How To Get Rid Of Prairie Dogs

Those burrowing rodents can turn a pasture into a minefield of mounds and tunnels in just one season. If you are searching for how to get rid of prairie dogs, you likely already know the frustration of watching your land get carved up. These critters are not just ugly; they create hazards for livestock and equipment.

Getting rid of them takes a plan, not just a single trick. You need to combine different methods and stay consistent. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to reclaim your property.

Understanding The Prairie Dog Problem

Before you start, you need to know what you are dealing with. Prairie dogs are social rodents that live in large colonies called towns. These towns can span hundreds of acres.

They eat grasses and forbs, which directly competes with your cattle or horses. Their digging can also damage field equipment and create trip hazards for people. A single prairie dog can move a lot of dirt, but a whole town can change the landscape completely.

This is the core of the matter. There is no single “silver bullet” solution. The best approach uses a mix of lethal and non-lethal controls, depending on the size of your infestation and your local regulations.

Here is a breakdown of the main strategies you can use. Always check with your local extension office first. Some methods are restricted or require permits.

Using Toxic Baits And Rodenticides

This is often the most cost-effective method for large areas. Poison baits are usually grain-based and treated with an anticoagulant. The goal is to get the prairie dogs to eat the bait and die slowly, which prevents them from becoming bait-shy.

Zinc Phosphide: This is a fast-acting poison. It kills within hours. However, it is highly toxic to other animals and humans. You must use it carefully.
Anticoagulants: These are slower, requiring multiple feedings. They are safer for non-target species because the concentration is lower. Look for products with chlorophacinone or diphacinone.
Application Method: You can apply bait by hand, using a spoon, or with a specialized burrow builder. Hand baiting is precise but slow. Burrow builders are pulled behind a tractor and drop bait into the tunnels.

Timing is critical. The best time to bait is in the late summer or early fall. This is when prairie dogs are actively gathering food for winter. They are more likely to accept the bait. Spring baiting works too, but you risk killing nursing mothers, which can leave young pups to die above ground and attract scavengers.

Fumigation Techniques

Fumigation is a good option for smaller areas or when you want to avoid using poisons that might affect other wildlife. This involves pumping gas into the burrow system to suffocate the animals.

Aluminum Phosphide: This is a restricted-use pesticide. It reacts with moisture in the soil to produce phosphine gas. It is very effective, but only certified applicators can buy it. It is also dangerous if you do not follow the safety rules.
Oxygen Deprivation (Carbon Monoxide): Some people use machines that inject carbon monoxide from a vehicle exhaust into the burrows. This is safer for the environment but less reliable. It often fails to kill all the animals in a complex tunnel system.
How To Do It: You must find all the active holes. Seal the entrances with dirt after you start gassing. If you miss a hole, the gas escapes and the prairie dogs survive.

Fumigation works best when the soil is moist. Dry soil allows the gas to leak out too quickly. Do this in the spring or after a rain.

Trapping As A Removal Option

Trapping is labor-intensive. It is usually only practical for small yards or gardens. You will not solve a 100-acre infestation with traps.

You can use live traps or kill traps. Live traps require you to relocate the animals. However, many states prohibit relocation because prairie dogs carry diseases and can damage other properties. Check your laws.

Kill traps, like Conibear traps, are more humane if set correctly. They kill instantly. Place them at the entrance of active burrows. Bait them with oats, barley, or sweet potatoes.

Trapping requires daily checking. Prairie dogs are smart. If they see a trap, they might avoid it. You need to move the traps frequently to stay ahead of them.

Shooting For Population Control

Shooting is a recreational method that can help control numbers, but it rarely eliminates a colony. It is best used as a follow-up to baiting or fumigation to pick off survivors.

Caliber Choice: A .22 LR rifle is the most common choice. Use hollow-point rounds for a clean kill.
Scope: You need a good scope. Prairie dogs are small and pop in and out of holes quickly.
Patience: You will need to sit still for long periods. Prairie dogs have excellent eyesight and will sound the alarm if they see you.

This method is safe if you follow firearm rules. It is also selective, meaning you only kill the animals you see. However, it is time-consuming and not practical for large towns.

Non-Lethal And Preventative Measures

Sometimes, you cannot kill the prairie dogs. Maybe they are on protected land, or you just prefer a non-lethal route. In that case, you need to make your property less attractive to them.

Habitat Modification

Prairie dogs love short grass. It gives them a clear view of predators. If you keep your grass tall, they feel vulnerable and may leave.

You can also remove their food source. However, this is hard on a ranch. Instead, consider planting a “trap crop” of alfalfa or other plants they love away from your main fields. This keeps them busy in one spot.

Exclusion With Fencing

Fencing is expensive but effective for small areas. You need a fence that goes deep into the ground to prevent digging.

Wire Mesh: Use a heavy-gauge wire mesh with small openings.
Underground Barrier: Bury the fence at least 1 to 2 feet deep. Bend the bottom edge outward in an “L” shape. This stops them from digging under it.
Height: Make the fence at least 3 feet tall. They are not great climbers, but they can jump a little.

This is not a solution for a whole pasture. It is best for protecting a garden, a yard, or a specific building foundation.

Repellents And Scare Tactics

Most repellents do not work. Prairie dogs are persistent. You might scare them off for a day, but they will come back.

Some people use ultrasonic devices or propane cannons. These have a very low success rate. The animals get used to the noise quickly. You are better off spending your money on bait or fencing.

Step-By-Step Action Plan

Here is a simple plan to follow if you are dealing with a serious infestation. This combines the best methods for a high success rate.

Survey The Land: Walk your property. Mark all active burrows. Look for fresh dirt and droppings.
Check Regulations: Call your local USDA office or extension agent. Ask about restrictions on poisons and fumigants.
Choose Your Primary Method: For large areas, choose baiting. For small areas, choose fumigation or trapping.
Apply The Treatment: Follow the label instructions exactly. Do not rush. Missed spots mean survivors.
Wait And Monitor: Wait 7-10 days. Check for new mounds or activity.
Follow Up: Use shooting or trapping to eliminate the remaining survivors. This is the most important step. If you skip it, the population will bounce back.
Prevent Re-infestation: Keep your grass taller. Consider fencing critical areas.

Natural Predators As Allies

You can encourage natural predators to help you. Badgers, foxes, coyotes, and raptors all eat prairie dogs. However, relying on them alone is not enough. They will not wipe out a colony.

You can install raptor perches. These are tall poles with a crossbar. Owls and hawks will use them to hunt. This helps control the population, but it is a slow process.

Do not poison predators. If you use rodenticides, you risk killing the very animals that are helping you. The poison moves up the food chain.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many people fail because they make simple errors. Avoid these to save time and money.

Baiting In The Rain: The bait gets wet and molds. Prairie dogs will not eat it.
Not Pre-Baiting: If you use a new bait, prairie dogs might be suspicious. Put out untreated grain for a few days first. Then, switch to the poisoned grain.
Ignoring The Edges: Prairie dogs often live on the edges of a town. If you only treat the center, they will expand outward.
Giving Up Too Early: It takes time. You must be persistent for several weeks.

When To Call A Professional

If you have a massive infestation or you are not comfortable using poisons, call a professional. Wildlife control specialists have access to restricted chemicals and the equipment to apply them safely.

They also have the experience to find all the active burrows. This is often worth the money compared to the cost of wasted bait and your time. Look for a licensed pest control operator in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to kill prairie dogs?

Zinc phosphide bait is the fastest. It kills within a few hours of ingestion. However, it is highly toxic and requires careful handling. Fumigation with aluminum phosphide is also fast, but it requires a certified applicator.

Will prairie dogs eventually leave on their own?

No. They will not leave unless their food source is completely gone. They are territorial and will stay until they are removed. If you remove them, new ones might move in from neighboring areas if the habitat is good.

Are prairie dogs dangerous to humans?

They rarely bite, but they can carry fleas that transmit diseases like plague. It is best to avoid direct contact. Their burrows are also a trip hazard and can damage equipment, which is a safety risk.

Can I use gasoline to kill prairie dogs?

No. Never use gasoline or flammable liquids. It is extremely dangerous, illegal, and causes a fire hazard. It also pollutes the soil. Stick to registered pesticides or fumigants.

What time of year is best for control?

Late summer and early fall are the best times. The prairie dogs are actively feeding to store fat for winter. They are also less likely to have young pups in the burrows. This ensures you get the adults and the young that are above ground.

Final Thoughts On Removal

Getting rid of prairie dogs is a battle of persistence. You have to be smarter than they are. Start with a survey and a solid plan. Use the right tools for the size of your problem.

Do not get discouraged if you see survivors. That is normal. The follow-up work is what makes the difference between a temporary fix and a permanent solution. Keep an eye on the edges of your property to prevent new arrivals.

With a consistent effort, you can take back your land. The key is to act quickly and use the methods outlined above. Your pasture will thank you.