This is a tough issue, Rod. Squirrels seem attracted to disturbed soil and can be very persistent with digging.

One thing to try is using physical barriers like burlap or covering the area with light material like floating row covers that can be pinned to the ground but let sunlight in. You could also try repellents, though that may be difficult if it’s a large area.

Motion-triggered water sprayers that are attached to a hose and run on batteries are quite effective at deterring wildlife. They shoot jets of water at the intruder. But they aren’t cheap, costing about $70. (Look up Scarecrow water sprinkler online.)

One thing to keep in mind is that while squirrels are attracted to newly seeded areas eventually they lose interest. Go back and tamp the disturbed areas flat and soon the bare spots will fill in.

Hope this helps. Thanks.