How to Keep Groundhogs Out of Your Garden: Proven Methods That Work

If groundhogs are tearing up your garden, eating your vegetables, or digging holes around your yard, you’re not alone. These pests are notorious for invading gardens and destroying weeks of hard work overnight. But the good news is—there are simple, effective ways to keep groundhogs out of your garden for good.

What Attracts Groundhogs to Your Garden?

Groundhogs love gardens because they’re full of food and soft soil for digging. Here’s what usually draws them in:

• Vegetable crops: Especially beans, lettuce, peas, and corn
• Fruit plants: Like strawberries and melons
• Loose soil: Perfect for digging tunnels and dens
• Low-traffic areas: Quiet spots give them safety to forage and dig

How to Keep Groundhogs Out of the Garden

1. Install a Garden Fence

The most effective long-term solution to keep groundhogs out of your garden is fencing. But it needs to be done right.

To build a groundhog-proof fence:

• Use wire mesh or hardware cloth with openings no wider than 2 inches
• Make it at least 3 feet high
• Bury the fence at least 1–2 feet deep to block tunneling
• Bend the top 12 inches outward at a 45-degree angle to stop climbing

2. Use Natural Groundhog Repellents

Groundhogs have strong noses, and they hate certain smells. Repellents can help drive them away when used consistently.

Best natural repellents include:

• Ammonia: Soak rags and place near their burrows
• Castor oil spray: Mix with water and dish soap to coat plants and soil
• Garlic and cayenne pepper: Blend into a spray or sprinkle the powder around the garden

3. Try Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Groundhogs are shy and easily startled. Motion-activated sprinklers spray water when movement is detected, scaring them off.

Place these sprinklers near your garden’s edge or close to burrows. They’re especially effective because they provide a surprise deterrent without causing harm.

4. Plant Repellent Herbs and Flowers

Certain plants naturally repel groundhogs. You can use them to build a natural barrier around your vegetables.

Try planting:

• Lavender
• Mint
• Chives
• Oregano
• Thyme

These not only keep groundhogs away but also enhance your garden’s scent and appeal.

5. Clean Up and Remove Shelter

Groundhogs need cover to feel safe. If your yard offers hiding spots, they’re more likely to stick around.

What to remove:

• Piles of wood or rocks
• Overgrown bushes or tall grass
• Old sheds or decks with space underneath

Once these areas are cleaned up, your garden becomes less inviting.

6. Block Burrows and Tunnels

If you find a groundhog burrow, wait until you’re sure it’s empty. Then seal it up to prevent re-entry.

How to seal a burrow:

• Fill it with gravel or dirt
• Place wire mesh over it and secure with heavy rocks

Don’t block an active burrow—this could trap the animal and create other problems.

7. Use Decoys and Deterrent Devices

Scare tactics can work when rotated regularly. Groundhogs catch on quickly, so change positions often.

Useful devices include:

• Plastic owls or fake snakes
• Reflective tape or aluminum foil strips
• Ultrasonic repellent devices

Need Help Estimating Groundhog Removal Costs?

If you’re wondering how much it would cost to get rid of groundhogs professionally, don’t guess. Use this free pest control calculator to estimate your pest control costs instantly. It’s fast, easy, and gives you a clear idea of what to expect based on your location and the pest problem.

What NOT to Do When Dealing with Groundhogs

Many homeowners try DIY solutions that backfire. Here’s what to avoid:

• Poison: Dangerous, often illegal, and can harm pets or other wildlife
• Flooding burrows: Ineffective and inhumane
• Filling holes without confirming they’re empty: May trap the animal and lead to odor or legal issues

Best Time to Keep Groundhogs Out

The best time to act is early spring. Groundhogs emerge from hibernation and begin looking for food and places to nest. Stop them early, and you avoid summer damage and baby groundhogs making the problem worse.

Groundhog Control Comparison Table

Estimate Your Pest Control Costs

Not sure how much it will cost to keep groundhogs out or remove them completely? Use the pest control cost estimator tool to get real-time answers tailored to your pest problem. It’s a quick and easy way to prepare and plan.

Conclusion

Groundhogs may be persistent, but with the right strategy, you can keep them out of your garden for good. Combining fences, repellents, motion devices, and a clean yard works best. Start early and stay consistent.

If you’re considering professional help or just want a clear idea of the cost, use this free pest control calculator today. Don’t let groundhogs steal your hard work—take control now.