Set the trap up near one of the groundhog’s burrow openings or an area they frequently search for food like the garden. There are several chemical sprays and predator scents that you spray around the perimeter of your yard, around your garden or in the mounds. First, make sure you identify all of the openings to the groundhog’s burrow. Beans, peas, and melons are some of a The review includes only high-quality gas cartridge, repellent, trap, and electric fence with the price ranging from $30 to $200. You see evidence of many tunnels or openings. The success of these devices also varies a great deal from one animal to the next. Place your bait in a way that forces the This site is intended to provide groundhog education and information, so that you can make an informed decision if you need to deal with a groundhog problem. Step By Step Instructions. Buy a large container (bulk size) so you can create a small pile. How can I get rid of a groundhog under my deck? How To Get Rid Of A Groundhog (14 Ways To Do It!) Ranging from 6 to 12 pounds, groundhogs get around 20 inches long with a 6-inch tail. In this case, do the retrofit in stages to make sure you don’t trap groundhogs and other animals inside your property. The trick to kicking them out is first closing the hole then installing a barrier so they can’t get under the porch again. One way to repel or get rid of existing groundhogs is to offend their olfactory system. Woodchucks can smell these sources of food from quite a distance and they will be drawn to your property. that you add an outward angle at the top of the fence. Groundhogs are often opportunists when it comes to choosing a nesting spot, and while their dens do have an extensive range of tunnels and escape routes, they will often use a cavity that is already present as the base for this den. Many states have similar guidelines but they can vary. There are two effective ways to fill groundhog holes: One option for filling groundhog holes or tunnel openings is a product called tunnel fill. The Plague is spread by fleas. Getting rid of groundhogs | Groundhogs Are you worried seeing big burrows, marks of claws on fruit trees and ripped plantations in your garden or yard? Talc. You may not want to euthanize a healthy animal just because it set up its home in the wrong area. Groundhogs - Problems They Cause, Methods of Removal and Prevention: The groundhog is a large rodent that likes to live in open spaces with abundant vegetation and food sources, and prefers digging borrows in loose soil. Releasing the groundhog far away from your property, on the other hand, all but ensures the groundhog’s death. Shooting is impractical for most people as they don't have the necessary skill. Better yet, clear such areas altogether and start a new garden. It smells similar to … These tips can help you prevent groundhogs in your yard and other pests like chipmunks: Groundhogs search for soft, loose, and fairly dry soil that’s easy to dig through to make their burrows. If you’re already planning to fence your yard or you want to give your existing fence some work to exclude groundhogs, there are several steps you can take. Stay on Top of Mowing and Trimming Shrubs. Remember that a groundhog can excavate a new den overnight and lives a solitary lifestyle, so don’t feel bad about transporting the little guy somewhere else. You don’t need to spend much money to do this. Installing a fence in your yard is a great way to keep the pesky borrowers out. This product, which resembles pellets,  is an absorbing material that expands to many times the original size when it’s combined with water. Cut back shrubs and bushes until their leaves are no longer near the ground and they aren’t impenetrable. How To Get Rid Of A Groundhog Under My Porch. Because groundhogs hibernate deep underground for the winter, the best time to exclude or evict groundhogs from your yard is the middle to end of summer. Cayenne pepper – Our Farmers’ Almanac readers swear by this method: Simply pour cayenne pepper close to the groundhog’s holes. Use a repellent. You will need to check the laws regarding trapping, killing, and relocating groundhogs in your … By filling the holes, you can prevent the tunnels from simply collapsing over time from foot traffic on the surface and rainwater. So try this chuck bunch pest control tip on How to Get Rid of a groundhog or how to get rid of groundhogs under my shed. putting a heavy object (like a brick) on top. A single groundhog will burrow 2 to 4 feet below the ground and create a network of tunnels and rooms anywhere from 8 to 60 feet long — with multiple entries and exit points. mentioned above to discourage future groundhogs from moving in. You may hire or buy a live trap as they are readily available. While you are no longer required to inform a conservation officer within 3 days, you can’t keep the woodchuck trapped for more than 24 hours. Read an article about Why do groundhogs hibernate? Groundhogs are territorial rodents and if there was a groundhog living in your yard at one point, there is a good shot that a new one will move in eventually. Groundhogs tend to burrow in places that provide ground level. While they feed on a variety of broad-leafed vegetation, in the garden they prefer legumes such as clover, alfalfa, peas, beans, and soybeans. Unlike some rodents, you can have a groundhog problem without ever seeing the animals as woodchucks spend most of their time in their burrows underground. Have woodchucks developed a taste for your vegetable garden? The best time to try to get rid of groundhogs is early in the spring, before mating season. Before deciding to get rid of groundhogs, understand that unless they’re causing a problem, they should be left alone. Build a simple box house to invite Owls to nest in your yard. To get rid of groundhogs in certain parts of your yard you need to install a fence that runs at least a foot or a foot and a half under the ground all the way around the perimeter of the area you want to protect. The downside is that you run the risk of potential injury to yourself or the animal. The owner of this website does not guarantee offers on this site and all offers should be viewed as recommendations only. Atlas The Giant Destroyer | Best Groundhog Repellent If you can’t keep sprinklers on for an hour or more a day, the next-best solution is thoroughly soaking areas that might appeal to groundhogs. 1. On the other hand, calling a groundhog extermination company may be your thing. Just before nightfall, there’s a good chance the groundhog is home. groundhog’s favorite food. Groundhog Removal - How to Get Rid of Groundhogs. Frustrated by groundhog damage to your garden? Kill them. Groundhog Deterrent and Control. foot so the burrowers won’t simply dig underneath it. with leaves. Next, make sure the groundhog is actually in the burrow before you light the cartridge. Atlas gas cartridges are easy to use but you’ll need to follow the directions carefully. Groundhog Day is here (it’s February 2), and now the question people ask us most is not what the groundhog predicts but “how do I get rid of them from my lawn?” About Groundhogs. After a short period, they usually leave. Remember that the extensive burrow the groundhog has built — possibly over a period of years — is a hot commodity and another groundhog or other burrowing animal may want to take it as their own home in the future. There you have them, effective control methods to get rid of groundhogs and to keep them away for good. out once the door comes down. The next step is filling the groundhog holes. When you want to know how to get rid of groundhogs in your yard, you’ll probably hear or see ultrasonic repellers that can be staked into the ground. Pumping propane into the mole hole and tunnel and setting it alight gives for a good explosion turning your lawn upside down Woodchucks are herbivores that can eat a lot every day, consuming everything from flowers, vegetables, and fruits to bark. This page is a general Groundhog pest control guide. Check back to check progress. Like most rodents, groundhogs like areas with plenty of cover to hide from predators. If you wait too long, you won’t have another chance until next year. Woodchucks have very short but strong legs and round eyes on a flat head. These large rodents can reach up to 12 pounds and they’re found across the eastern and central U.S. and into Canada. You will want to make sure your fence is impenetrable from either approach. You can even choose to install it on the outside of your fence rather than the inside. sufficient cover. Groundhogs mainly feed during the day and sleep at night. Don’t underestimate just how extensive a single groundhog can make its burrow. The use of live traps to catch and relocate groundhogs is popular and it is known to be very effective. Groundhog burrows should be left alone until the babies are old enough to leave, which usually happens around early July. We have used gas bombs to get rid of the groundhogs under porch. Written by Patricia Oelze. Related Article: Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work. Take 2 ½ cups of ammonia and put it in their burrow. Double bag food scraps before throwing them away to prevent strong odors that may attract pests. Remove piles of debris, rocks and/or wood which can be used Groundhogs and other animals tend to get used to annoying noises and even what appears to be a threat like an owl or hawk decoy, for example. Clover. Some ways are more effective than others, as well, and it is important to keep a lookout for a resurgence of the groundhog population after you deal with it the first time. 0. You hear distinctive groundhog sounds. One woodchuck may turn away when it detects the vibrations from the device but the next won’t be so troubled. Thankfully, there are more than a few ways to get rid of those pesky rodents and to do so in a humane way that doesn’t harm them. If the opening of the burrow is in a dangerous location where it poses a trip hazard, you can mark it with a flag until the young have left. When you’re ready to release the groundhog, place the trap on level ground with the door facing away from you. They eat a varied plant-based diet, consuming everything from apples, carrots, and garden vegetables to dandelions, flowers, and tree bark. Start by making sure your fence has no openings or holes wider than 3″. The sand will seek the lowest point and the cement will harden. Groundhogs can cause extensive damage thanks to their non-stop tunneling behavior. Don’t leave piles of leaves or wood around the yard. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Trapping and relocation will get rid of the groundhog without hurting either party and you can even have a professional take care of it for you. How to Get Rid of Groundhogs. Related Article: 12 Best Ways to Get Rid of Racoons. These ultrasonic pest control devices claim to chase away moles, gophers, groundhogs, and other burrowing animals but the truth isn’t so simple. Groundhogs may look cute and cuddly, but they can do some damage to your yard. You could also take ½ … The name whistle-pig comes from the fact that, when alarmed, a groundhog will emit a high-pitched whistle as a warning to the rest of his or her colony. Use BBQ tongs to hold the cartridge and keep it as far from your face as possible. The most effective remedy to get rid of a groundhog denning under your shed or porch is by trapping and removing it. Use an Ultrasonic Groundhog Repellent, 12. Groundhogs spend most of their time excavating tunnels and dens underground. All you will need is bait and trap to lure the groundhog and then get rid of it. These animals don't like vibrations and will move if their home is … Because woodchucks excavate many tunnels with lots of entrances and escape routes, it’s not uncommon to see many entrance holes and even signs of collapsed tunnels around your hard. That’s why we typically don’t recommend them. We waited until we knew he was out of his den, then filled in his hole (the only entrance we ever found) with rocks; then covered it with a large piece of chicken wire, secured in place with heavy rocks. it with gravel. Soiled Kitty Litter. Eliminating woodchuck from the house is a cumbersome task. A groundhog problem can be difficult to recognize as you may not see the actual groundhogs — just the damage they leave behind. So I did some research. If you do decide to use an ultrasonic groundhog device, make sure you use several other exclusion and prevention methods or you’ll just be throwing away your money. This ensures that the groundhog can’t simply back This will allow the mammal to stay trapped while you safely take it somewhere else. Groundhogs are unique rodents and the largest member of the squirrel family. Handle the trap carefully when relocating the groundhog by covering the trap with a cloth and wearing heavy-duty gloves. This will encourage the creatures to comfortably enter the trap. To use the ultrasonic ground stakes with best results, make sure they’re installed no further than 100 feet apart in areas prone to groundhogs — but with plenty of sunlight if you use a solar-powered device. Trap the groundhog. You will have two options for disposing of the woodchuck: you can let it go or euthanize it. You simply need to pour the expanding tunnel fill into the groundhog holes around your property and add water: the tunnel fill will expand to fill the opening. So I did some research. They tend to gravitate toward natural cavities that offer good cover, like a shed, but they will continue to burrow. The last thing a groundhog wants is wet or saturated soil which makes it almost impossible for them to create the extensive tunnel system they need. There are several repellents available to get rid of your groundhogs. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood. While gross, soiled kitty litter can be useful as a deterrent. Close all your yards or gardens with fencing lanes and seal… The most effective remedy to get rid of a groundhog denning under your shed or porch is by trapping and removing it. The soaked rags will give off a pungent odor that helps convince the woodchuck to leave. You’ll notice groundhog activity between spring and fall when they are active during the day, especially in the early morning and evening when they’re busy gathering food. You’ll need to check if you have any municipal watering restrictions in your area as water shortages can force limits on lawn watering in the summer. Rake regularly to keep your yard free of ripe fruits that might have fallen from trees. And they typically have five or more dens in their territory (your yard). To get rid of a groundhog in the garden, you need to decide if you want to trap the animal alive or dead. When you’ve evicted woodchucks from your property, you’re left with the extensive tunnels they leave behind. creature to fully enter it. Getting Rid of Groundhogs with Fencing. Fencing or Sealing. Even skunks get more respect. SHARES. Always spray the ammonia or garlic solution we discussed above now and then in your yard. 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