strong sense of smell. One natural approach involves using commercially purchased scents associated with their primary predators, such as coyote or fox urine. Applying these scents near active burrow entrances signals danger.
Another method uses strong, non-toxic household items or plant-based extracts that irritate the prairie dogs’ respiratory systems. Rags or cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or white vinegar can be strategically placed a short distance inside the burrow openings.
Some property owners have tried planting strong-smelling herbs or plants like castor beans, though caution is advised due to the toxicity of the bean itself to pets and children. Sonic and visual deterrents, such as reflective tape or specialized noise emitters, are also sometimes included in a multi-pronged strategy. While these sensory methods are generally not effective on their own for established colonies, they can contribute to the overall discouragement of the animals when used in conjunction with physical exclusion methods.
Humane Removal and Relocation Guidelines
When exclusion and deterrence fail to solve the problem, active removal of the animals through live trapping may be necessary. Live trapping requires careful planning using humane box traps baited with preferred food sources like oats or sweet potatoes. Traps must be checked frequently throughout the day to minimize stress and prevent heat-related injury or death of the captured animals.
Before any trapping begins, consult with local and state wildlife authorities. Unauthorized trapping or relocation is illegal in many jurisdictions. Permits are frequently required, and regulatory bodies have strict guidelines regarding the timing and suitability of release sites, often requiring a minimum amount of viable habitat.
In many areas, it is illegal to simply relocate a prairie dog without an approved receiving site, and transporting them across county lines is often prohibited without specific authorization. Professional wildlife removal specialists are frequently required to ensure compliance and the successful, humane relocation of the animals. These specialists have the necessary permits and knowledge to identify suitable release locations and handle the animals with minimal stress.
Maintaining a Prairie Dog-Free Environment
Achieving a prairie dog-free status is an ongoing commitment requiring routine monitoring and proactive maintenance. Once the area has been cleared, regular property inspections should be conducted to look for signs of new activity. Promptly addressing any new or reactivated burrows is important, as a single pair can quickly re-establish a colony.
Checking exclusion measures for any breaches is routine, including looking for gaps in perimeter fencing or areas where the ground has eroded near a buried footer. A small breach in a fence can quickly become a re-entry point for a new infestation. Continued maintenance of tall grass buffers or other landscape modifications helps to make the environment less desirable for new arrivals.
Managing potential secondary attractants involves ensuring that pet food or bird seed is not left accessible outdoors. By consistently removing sources of easy forage and maintaining physical deterrents, property owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of a prairie dog colony re-establishing itself. This persistent effort prevents the need for future large-scale removal projects.