Quck answer
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can cause damage to gardens and landscapes. To get rid of groundhogs, follow these steps:
1. Identify their burrows: Look for large holes in the ground with mounds of dirt nearby.
2. Install fencing: Bury a wire mesh fence at least 1 foot deep around the perimeter of your garden.
3. Use repellents: Apply natural repellents like ammonia-soaked rags or predator urine near their burrows.
4. Make noise and vibrations: Use loud noises or vibrations to scare them away from your property.
5. Live trapping: Set up live traps near their burrows and relocate them to a more suitable location.
Remember, it’s important to check local laws and regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife before taking any action.
Though groundhogs may look cute, they can wreak havoc on gardens and backyards. Their intricate tunnel system can also pose a problem, especially when it runs underneath concrete foundations. Exterminating or relocating groundhogs involves a number of steps, including making the habitat less attractive to these animals.
Identifying Groundhogs
Whether you know them as groundhogs, woodchucks, or whistle pigs, these burrowing creatures can be a nuisance. Belonging to the marmot family of rodents, groundhogs resemble squirrels but are much larger, weighing between 4 and 14 pounds. While they can climb and swim, they spend the majority of their time underground. Groundhogs also resemble gophers, but gophers are smaller, weighing around 2 pounds.
Groundhogs leave behind telltale signs of their presence, including large holes in the ground with tunnel entrances that measure 6 to 12 inches wide. They usually create multiple entrances to their tunnels.
Damage Caused by Groundhogs
Groundhogs can quickly destroy gardens by eating anything they deem delicious, including melons, beans, and peas. Garden plants hardly stand a chance when groundhogs are around. Even flowering plants are not safe from their voracious appetites. These rodents also damage fruit trees and may feed on clover and grass in a yard. Moreover, their destruction goes beyond plants.
Groundhogs sometimes gnaw on electrical wiring and plastic tubing, which can cause significant problems. They may also undermine the stability of sheds and other outbuildings if they burrow beneath them. If you suspect groundhogs are attacking your garden or burrowing underneath a structure, it’s important to take action right away.
Repelling Groundhogs with Odors
One effective way to eliminate or deter groundhogs is to use strong odors. These animals tend to stay away from things that smell bad, such as garlic, other animal scents, and cayenne pepper.
If you want to keep groundhogs away from your garden, there are a few things you can try. Sprinkling epsom salts around the plants or near the burrow entrance can be effective. You can also use cayenne pepper sauce or soiled kitty litter near a burrow entrance to discourage groundhogs from using that entrance. Crushed garlic cloves can be spread around plants you want to protect. Groundhogs also dislike fragrant herbs like lavender, lemon balm, basil, or mint, so planting these around the perimeter of your garden or flower beds can help keep them away. Altering the landscape by removing potential hiding places and placing wire fencing or hardware cloth around gardens and compost piles can also be effective.
If these methods don’t work, trapping may be necessary. However, be sure to check your state’s laws before doing so. Humane traps that require bait are recommended, and fruits like cantaloupe, corn, strawberries, peaches, or lettuce can be used as bait. Set the trap a few feet from the burrow entrance and place additional bait near the hole. Traps should be set early in the day and removed at night to avoid catching other animals.
Relocating or Exterminating Animals
When relocating a groundhog, make sure to take the cage trap at least 5 miles away from your property and release the animal in an area where it won’t cause harm to others. It’s best to release them in the woods or other suitable areas. After removing the groundhog, fill in the burrow entrances to prevent other animals from moving in.
Useful Tip
Remember that in some states, it’s illegal to release wildlife on state-owned land, such as state parks.
If you’re using a trap that kills animals, make sure to trigger it so it doesn’t work at night. This will prevent accidental harm to nocturnal animals while you’re trying to control groundhogs.
It’s not advisable to use poison to kill groundhogs because it can harm other creatures and domestic animals in the area.
FAQ
1. What are groundhogs and why are they a problem?
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are small mammals that burrow underground. While they may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to gardens, lawns, and structures. They dig extensive tunnels and feed on vegetation, which can lead to the destruction of crops and gardens. Additionally, their burrows can undermine foundations and cause structural issues.
2. How can I identify if I have a groundhog problem?
If you notice large holes in your yard or garden, it may be a sign of groundhog activity. Groundhogs create burrow entrances that are typically around 10-12 inches in diameter. They also leave behind piles of dirt near the entrances. Another sign is the presence of chewed vegetation, as groundhogs primarily feed on plants.
3. What are some effective methods for getting rid of groundhogs?
There are several methods you can use to get rid of groundhogs. One option is to install a fence around your garden or yard, burying it at least a foot deep to prevent burrowing. You can also use deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds. Trapping and relocating groundhogs is another option, but it may require a permit in some areas. Using repellents, such as castor oil or predator urine, can also discourage groundhogs from entering your property.
4. Are there any natural or homemade remedies to repel groundhogs?
Yes, there are a few natural remedies you can try to repel groundhogs. One method is to sprinkle cayenne pepper or garlic powder around your garden, as these strong scents can deter them. Planting plants like daffodils, marigolds, or castor beans can also act as natural repellents. Another option is to create a mixture of water, dish soap, and hot sauce, and spray it around the areas where groundhogs are active. However, keep in mind that natural remedies may not be as effective as other methods and may need to be reapplied regularly.
5. Should I hire a professional to remove groundhogs?
If you have tried various methods but still struggle to get rid of groundhogs, it may be a good idea to hire a professional wildlife control service. They have the expertise and experience to safely and effectively remove groundhogs from your property. Additionally, professionals can help identify and address any potential damage caused by the groundhogs’ presence.