28 Steps to Get Rid of Groundhogs

While sprinkling human hair around your lawn might sound strange, it's an effective way to get rid of groundhogs. These animals don't like the smell of humans, so your hair repels them. To keep the clippings from blowing away, put some in a mesh bag, and secure it near their den.

Some plants have a strong enough smell to keep groundhogs away. Lavender is an excellent choice to repel these critters, and mint, sage, basil, and lemon work just as well. Adding one or more of these plants to the garden will keep the woodchucks away and make a lovely addition to your green space.

In addition to planting herbs, you can deter groundhogs with the smell of garlic and pepper. Because they hate the aroma, crushed garlic mixed with pepper will ensure they leave your garden and never return. Toss the mixture in the groundhogs' burrow, or make a spray and spritz your vegetables to keep them away.

A humane way to remove groundhogs is to trap and release them. These animals aren't often aggressive but may bite if they feel threatened, so wear protective gloves while trapping. It's also vital to wear gloves while setting the trap so you won't transfer your scent. If a groundhog smells you, it won't go near the box.

Groundhogs don't like vibrations and will relocate if their home starts to shake. Lawn windmills or a specially made sonic device can scare them away if you place it near their burrow entrance. You can also keep groundhogs from returning by placing vibrating decor around the perimeter of your home.

Dogs and cats are a threat to groundhogs, who will move somewhere else if they sense danger. Putting urine or fur near the entrance of their burrow should be enough to drive the groundhogs away. If you don't own a dog or cat, you could always ask a friend or neighbor if they would mind collecting some of their pet's fur.

To get rid of groundhogs, sprinkle Epsom salts near their burrow — the smell repels them. If groundhogs eat your plants or invade your garden, place a small plate filled with the salts near their favorite spot and replace it after every rain. Epsom salts are available and affordable online or at most drugstores.

Castor oil is another natural way to rid your property of groundhogs. Pour some in and around the burrow to keep the animals from returning. Be careful not to pour the oil while the groundhog is inside its hole. Instead, keep a close eye on when they leave to search for food. You can find castor oil at the grocery store.

Using ammonia doesn't harm the animals, but the smell will certainly keep them away. This method works best if you soak a rag in ammonia and place it near the burrow entrance. Resoak the rag every few days to keep the smell fresh and the groundhogs from coming back. Ammonia is a commercial cleaning product available everywhere.

Several repellent products help fend off woodchucks. One of the best is organic blood meal, a type of fertilizer. Add blood meal around the perimeter of your garden to keep groundhogs away. These products won't harm animals. Instead, they repel them with a fragrant odor. You can find repellents online or at home and garden stores.

Motion-activated sprinklers are a remarkably effective tool in deterring groundhogs. Activated by movement, these sprinklers produce a sudden burst of water that startles the groundhogs, prompting them to steer clear of your garden. This environmentally-friendly, non-harmful method ensures your garden remains safe from groundhogs, and it doesn't disrupt your landscape or harm the local ecosystem.

Utilizing essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or citrus is a natural and non-invasive method to repel groundhogs. When diluted in water and sprayed around your garden or near groundhog burrows, these potent scents create a barrier that groundhogs tend to avoid. However, it's essential to reapply the oil-water mixture after every rain shower, as rainfall can wash away the oils and diminish their deterrent effect.

Integrating groundhog-proof fencing or netting around your garden serves as a physical deterrent that prevents groundhogs from entering your premises. These barriers are typically constructed to be resistant to digging or chewing, two primary methods groundhogs use to breach fences. Although installation might require some time and effort, the protection it offers against groundhogs and other garden pests makes it a worthwhile investment.

Reflective objects like mirrors, aluminum foil, or CD discs, when hung around the garden, can be a deterrent to groundhogs. The shiny surfaces reflect light in unpredictable patterns, which can scare these critters away. However, while some find this method effective, others notice little impact. Therefore, it's best to consider reflective objects as a supplemental strategy rather than a primary groundhog deterrent.

One creative and natural strategy for repelling groundhogs is to mask the attractive smells of your garden with stronger, off-putting scents. These can include certain spices, aromatic herbs, or predator urine. By distributing these smells around your garden, groundhogs may become confused or frightened and choose to steer clear of the area, protecting your plants and vegetables in the process.

Deploying bird-of-prey decoys, like fake owls or hawks, can be an effective psychological deterrent for groundhogs. These animals are naturally fearful of predators, and the presence of what appears to be a bird of prey can keep them at bay. For maximum effect, occasionally move the decoy around to create the illusion of a real predator.

Changing your garden layout can act as an effective deterrent. Groundhogs prefer easily navigable terrain, so adding obstacles like gravel paths, raised beds, or densely planted areas can discourage them. Additionally, planting unappetizing plants like geraniums or marigolds around the perimeter of your garden can deter groundhogs from entering.

Several commercial repellents specifically target groundhogs, containing smells and tastes that are unpleasant to these critters. These products, available online or at garden centers, can be a simple and effective way to protect your garden. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the most effective application and ensure the product is safe for your specific environment.

Groundhogs are primarily attracted to gardens because of the abundant food supply. By eliminating their favorite snacks, such as beans, peas, and carrots, you can make your yard less appealing. Consider harvesting your vegetables promptly and regularly to reduce the available food. Remember, a hungry groundhog is more likely to move on in search of a better food source.

Ammonia's strong scent is repulsive to groundhogs. By soaking rags in ammonia and placing them near the entrance of their burrows, you can deter these critters from returning. Ensure to replace the rags every few days or after heavy rainfall to maintain the potency of the smell. Always handle ammonia with care, using gloves and avoiding direct inhalation.

A classic garden protector, scarecrows can be surprisingly effective against groundhogs. These creatures are naturally wary, and the presence of a human-like figure can deter them from venturing too close. For added effectiveness, change the position of your scarecrow every few days, giving the illusion of movement and activity.

Groundhogs prefer peace and quiet. By placing a battery-operated radio near their burrow and tuning it to a talk station, the constant chatter can be unsettling for them. The unfamiliar human voices can make groundhogs feel threatened, prompting them to find a quieter residence. Ensure the volume is loud enough to penetrate the ground but not so loud as to disturb your neighbors.

The soft, powdery texture of talcum can be irritating to a groundhog's sensitive nose and paws. Sprinkling a generous amount around the entrance of their burrows can deter them from returning. As an added bonus, talcum powder is harmless to plants, making it a garden-friendly deterrent. Reapply after rain or heavy dew to maintain its effectiveness.

Detecting a groundhog's presence early can save your garden from becoming a buffet for these critters. Watch for signs such as small mounds of dirt, which indicate the entrance to their burrows, and partially eaten vegetables, especially those close to the ground. Early detection is key to preventing these voracious eaters from settling in and calling your backyard their home.

Before you set out to manage groundhogs on your property, it's crucial to understand the local laws and regulations regarding wildlife. Many areas have specific guidelines on how to humanely trap and relocate these animals. Always prioritize humane methods that respect the groundhog's life and well-being, ensuring that your approach is both legal and ethical.

Groundhogs prefer landscapes that provide ample cover and food. By maintaining a clean yard, free of debris and dense shrubs near the ground, you can make your property less appealing. Consider planting groundhog-resistant flora around your garden's perimeter, such as lavender or marigolds, to naturally deter them from feasting on your vegetables.

An effective way to keep groundhogs at bay is through advanced fencing. Install a fence that extends underground to prevent digging and bends outward at the top to discourage climbing. Ensuring your fence is secure and checking it regularly for signs of tampering can protect your garden from these persistent diggers.

Incorporate technology into your groundhog management strategy. Motion-activated sprinklers and ultrasonic deterrents can discourage groundhogs from entering your property. These humane methods offer a modern solution to wildlife control, keeping your garden safe while coexisting with nature.