Sasha CampbellYou’ve probably seen groundhogs in your yard and garden. And if you’re like most people, you may have wondered how to get rid of them.
While some people consider lethal control methods, there are also humane and natural ways to manage groundhogs.
In this article, we will explore a few options that you can consider.
Identification
Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are members of the squirrel family (Sciuridae) [1]. Their fur varies in color, from yellowish-brown to black. They also have stocky bodies, short tails, and strong claws for digging.
Groundhogs are primarily herbivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of plants.
They’ll eat grass, berries, tree bark, and even roots. They will also eat clovers, dandelions, garden fruits, and vegetables.
They may also eat insects if they run out of food options [2].
How to Get Rid of Groundhogs Naturally
If you have a groundhog problem, you can use a few things (natural home remedies and more) to keep these pests away from your yard and garden.
Below is a list of some of those remedies.
1. Epsom Salt
One of the most common natural groundhog repellents is Epsom salt. All you need to do is sprinkle some Epsom salt around the areas where you’ve seen the groundhogs.
Sprinkle it in various corners of your yard, around the garden, and near groundhog burrows. They hate the taste of it, and eventually, they will move on.
2. Kitty Litter
Some people use used kitty litter near burrows because the scent suggests a predator is nearby. However, this method may attract other animals and could expose people to harmful bacteria or parasites, so use caution.
3. Predator Urine
Another remedy to repel groundhogs and other rodents, like beavers, is predator urine. You can buy products containing the urine of a predator, like a coyote, online.
Apply it around the perimeter of your garden to deter groundhogs. They fear predators such as coyotes and foxes.
Some people also believe that human scent can temporarily discourage groundhogs, though results vary.
4. Motion Detector Devices
Motion-activated sprinklers, lights, or ultrasonic devices may help deter groundhogs.
The best part is that they’re easy to use and provide a humane way to keep groundhogs away. Place them near the entrances and wait for the groundhogs to leave.
5. Row Covers
You can use floating row covers over your plants to help keep groundhogs and other pests out. They work by preventing groundhogs from accessing your crops.
6. Chicken Wire
Chicken wire fences can help deter groundhogs, especially when they are at least 3–4 feet high and slightly angled outward.
Another thing you can do is bury the chicken wire twelve inches underground so they can’t tunnel under it.
7. Underground Barrier (Burrow Exclusion Method)
Instead of trapping groundhogs, you can block their access to burrows by using underground barriers. This humane method helps prevent them from returning to the same areas.
To use this approach, locate active burrow entrances and gently collapse them.
Next, install a barrier made from hardware cloth or galvanized mesh at least 12 inches deep and bent outward in an “L-shape” underground. This makes it difficult for groundhogs to dig back into the protected area.
You can also reinforce garden beds, sheds, and fences with buried mesh to prevent tunneling.
This method does not harm the animals but encourages them to move to less-protected areas over time.
8. Scarecrows
Scarecrows are a reliable home remedy for keeping many garden pests away. They work well at deterring groundhogs.
You can buy them pre-made or make your own. Just make sure you place your scarecrow in an area where the groundhogs are likely to see it.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
You could also sprinkle apple cider vinegar near areas where groundhogs are a nuisance. Some gardeners believe its strong scent may help deter groundhogs.
10. Castor Oil
Put a little bit of castor oil on a cotton ball and place it near the entrance of the groundhog burrow. The smell may discourage the groundhog, and it may eventually move on.
A more effective method is to make a homemade groundhog repellent spray by mixing 1 part castor oil with 3 parts water. Shake it up and spray it around the burrows.
11. Hair Clippings
Many people recommend using hair clippings to deter woodchucks, and it makes sense.
These pests fear humans, so they’re likely to run away if they sense a human is around their territory.
Ask your friends and family if they’re willing to donate hair. You can also contact your local barbershop or salon.
Once you have a good supply of hair clippings, it’s time to start spreading them around the territory of the groundhogs. The scent may lead groundhogs to believe humans are nearby.
12. Garlic
Believe it or not, garlic is a natural repellent for woodchucks.
Take a few cloves of garlic and crush them. Next, scatter the garlic where the groundhogs are burrowing. Its strong scent may discourage activity.
Garlic repels certain animals because of its strong smell, and groundhogs are no exception.
13. Cayenne Pepper
The spicy smell of cayenne pepper irritates the groundhog, making it want to run away as fast as possible.
You can sprinkle cayenne pepper around areas where groundhogs like to hang out.
You can also make a DIY groundhog spray by mixing one tablespoon of hot sauce with a quart of water. Shake well and spray this pepper spray on problem areas.
14. Clean Up the Yard
An effective strategy to keep groundhogs out of your yard is to ensure it is clean and free of their food sources and hiding spots.
Therefore, remove brush piles and overgrown areas. Doing so will make your yard less appealing to groundhogs.
15. Used Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds are a simple, natural way some gardeners try to discourage groundhogs from entering certain areas.
The strong smell can be unpleasant to them. The texture may also make treated areas less appealing for digging.
To use, sprinkle cooled, used coffee grounds around burrow entrances, garden beds, and areas where groundhog activity is common. You can also lightly mix them into the top layer of soil.
Reapply after heavy rain or watering, since the scent fades over time.
This method may not ensure complete groundhog removal, but it can be effective when combined with other deterrents. Consider combining it with fencing or habitat cleanup for better results.
16. Agricultural Lime
Agricultural lime may also help deter groundhogs from coming near. Some gardeners use it, though evidence that it deters groundhogs is limited.
So, how do you use it? It’s simple. Just sprinkle it around the edges of your garden and at the entrance of a groundhog burrow.
17. Repellent Plants
Certain plants also work well for repelling groundhogs.
Mint is a big one. These animals can’t stand the smell of mint, so plant some around your garden to help keep them at bay.
Other groundhog-deterrent plants include rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, basil, and chives. They also hate the smell of these plants, so consider planting them in your backyard or around your garden.
18. Bobbex-R Animal Repellent
An effective commercial product to try is Bobbex-R. This earth-friendly spray can be used at the entrances to burrows or holes.
It helps keep away rabbits, voles, squirrels, deer, groundhogs, chipmunks, and other pests around buildings and on your property.
Persistence is Key
Groundhogs can be stubborn, so combining several methods often works better than relying on a single remedy.
Takeaway
As you can see, many natural ways exist to get rid of pesky groundhogs without killing them. One key step is making sure you’re not providing them with the essentials they need to survive and thrive in your backyard.
Though they may not offer permanent results, you can try the methods mentioned above and see what works best for you. Effectiveness can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and local conditions.
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