Homemade Groundhog Repellent: Easy DIY Solutions That Work

If a groundhog is munching on your garden or digging up your yard, you don’t have to reach for harsh chemicals. Homemade groundhog repellents are simple to make, cost-effective, and safe for pets and plants. In this guide, we’ll share the best natural methods to drive groundhogs away and keep them out—using ingredients you likely already have at home.

Do Homemade Repellents Really Work?

Yes, homemade repellents can work—especially when combined with other prevention methods like fencing or trapping. Groundhogs have sensitive noses, and they dislike certain smells and tastes. When applied regularly, these scents can make your garden less appealing and encourage them to move on.

Top Homemade Groundhog Repellent Recipes

1. Garlic and Hot Pepper Spray

This natural spray irritates the groundhog’s senses and deters them from feeding or digging in treated areas.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of crushed garlic
• 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce
• 1 quart of water
• A few drops of dish soap (to help it stick)

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle
2. Let it sit for a few hours to strengthen
3. Spray around garden beds, plants, and burrow entrances
4. Reapply every few days or after rain

2. Epsom Salt Barrier

Epsom salt irritates groundhogs’ feet and smells unpleasant to them.

How to use:

• Sprinkle Epsom salt around garden edges, plants, or burrow entrances
• Repeat every 2–3 days, especially after rain

3. Ammonia-Soaked Rags

Ammonia has a strong scent that drives groundhogs away fast.

What you’ll need:

• Old rags or cotton balls
• Plain household ammonia

How to use:

• Soak rags in ammonia and place them near active burrow holes
• Replace with fresh rags every few days

4. Castor Oil and Dish Soap Mix

This mix affects the groundhog’s digestive system when they chew treated plants, encouraging them to find a new feeding spot.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup castor oil
• 2 tablespoons dish soap
• 1 gallon of water

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients well in a garden sprayer
2. Spray around plants, tunnels, and areas of activity
3. Reapply weekly or after rain

5. Used Cat or Dog Hair

The scent of a predator can spook groundhogs away.

How to use:

• Collect hair after brushing your pet
• Scatter it near burrow entrances or throughout the garden

Where to Apply Homemade Repellents

For best results, focus on the following areas:

• Directly at the entrance of burrows
• Along garden fences or plant borders
• Around vegetables or plants being eaten
• Under decks or sheds where groundhogs may hide

How Often to Apply

Homemade repellents are natural and non-toxic, but they wear off faster than commercial products. You’ll need to:

• Reapply every 3–5 days
• Reapply immediately after rainfall
• Reinforce when groundhog activity increases

Combine Repellents with Other Methods

For long-term success, use homemade repellents along with:

• Fencing: Bury wire mesh at least 1 foot deep and 3 feet high
• One-way doors: Let groundhogs leave but not return
• Trapping (where legal): Use baited live traps near burrows

Need professional help or want to know the cost? Use this free pest control calculator to estimate removal expenses based on your location and situation.

FAQs About Homemade Groundhog Repellents

Are homemade repellents safe for pets and kids?

Most are safe when used properly. Avoid direct contact with ammonia and keep treated areas off-limits until sprays dry.

How long do the effects last?

They usually last a few days. Weather, watering, and sun exposure can reduce effectiveness, so reapplication is key.

Will these repellents work on other pests?

Yes—garlic and pepper sprays, castor oil, and ammonia can also deter skunks, raccoons, and moles.

Conclusion

Homemade groundhog repellents are a smart, affordable way to protect your garden and yard. While they’re not a one-time fix, consistent use combined with physical barriers and habitat cleanup can help keep groundhogs away for good.

And if you want to skip the DIY and go straight to professional help, use this pest control cost calculator to estimate how much it would take to get the job done.

Act early, stay consistent, and you can reclaim your space without harming the environment or your wallet.