Do Prairie Dogs Burrow in Yards?
There are five species of prairie dogs found throughout the southwestern U.S. and the Great Plains.
These pests prefer to live in flat, open areas with high visibility, so sometimes they find themselves on lawns. Prairie dogs are attracted to yards near lakes and streams as well as land used for grazing livestock.
Problems Caused
Having prairie dogs in the yard is dangerous because of their need to dig. A single burrow on one acre of land may have anywhere from 30 to 50 entrance holes.
This behavior destroys landscaping and poses tripping hazards that can lead to serious injuries for both people and livestock. Holes may damage mowers and other lawn care equipment as well.
Having a prairie dog in the yard also attracts other pests. Rabbits and rattlesnakes often use prairie dog burrows as shelter. This, in turn, causes coyotes and other large predators to hunt near homes.
Prairie dog fleas can also carry plague, which is fatal and spreads through bites.
Controlling Prairie Dogs in Yards
Because prairie dogs need a clear view of their surroundings, setting up barriers is the best way to discourage them from nesting.
Homeowners can plant trees or stack hay bales to make yards unattractive to a prairie dog colony. However, this method of control could be expensive and may not be practical.
If residents find prairie dogs in the yard, their best course of action is to call the professional technicians at Critter Control to handle removal.
