If you’ve discovered groundhogs living under your shed, you’re not alone. These animals are experts at digging deep tunnels and love to burrow under sheds, decks, and porches. While they might seem harmless, groundhogs can cause serious damage over time. This guide will show you how to safely and effectively remove them—and keep them out for good.
Why Groundhogs Nest Under Sheds
Sheds offer the perfect shelter for groundhogs. They’re quiet, shaded, and often undisturbed by humans. The soft soil underneath makes digging easy, and the overhead structure provides protection from predators and weather.
Signs a Groundhog Is Living Under Your Shed
Before you start removal, make sure you’re dealing with groundhogs. Here are the most common signs:
- Large holes near the shed foundation (typically 10–12 inches wide)
- Piles of dirt at the entrance (from digging tunnels)
- Chewed plants or vegetables nearby
- Visible trails or worn paths in grass around the shed
How to Get Rid of Groundhogs Under a Shed
Step 1: Confirm If the Groundhog Is Home
Before sealing anything or setting traps, confirm if the groundhog is still there.
Here’s how:
- Place sticks or crumpled newspaper in the entrance hole
- Check after 24 hours—if the obstruction is moved, the groundhog is active
Step 2: Use Deterrents to Encourage Them to Leave
Once you know the animal is still present, start with humane deterrents to drive it away.
Effective repellents include:
- Ammonia-soaked rags: Place near the tunnel entrance
- Castor oil spray: Mix with dish soap and water, then spray around the shed
- Motion-activated sprinklers: Scare them off with sudden bursts of water
Step 3: Try One-Way Exclusion Doors
These devices allow the groundhog to leave—but not come back in.
To install:
- Place the one-way door over the main entrance
- Seal all secondary holes around the shed
- Wait several days to ensure the groundhog has exited
Once you’re sure it’s gone, permanently seal the main hole.
Step 4: Live Trapping (Optional and Legal-Dependent)
If deterrents fail, you can use a live trap—but first, check local laws. Trapping groundhogs may require permits or relocation rules in your state.
If legal, follow these tips:
- Use a cage trap (at least 32 inches long)
- Bait with apples, carrots, or cantaloupe
- Place the trap near the main entrance
- Check the trap frequently and relocate the animal according to regulations
Step 5: Permanently Seal the Area
Once you’re certain the groundhog is gone, prevent future visitors by closing off the space beneath your shed.
How to seal it:
- Dig a trench at least 1 foot deep around the shed
- Install wire mesh or hardware cloth in an L-shape (one part vertical, one part horizontal)
- Attach the top to the shed, backfill the trench with soil and compact it
Need Help with Groundhog Removal?
Not sure how much professional help might cost? Use this free pest control cost calculator to get a fast estimate based on your location and situation. It’s a great way to budget before calling in the pros.
What Not to Do
Some common mistakes can make the problem worse—or even put you at risk.
- Don’t pour chemicals into burrows: It’s unsafe, illegal in many areas, and harms the environment
- Don’t flood the tunnels: This often fails and can damage your property
- Don’t seal tunnels while the groundhog is still inside: You may trap it and create a bigger issue
Preventing Groundhogs From Returning
Once the area is sealed, keep groundhogs from coming back by:
- Removing food sources like fallen fruit or garden crops
- Keeping grass trimmed and removing brush piles
- Installing fencing if groundhogs are common in your area
FAQs About Groundhogs Under Sheds
How deep do groundhog tunnels go?
Groundhog burrows can extend 5 feet deep and up to 30 feet long. They usually have multiple exits, so it’s important to find and seal all openings when removing them.
Is it dangerous to have a groundhog under my shed?
Yes, groundhog burrows can weaken the shed’s foundation and cause long-term structural damage. They also attract fleas, ticks, and other pests, and can be aggressive if threatened.
Will groundhogs leave on their own?
Sometimes, but not often. Groundhogs love secure hiding spots. Without proper deterrents or eviction steps, they usually stay—and may even breed under your shed.
Conclusion
Getting rid of a groundhog under your shed isn’t just about chasing it away—it’s about doing it safely, legally, and permanently. With the right steps, you can reclaim your space without causing harm or creating more problems down the line.
If you’re ready to take action but want to understand the cost first, use this easy pest control calculator. It helps you estimate expenses and plan the best solution for your situation.
Act now—because the longer a groundhog stays under your shed, the more damage it can do.
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