Groundhogs (also known as woodchucks) are persistent diggers that can cause real damage to gardens, lawns, and even home foundations. If you’re looking for a humane and effective way to get rid of them, trapping is one of the most reliable methods.
This guide will walk you through how to trap groundhogs safely, legally, and successfully—even if you’ve never set a trap before. We’ll also cover what to do after you trap one and how to prevent them from coming back.
What’s the Best Way to Trap a Groundhog?
The best way to trap a groundhog is to use a live cage trap baited with fresh fruits or vegetables, placed near the entrance of an active burrow. The trap should be properly sized, camouflaged, and checked regularly to ensure humane capture.
Key Elements of a Successful Groundhog Trap:
- Trap type: Live cage trap, at least 10″x12″x32″
- Material: Galvanized steel with sensitive trigger plate
- Entry point: Single-door or double-door depending on burrow layout
- Bait: Fresh produce like cantaloupe, apples, lettuce, carrots
Best Traps for Groundhogs
Trap Model | Features | Best For |
---|---|---|
Havahart 1084 Live Animal Cage Trap | Single door, durable, sensitive trigger | First-time trappers |
Havahart 1045 Two-Door Trap | Allows entry from both ends, higher catch rate | Groundhogs with large burrow systems |
Tru-Catch Large Animal Trap | Smooth edges, extra long for larger animals | Humane and safe transport |
Most of these traps are available at hardware stores or online, and they’re reusable if you face repeat infestations.
How to Set a Groundhog Trap Step-by-Step
Follow these instructions for a safe and humane setup:
- Identify active burrows: Look for fresh dirt and crescent-shaped holes in the ground.
- Choose the right spot: Place the trap 1 to 5 feet from the entrance of an active burrow or along common paths.
- Bait the trap: Use a slice of cantaloupe (they love it), and position it behind the trigger plate so they step on it.
- Disguise the trap: Use grass, leaves, or soil to blend the trap into the surroundings without blocking the entrance.
- Check frequently: Inspect the trap every few hours to avoid stress or injury to the trapped animal.
Best Baits for Groundhogs
Groundhogs are herbivores, and they love sweet, fresh produce. Use one of the following baits to lure them in:
- Cantaloupe (best option)
- Sweet corn
- Apples
- Lettuce or spinach
- Carrots
Rub the bait juice on the trap floor to increase scent attraction. Avoid meat or heavily processed food—groundhogs won’t go for it.
Is It Legal to Trap Groundhogs?
In most areas, yes—but you need to follow local laws. Some places require a permit to trap wildlife or have restrictions on where and how you can release them.
Check with your local wildlife agency before trapping or relocating. In many regions, you must release the animal within a certain number of miles or may be required to euthanize it humanely.
What to Do After You Trap a Groundhog
Once you’ve caught one, handle the trap carefully and follow these steps:
- Wear gloves: Groundhogs can bite if threatened.
- Cover the trap: Place a towel or blanket over the trap to calm the animal.
- Transport safely: Drive the animal to a legal release site or follow euthanasia procedures as required by law.
- Seal burrows: After removal, fill and pack the burrow entrances with dirt and rocks.
Once you’ve removed a groundhog, others may try to move in. That’s why prevention is the next critical step.
Prevent Groundhogs from Coming Back
After trapping and removing groundhogs, take these steps to stop a repeat problem:
- Install an L-shaped underground fence to block future diggers
- Remove food sources like fallen fruit or open compost
- Cut back tall grass and brush piles where they hide
- Use strong-smelling repellents around old burrow sites
Don’t want to deal with prevention yourself? You can estimate what it would cost to have a professional handle it. Just try this pest control price calculator and see your options based on your area and pest type.
DIY Trapping vs. Professional Help
Trapping groundhogs yourself can work well, especially if you’re dealing with one or two animals. But if you’re seeing widespread damage or don’t want to handle wildlife yourself, hiring a professional might be the better route.
Professional trappers:
- Know local laws and how to stay compliant
- Have the right tools and experience
- Can inspect for repeat entry points or damage
Want to see how much that would cost? Use this groundhog control estimator to compare DIY and expert pricing instantly.
Conclusion: Trap Smart, Act Fast
Groundhogs are smart and stubborn, but you can outsmart them with the right trap and bait. Live trapping is a humane and effective method when done properly. Just make sure you follow legal guidelines and always take steps to keep new groundhogs from returning.
Ready to start? Know your cost before you commit—use this pest control calculator to plan your next move.
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