Effective Ways to Get Rid of Groundhogs (Woodchucks)

 


Groundhogs (also known as woodchucks) can dig in home gardens or under structures, damaging prized plants and property. Once they invade your yard and garden, it can be a daunting task to get rid of them as they can be very persistent. Thus you should know a variety of strategies for controlling these nuisance animals. 


Thankfully, there are numerous options for you to turn to in your war against woodchucks. Based upon their habits in your yard or garden, this guide will help you to choose the right method which works best for you. And in order to achieve long-term success, it will be best to use a combination of these strategies than any one strategy used by itself.


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links with no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    Method 1: Use Repellents to Keep Groundhogs Away.


    Repellents are specifically designed to keep away animals from the desired area without killing or harming them. It works by driving away animals through taste and odor. Both the smell and taste of repellent will discourage critters from hanging around your home.


    There are plenty of repellent products available in the market. However many of those repellents are not safe for humans and the environment.  So you need to choose products that can effectively deter groundhogs without any negative consequences to you and the environment.


    Best Groundhog Repellents Products

    Below are the best groundhog repellents products containing natural ingredients which are safe for the environment, pets, and humans. These repellents can be used in any area that is being affected by groundhogs, from gardens, trash cans, patio, decks, sheds, woodpiles, etc. 


    Additionally, not only do these repellents get rid of woodchucks, but they pull the double duty of repelling other nuisance critters such as skunks, raccoons, chipmunks, squirrels, and many more. Moreover, they can safely and effectively deter pets (cats and  dogs) from destroying your plants or using your garden as a litter box.

    1.Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent

    2. Havahart Critter Ridder 3146 Animal Repellent, Granular Shaker

    3. Safer® Brand Critter Ridder® Animal Repellent Granules


    Method 2: Scare Them Away

    Another way of getting rid of groundhogs is to scare them away. In years gone by, people were using DIY objects in order to scare animals. However, in today’s digital era there's a wide range of devices that you can efficiently use without consuming your time.


    Here are two devices you can add to your garden to scare groundhogs away:


    (i)Solar-Powered Ultrasonic Animal Repeller

    Ultrasonic device is a harmless groundhog deterrent tactic you can opt for. This unit emits an ultrasonic sound wave that repels woodchucks and other nuisance animals. 


    The animals will find the sound unbearable and they'll leave the area without being injured. The ultrasonic waves produced by this device is inaudible to the human ears and doesn't interfere with any electronic appliances.


    (ii) Motion-Activated Sprinklers

    Alternative to ultrasonic devices, motion activated sprinklers are also an effective strategy to scare away woodchucks and other animals. 


    A motion-activated sprinkler detects and sprays water to an animal whenever it reaches through the coverage area of the motion sensor. For effective results when opting for motion activated sprinkler, make sure to set it near the perimeter of an area where woodchucks are likely to cause trouble. 


    Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler is one of the best  sprinklers available in the market. It  can be programmed to work during the day, at night, or anytime an animal enters the garden. You can find it online or at your local home and garden store.

    Method 3: Prevention Strategies

    When woodchucks get out of control they cause severe damage to the plants and provoke additional financial problems. Thus it's necessary to take preventive measures which offer long term solutions. 


    Below are some tactics to prevent groundhogs from entering your garden:


    • Add a Fence Around Your Plants

    Fencing is the most effective long term solution to keep groundhogs and other animals out of your garden while making sure your plants stay safe and healthy.


    When buying a garden fence, make sure to get metal fencing since groundhogs can chew through plastic fencing. And it mustn't have larger holes that may catch or hurt animals. 


    Additionally, groundhogs can tunnel under fences. Therefore when installing a fence, make sure to dig a trench to bury the wire barrier under the garden. This helps  prevent woodchucks and other animals from burrowing into your garden.


    • Companion Planting for Pests Control

    If groundhogs are regularly invading your garden, the best way to avoid being stressed by these critters is to grow groundhogs-resistant plants around the area that they are targeting. Planting barrier plants will not only help repel groundhogs, but other pests too. 


    Examples of groundhogs-resistant plants include lavender, lily of the valley, sweet alyssum, butterfly weed, foxglove, bleeding heart, yarrow, etc. You can get seeds from your local garden centre or reputable online seed companies.


    • Removal of Attractants

    In addition to fencing and including plants that groundhogs find repulsive in your garden, you can eliminate these little animals by removing any potential shelter in your yard and garden. Regularly clean your yard, mow grass, and trim overgrown bushes that may harbor animals. 


    You should also consider piling unused materials and wood piles properly without leaving spaces for woodchucks to hide into. In addition, fill in any abandoned animal burrows. By doing so, your home will be less inviting these little animals.


    Method 4: Trap And Release Them

    Aside from the aforementioned methods, you can also consider trapping and relocating woodchucks. This is one of the most effective long term solutions. 


    However, in some areas it's illegal to trap and release animals to another location. Therefore, it's important to check with your local department of agriculture or wildlife before opting for this method. Then if it's legal, you can trap groundhogs and release them to an approved release site.

    Final Verdict

    You don't have a reason to allow groundhogs to invade your home or garden and settle in. The moment you notice them, simply take action before further damage is caused. 


    All the above mentioned practices will help you eliminate and prevent groundhogs from coming back. On top of that, these methods work on moles, voles, and other animals. 


    RELATED

    How to Get Rid of Chipmunks

    How to Get Rid of Moles, Voles, and Gophers

    How to Get Rid of Skunks, Racoons & Opossums


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