14 Pro Tips To Truly Kick Groundhogs to the Curb!
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Although groundhogs don’t sound like ugly animals, they can cause some damage through burrowing. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a Cornell University biologist estimated a single groundhog could move up to 700 pounds of dirt while digging its burrow, so it can disrupt gardens and weaken foundations.
It’s not just gardens; Geoscience World writes, “Groundhog burrows are concealed hazards that can endanger equestrian facilities, leading to collapses of walls and horses and riders falling through.” According to a published study by the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, their burrowing can weaken levee sections, resulting in erosion and endangering livestock and humans.
Don’t fret, I got you! These 14 tips are proven to get your property back!
Identify Groundhog Activity
Make sure you’re dealing with groundhogs before you act. They should be looking for their signature burrows. Groundhogs are burrowing rodents, and because of this, they can be devastating to gardens and buildings. For this reason, identifying their burrows is important for successful management.
According to the University of Maryland Extension, groundhog burrow entrances usually have two to several, often one main entrance that is 10 to 12 inches in diameter.
Block Their Burrows
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension publication “Rodent-Proof Construction” provides relevant guidance on how to prevent rodents like rats from burrowing beneath foundations. Extending foundation walls at least 36 inches below ground is effective.
Groundhogs persistently dig burrows, so you can outsmart them by sealing them up. Block off the entrance and escape holes with hardware cloth, heavy rocks, or soil. But make sure you don’t block the burrow while the groundhog’s still inside (they’ve got some pretty sharp wits and will dig themselves a new burrow elsewhere).
Install a Sturdy Fence
Groundhogs are not easy to keep out of the garden, but a strong fence can do the trick. But to make it effective, it has to be tall enough to stop them from climbing it and deep enough into the ground so they can’t dig underneath it.
It can also be tricky for them to get over if you have an angled top. If you have the right setup, you can prevent groundhogs from enjoying your yard. Electric fences will do, and sometimes, just one single electrically charged strand of wire four inches above the ground will deter visits.
If you can’t, add one more strand, about nine inches from the ground. But Human Society warned that you should follow standard safety protocols when using electric fences.
Try Natural Repellents
Scientific research has shown castor oil to be an effective burrowing repellent for groundhogs since it upsets their taste and smell. Castor oil is most often used as a groundhog repellent because these animals don’t like the strong smell and taste of this oil.
For example, to be effective, all repellents should be applied before an animal’s feeding pattern becomes established and reapplied after heavy rains at least every two to three weeks, according to the Humane Society.
Motion Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are a very humane way to keep groundhogs out of your yard. Groundhogs hate surprises, and once these devices notice movement, they spray water and scare groundhogs without hurting them.
Grow Groundhog Resistant Crops
Groundhogs feed on tender, leafy plants, and vegetables, but some crops can protect them from this pest. Natural repellents such as onions, garlic, marigolds, and lavender are natural deterrents that will add beauty to your garden while keeping these furry pests away.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension has created a list of plants that are less attractive to groundhogs. Planting these in your garden may reduce groundhog damage.
Remove Attractants
Keeping the yard clean and free of potential attractants is a great way to keep groundhogs out of your yard. By promptly removing fallen fruits, disposing of garbage bins, and reducing food sources, animals can be easily accessed on your property.
Regular upkeep, like mowing lawns and trimming overgrown vegetation, also eliminates hiding spots and discourages groundhogs from choosing your area. Fence compost piles or cover trash bins securely.
Use Epsom Salt
Epsom salt sprinkled near burrows or near groundhogs’ favorite garden areas is avoided by groundhogs because of its bitter taste. Although it has a good shelf life, you may have to reapply after rain, etc.
It’s not a permanent solution, but it’s quick, inexpensive, and can help protect your plants.
Scare Them Off with Predators
Naturally, groundhogs are pretty cautious animals and can be terrified of predators like foxes, coyotes, and large dogs. Creating a sense of danger is as simple as using predator decoys, such as life-size statues. Some gardeners even rake dog or human hair over the burrow to imitate the predator’s presence.
It’s usually advised to vary the movement and rotation to discourage groundhogs from getting used to decoys. This keeps the decoys’ effectiveness in discouraging these animals from being on your property.
Trap Them Humanely
If groundhogs become too much, try putting live traps on them to move them somewhere else. The Humane Society of the United States cautions that groundhogs aren’t suitable for trapping and relocation because they can harm animals and are illegal. Still, other sources advise that if trapping must happen, baits like apples, carrots, or lettuce can work.
These baits should be placed near groundhog burrow entrances to assure yourself that you will capture the animal. But before trapping, confirm your state’s local regulations and find humane alternatives.
Use Ultrasonic Repellers
Groundhogs are irritated but not harmed by other animals, such as by ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds.
Motion-activated devices should be used with other deterrent methods, including fencing or repellents, to strengthen their effectiveness as groundhog deterrents. This multifaceted approach covers several points of groundhog behavior in an effort to ensure that groundhogs don’t invade your property.
Harnessing Means That Create Vibrations in the Ground
Wind chimes, vibrating stakes, and solar-powered and solar-powered devices are all things that groundhogs hate because they emit vibrations. Using these methods near active burrows drives groundhogs away from your yard.
Consult a Professional
Several wildlife control organizations advise that when there are many problems with groundhogs and the solution isn’t to your liking, hiring the services of professional wildlife removal service providers is the best bet. These professionals have the tools and expertise necessary to deal sensibly and humanely, even in the most complex situations.
There are times when calling your local wildlife agency or extension service and asking for advice on the best course of action for your circumstances would be the best thing to do.
Stay Consistent
Keeping your yard clean of things that groundhogs might be attracted to is also a strong deterrent. You can make your property less appealing to these animals by removing fallen fruits quickly, securing garbage bins, and eliminating any sources of food these animals can access.
Another way that groundhogs are discouraged from settling in your space is regular upkeep: mowing the lawn and trimming overgrown vegetation, as this effectively cuts down potential hiding spots.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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