How To Get Rid Of Groundhogs In Your Yard

A groundhog, also called a woodchuck, is a large rodent in the squirrel family. They're known for their burrowing habits and for a famous tradition on Groundhog Day.

They are large, stocky rodents with short legs and bushy tails. Their fur is typically grizzled brown with some variations in color depending on location.

Furthermore, they can grow up to 2 feet long (not including the tail) and weigh up to 15 pounds!

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia (Rodents)
• Family: Sciuridae (Squirrels)
• Genus: Marmota

Groundhogs are found throughout much of eastern North America, from southern Canada to northern Florida. They prefer meadows, fields, forests, and even backyards where they can burrow and find food.

1. Fencing

This can be a highly effective long-term solution.  Install a sturdy fence with a buried bottom section made of hardware cloth. Groundhogs are excellent diggers, so make sure the barrier extends at least a foot underground and bends outward at the bottom to deter burrowing attempts.

2. Scarecrows

While a classic garden ornament, scarecrows are generally ineffective against groundhogs. These clever creatures quickly learn to ignore them. However, you can try using a variety of scarecrow tactics and relocating them frequently to see if it creates a temporary startle response.

3. Gas Cartridges

This method involves placing gas cartridges designed to emit carbon monoxide fumes into burrow entrances. It's a dangerous and inhumane way to remove groundhogs, and there's a risk of harming other animals or even yourself.  Additionally, these can be ineffective as the fumes may not properly reach all parts of the burrow.  Lethal methods are not generally recommended.

4. Predator's Urine

 Products containing predator urine, like coyote or fox, can be sprayed around your yard to mimic the presence of a threat. This can be a somewhat effective deterrent, but the scent loses potency over time and may need frequent reapplication.

5. Trap and Relocation

To trap a groundhog humanely, choose a sturdy live capture cage trap around the size of a raccoon trap (30" x 12" x 10"). Place it near burrows or frequented areas with bait like fruits, vegetables, or nuts. Cover it lightly with leaves or branches for a natural feel. Wear gloves while setting the trap to avoid leaving your scent and check it daily to ensure animal welfare. Remember to consult local regulations on trap placement and duration.

Once a groundhog is captured, relocation is crucial to prevent its return.  The ideal release site should be at least 5-10 miles away from your property and offer suitable habitat for groundhogs, such as wooded areas, meadows, or fields, where they can find food and shelter.

Minimizing handling time is key to reducing stress on the animal. Cover the trap with a cloth during transport to keep the groundhog calm.  At the release site, gently open the trap door and allow the groundhog to leave on its own.

6. Remove Groundhog Nests

Sealing off unused burrows is a great way to discourage groundhogs from becoming your unwelcome yard guests. But remember, evicting families is off-limits! Groundhogs typically raise young from late winter to early summer, so hold off on sealing burrows during this time (July to September in most areas) to avoid stranding helpless babies.

Once the breeding season is over, you can proceed with a simple occupancy check. Lightly cover the burrow entrance for five days. If the covering remains undisturbed upon your return, the burrow is likely vacant. With a confirmed vacancy, you can finally seal the deal! Fill the entrance firmly with dirt, rocks, or both. For extra security, consider adding hardware cloth before filling. 

Remember to wear gloves while handling materials and always check local regulations before sealing burrows. Sealing unoccupied burrows, along with deterrents like habitat modification or fencing, can create a multi-layered defense against future groundhog invasions.

7. Hair Clippings 

They say groundhogs hate the smell of human hair, which is why human hair clippings are also a great method for getting rid of groundhogs. To use hair for groundhog control, place the clippings in your vegetable garden and near burrow entrances. Furthermore, to avoid the hair blowing away the next blustery day, you can tuck them into a mesh bag and secure them to the ground.

Although this is not backed by science, people who have done this successfully swear by it.

8. Home Remedies

There are various home remedies circulated for repelling groundhogs, such as using mothballs, ammonia-soaked rags, or human hair.  The effectiveness of these methods is often anecdotal and unproven.  Some can be harmful to the environment or pose health risks. Therefore, sticking to proven methods or consulting a wildlife removal specialist is best.

9. Use Humane Solutions

Shooting or poisoning are lethal methods and should generally be a last resort. It's important to remember that groundhogs can benefit the ecosystem and may be protected by local regulations. Similarly, discharging a firearm within city limits can also be dangerous and illegal.

So, if you're considering this option, consult with wildlife control authorities or a professional pest removal service. They can advise on the legality and safety of this approach in your area. Always remember to prioritize safe and humane methods whenever possible.

Groundhogs are large, stocky rodents with a short, bushy tail that makes up about a quarter of their body length. Their bodies are typically 16 to 20 inches long, not including the tail, and they can weigh anywhere from 6 to 12 pounds. Their fur is usually a grizzled brown or brownish-gray, with some variations depending on location.

One of the biggest giveaways of a groundhog is its burrowing activity. Look for large burrow entrances in your yard, typically around 10-12 inches in diameter. These burrows often have mounds of excavated earth around them and may have multiple entrances.

Groundhogs are herbivores and love to munch on plants. You might notice damage to your garden, with cleanly cut stems on vegetables and flowers. Additionally, they may leave behind droppings that are about ½ to ¾ inch long and shaped like thick, short sausages.

Infact, they are diurnal creatures, meaning they are active during the day. If you see a large, chunky rodent with a bushy tail lumbering around your yard in the daylight hours, it's a good chance it's a groundhog.

Groundhogs can be destructive little creatures, causing damage in your yard and garden in a few ways. They can be a nuisance, turning your once pristine yard into an obstacle course of tunnels and leaving your garden looking like a war zone. 

Here's how you can identify the damage-

• Burrowing Mayhem: Their passion for creating elaborate underground tunnels can wreak havoc. These burrows can be several feet deep and have multiple entrances, creating an uneven and potentially dangerous surface in your yard.

• Garden Demolition Crew: Groundhogs are herbivores with a healthy appetite for plants. They'll happily feast on your carefully cultivated vegetables, leaving behind chewed stems, uprooted plants, and overall devastation in your garden.

• Chewing Champions: Their sharp teeth aren't just for chomping on carrots. Groundhogs might also gnaw on trees and shrubs, damaging bark and potentially hindering the growth of your prized plants.

• Foundation Foes: While less common, in some cases, groundhogs burrowing near your house can threaten your foundation. Their extensive tunnels can cause instability and require repairs.

Well, there are different groundhog repellent which you can employ to deter groundhogs from making your yard their personal salad bar and demolition zone. Here are some options to consider-

Natural Repellents

Groundhogs have a sensitive sense of smell. You can use this to your advantage by placing strong-smelling deterrents around your property. Castor oil, red pepper flakes, garlic cloves, or even ammonia-soaked rags can be strategically placed near burrows or the garden perimeter.

Certain plants with strong scents that groundhogs dislike can be planted around your yard or garden. Options include castor beans (be aware, these are toxic to humans and pets), marigolds, mint, and alliums like garlic and chives.

Exclusion Techniques

Installing a sturdy fence with a buried bottom section can prevent groundhogs from entering your yard in the first place. Hardware cloth is a popular choice for this purpose.

Once you locate a burrow entrance, you can try blocking it with rocks and dirt. However, be sure the groundhog isn't inside first! Additionally, they might just dig a new entrance.

Habitat Modification

Groundhogs are opportunistic feeders, readily chowing down on whatever tasty greens they find. Regularly mow your lawn to keep it short and eliminate hiding spots for their favorite low-lying plants. Harvest your vegetables promptly, leaving no ripe bounty for them to plunder. Additionally, clear away any fallen fruit from trees to remove potential snacks.

By keeping your yard tidy and limiting access to their preferred food sources, you make it a less attractive dining destination. Groundhogs crave a sense of security, and overgrown areas with brush piles provide the perfect haven. By keeping your yard clear of debris and maintaining a well-trimmed landscape, you eliminate potential hiding spots and nesting areas.

Additionally, consider trimming branches from trees and shrubs overhanging your house to prevent them from using these as access points for your roof or attic. Taking these steps transforms your yard from a cozy groundhog haven into a wide-open, unappealing space, encouraging them to find a more suitable habitat elsewhere.

Scare Tactics

When deterring groundhogs with less traditional methods, technology and trickery can come into play. Motion-activated sprinklers offer a surprising yet humane solution. These clever devices detect movement and unleash a sudden blast of water, startling the groundhog and sending them scurrying away.  

For a more olfactory approach, consider predator urine products. Mimicking the scent of natural enemies like coyotes or foxes, these sprays can create a sense of danger for groundhogs, prompting them to find a safer haven elsewhere in your yard – or hopefully, beyond your property line altogether.

Groundhogs are primarily herbivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of plants. They're like little salad enthusiasts in the animal world! Groundhogs spend a significant portion of their day foraging for grasses, clover, and other low-lying vegetation. These plants provide essential fiber and nutrients for their digestive system.

Here's a breakdown of their typical menu:

Greens

They love munching on clover, alfalfa, dandelions, and other leafy greens. Yes, dandelions!! Those bright yellow dandelions that many consider weeds are a groundhog's golden ticket. They devour the entire dandelion plant, from the bitter leaves to the bright yellow flowers, relishing its juicy content and vitamins.

Fruits and Vegetables

While their primary focus is on greens, groundhogs also have a sweet tooth. They'll indulge in ripe berries, apples, and other fruits they find growing wild or in backyards, adding a touch of sweetness to their herbivore diet.

Unfortunately, a groundhog's love for a good salad can extend to your meticulously cultivated garden. They'll readily chomp on vegetables like lettuce, carrots, peas, and beans, leaving gardeners frustrated.

So, they'll happily snack on fruits like berries and apples and raid your garden for veggies like lettuce, carrots, and peas.

Trees and Shrubs

They might also nibble on leaves and twigs from trees like black cherry and dogwood. While they focus on plants, there have been instances where groundhogs might consume insects like snails, grubs, or grasshoppers. However, this isn't a major part of their diet.

Insects

It's important to note that groundhogs, while primarily herbivores, might occasionally include insects like snails, grubs, or grasshoppers in their diet. These insects provide a small protein boost, but it's not a mainstay on their menu. Overall, these little burrowers are all about feasting on various delicious plant-based options!