If you’ve got groundhogs tearing up your yard, eating your plants, or digging near your foundation, it’s time to take action. But not all tools are equal. Choosing the best groundhog equipment can make a huge difference in whether you solve the problem—or just waste your time.
This guide breaks down the most effective gear for trapping, deterring, and removing groundhogs safely and legally. Whether you’re a DIY type or planning to hire help, here’s what you need to know.
What Equipment Works Best for Groundhog Removal?
The best groundhog equipment includes live traps, heavy-duty fencing, natural repellents, and ultrasonic deterrents. Each serves a specific purpose—some remove groundhogs, others keep them away.
Let’s look at each type in more detail.
1. Live Groundhog Traps (Most Effective for Removal)
Live traps are the most reliable way to catch and relocate a groundhog. These traps allow you to humanely capture the animal without harming it.
Best features to look for:
- Single or double-door trap
- Size: at least 32 inches long
- Durable metal construction with rust-proof coating
- Sensitive trigger plate
Popular models include:
- Havahart Large 1-Door Trap – Easy to set, highly reliable
- Trapro Live Animal Trap – Affordable with a strong spring mechanism
Once you trap a groundhog, always check your local laws before relocating it. If you’re not comfortable handling that, try using our pest control calculator to see how much a pro would charge instead.
2. Groundhog-Proof Fencing
Fencing is one of the best long-term solutions to prevent groundhogs from coming back. They’re strong diggers, so standard garden fencing won’t do the trick—you need something designed to stop burrowers.
What works best:
- Heavy-gauge hardware cloth with openings no wider than 1 inch
- Fence height of 3 feet above ground
- At least 12 inches buried underground, bent outward in an L-shape
Optional upgrades:
- Electric fencing for added deterrence
- Wire mesh skirts around garden beds
It takes some work, but once installed, it can block groundhogs permanently from your property.
3. Natural Groundhog Repellents
Natural repellents are great for deterring groundhogs before they start digging. They work by smell and taste, making your yard unpleasant for the animal.
Common repellent ingredients:
- Castor oil
- Garlic or pepper sprays
- Predator urine (like fox or coyote)
Recommended brands:
- Liquid Fence
- I Must Garden Groundhog Repellent
- Bonide Repels-All
Apply every few days during peak activity times (spring and early summer). Keep in mind, repellents work best as part of a layered strategy—not a standalone fix.
4. Ultrasonic Groundhog Deterrents
Ultrasonic deterrents are motion-activated devices that emit high-frequency sound when a groundhog approaches. These sounds are irritating to animals but generally unnoticeable to humans.
Top features to look for:
- Solar-powered operation
- Wide coverage radius
- Motion detection up to 30 feet
Good options include:
- Pest Soldier Solar Repeller
- Hoont Motion Activated Ultrasonic Repeller
These tools are best used around gardens or areas where you want to prevent digging. Use alongside fencing or trapping for maximum results.
5. Groundhog Hole Fillers
Once a groundhog has been removed, you’ll need to close up its burrow properly. Just dumping in dirt won’t cut it—many will dig right back through unless you use physical barriers.
Materials you can use:
- Heavy rocks or concrete blocks
- Steel mesh or wire panels
- Gravel followed by packed soil
Seal the hole completely and monitor the area for new digging over the next few weeks. If it reopens, that’s a sign you missed one.
What’s the Best All-in-One Groundhog Solution?
Combining tools gives you the best shot at solving your groundhog issue for good. Here’s a basic setup most homeowners find successful:
- Set a live trap near the burrow entrance using fresh fruit as bait.
- Install fencing or wire mesh along vulnerable areas of your yard.
- Apply natural repellents weekly to discourage return visits.
- After removal, fill the hole with wire and packed gravel.
Too busy or unsure where to start? Try our groundhog removal calculator to see how much a professional solution would cost in your area.
Conclusion
Groundhogs can be stubborn, but with the right tools, you can win the fight. From live traps to motion sensors, the best groundhog equipment gives you control over your yard again. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring help, taking early action makes all the difference.
Don’t let a small hole turn into a big problem. Use this pest control calculator to explore expert help and compare costs before making your next move.