Groundhogs can wreak havoc on your garden, yard, and even your home’s foundation. If you’re dealing with these burrowing pests, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through effective, practical ways to get rid of groundhogs for good.
What Attracts Groundhogs to Your Property?
Groundhogs are drawn to areas with easy access to food, water, and safe shelter. If your yard has lush vegetation, garden crops, or tall grass near wooded areas, it’s practically a resort for these burrowers.
They also love:
- Overgrown bushes or tall weeds (for cover)
- Loose soil or spots near sheds and decks (for digging)
- Unharvested vegetables and fruit from your garden
Before you remove them, it’s key to understand why they’re coming. Remove what’s attracting them, and you’re halfway to a groundhog-free yard.
Signs You Have a Groundhog Problem
Look for mounds of dirt, large holes, and damage to crops or flowers. Groundhogs create wide tunnel systems and leave clear evidence behind. These signs can help you confirm their presence:
- Large holes (10-12 inches wide) with dirt piles nearby
- Chewed-up plants, especially leafy greens
- Droppings that resemble small, dark pellets
- Noises or sightings during early morning or late afternoon
Now that you’re sure it’s a groundhog, let’s talk about how to get rid of it.
How to Get Rid of Groundhogs: Proven Methods
1. Use Strong Scents They Hate
Groundhogs have sensitive noses and hate certain smells. Using scent-based repellents is a simple first step.
Try sprinkling or spraying the following around burrow entrances and your garden:
- Ammonia-soaked rags
- Garlic and pepper spray
- Castor oil mixtures
- Commercial animal repellents labeled for groundhogs
Reapply these repellents every few days and especially after it rains.
2. Install a Barrier Fence
Fencing is one of the most reliable long-term solutions. Groundhogs are skilled diggers and climbers, so your fence must be built smartly:
- Use heavy-duty mesh or chicken wire
- Make the fence at least 3 feet tall
- Bend the top outward to prevent climbing
- Bury the bottom at least 12 inches underground
Though it requires some work, a barrier fence offers peace of mind year-round.
3. Eliminate Food Sources
No food, no groundhogs. Take a good look at your garden and compost pile. If they’re feasting freely, you’re inviting the problem to stick around.
Here’s what to do:
- Harvest your garden regularly
- Pick up fallen fruits and veggies daily
- Secure compost bins with tight-fitting lids
- Remove low-hanging branches and overgrown weeds
Starving them out works best when paired with other methods like repellents or fencing.
4. Try Live Trapping (if Legal in Your Area)
Live traps can be a humane way to remove a groundhog from your property. But always check local laws before attempting this method, as relocating wildlife is not allowed everywhere.
Tips for successful trapping:
- Use a raccoon-sized trap (at least 32 inches long)
- Place it near the burrow entrance
- Bait with cantaloupe, lettuce, or corn
- Check the trap frequently and release the groundhog several miles away
If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service.
5. Fill and Block the Burrow
Once you’re sure the groundhog is gone, seal up the hole to prevent return. Don’t do this step too soon, or you might trap the animal inside—which is inhumane and ineffective.
To block the burrow:
- Fill the tunnel with gravel or soil
- Place a heavy object (like a flat rock) on top
- Monitor the area for signs of digging for a week
Repeat if necessary. If new holes appear, you might still have visitors.
When to Call a Professional
If your DIY efforts don’t work, or if you’re dealing with multiple groundhogs, it’s time to call pest control. Professionals have the right equipment and experience to handle stubborn infestations safely.
Want to know how much it might cost to get professional help? Use this pest control cost calculator to get an instant estimate based on the pest type and your location.
Natural Predators and Deterrents
Encouraging natural predators or simulating their presence can help keep groundhogs away.
Here are a few ideas:
- Place owl decoys or scarecrows near garden beds
- Install motion-activated sprinklers
- Adopt a dog—many breeds naturally chase burrowing pests
While not foolproof, these strategies can complement your main groundhog removal plan.
How to Prevent Groundhogs in the Future
Prevention is just as important as removal. Once you’ve cleared out the groundhogs, don’t let your guard down.
Follow these steps to keep them from coming back:
- Keep grass and weeds trimmed short
- Close off crawl spaces, decks, and sheds with wire mesh
- Maintain fencing and inspect it seasonally
- Continue using repellents during spring and summer
If you’re unsure whether prevention alone will work for your property, check your estimated pest control costs here before hiring a professional.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Groundhogs?
With consistent effort, most people can drive out groundhogs in 1 to 2 weeks. However, for deeply established burrows or repeated visitors, it may take longer and require multiple tactics.
If the problem continues after a few weeks, it may be more cost-effective to consult a local expert. Click here to calculate the cost of pest control in your area so you can budget accordingly.
Conclusion: Take Action and Reclaim Your Yard
Getting rid of groundhogs takes patience, but it’s totally doable. Start by identifying what’s drawing them in, then take action with repellents, fencing, and food control. If those don’t work, humane traps or professional help can finish the job.
Don’t wait too long—groundhogs can cause serious damage to your garden and structures. If you want a quick estimate on what pest control might cost for your exact situation, try this pest control calculator now and make a smart, informed decision.
Your yard deserves to be groundhog-free—start today and enjoy the peace of mind tomorrow.
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