Introduction
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are common garden pests throughout North America. These animals live in wooded areas, but they also love to burrow in open areas, including your garden. While they may look cute, they can cause significant damage to your plants, vegetables, and landscape.
Getting rid of groundhogs is essential to protect your garden, your crops and plants. There are many benefits, too– by following these methods; you’re helping to preserve the delicate balance of nature by not using harmful chemicals or killing animals outright.
Natural Repellents
Natural repellents are the easiest and most humane way of dealing with groundhogs. There are several natural repellents available, including predator urine, garlic spray, and castor oil and dish soap mixture. These are effective in getting rid of groundhogs because their unpleasant odor and taste repel groundhogs and other pests.
Predator urine: This is a natural and effective way to deter groundhogs from your garden. Predator urine such as coyote urine is available in most garden stores. Apply it around the garden, especially near the entrance of their burrows.
Garlic spray: This is another effective method of naturally repelling groundhogs. Mix chopped garlic, chili powder, and dish soap in water, let it steep for a few days then strain it. Then, apply to plants you want to protect. The strong smell of garlic is unpleasant to groundhogs, and they will avoid anything that smells of it.
Castor oil and dish soap mixture: This mixture is useful in getting rid of groundhogs as well as other garden pests. Mix ¼ cup of castor oil and 1 tbsp dish soap in a gallon of water and spray it all over your garden. The castor oil’s smell and taste will repel groundhogs.
All these natural repellents are safe to use around children, pets, and plants. However, it’s important to note that the repellents’ effectiveness can vary depending on several factors: the type of groundhog in your area, the time of the year, and the size of your garden.
Install Fencing
Installing a fence is another effective way to get rid of groundhogs in your garden. The fence should be buried deep enough to prevent groundhogs from burrowing under it and high enough to prevent them from climbing over it.
Height and burrowing resistance of fence: The fence should be at least three feet tall and buried at least one foot deep to prevent groundhogs from burrowing under it
Types of materials for fencing: Chicken wire or hardware cloth that has 1/2-inch or smaller mesh is suitable for fencing. Use vinyl-coated fencing, which is rust-resistant and lasts longer. The fence’s top should be bent outward to prevent groundhogs from scaling the fence.
How to install the fence: First, locate the entrance to the groundhogs’ burrows and place the fence around it. Then, turn the bottom edge of the fence outward and bury it a few inches deep. Secure it with stakes or rocks to prevent it from being pushed over.
Benefits of installing fence: A fence effectively keeps groundhogs out of your garden, preventing damage to your vegetables, plants, and landscape. It also keeps them from burrowing under the foundations of buildings.
Live Traps
Live traps are another humane way of dealing with groundhogs. A live trap effectively captures the groundhog without harming it, after which the animal can be relocated. Live traps come in different sizes and shapes, and it’s important to choose the right one for groundhogs specifically.
Explanation of live traps: A live trap is a cage-like device that captures an animal without harming it. Once the animal is inside the trap, the door closes, and the animal can be relocated to another location.
How to choose the right trap: Look for a trap designed specifically for groundhogs. The trap should be big enough to house the groundhog but small enough to prevent it from getting back out.
The placement of the trap: Place the trap near the entrance of the groundhog’s burrow or on their route, which you can deduce by identifying the eaten fruits and vegetables.
Bait selection: Groundhogs are vegetarians, and they love fruits and vegetables, so you can use these as bait. Apples, sweet corn, carrots, and lettuce work well. Spread a small amount of bait on the trap trail, place the rest inside the trap.
Release of trapped groundhog: Once you’ve caught the groundhog, put on gloves intending to transfer it safely. Releasing the groundhog to a wooded area that’s not your garden and keeps it far away from human traffic.
Benefits of using live traps: A live trap is a humane way of dealing with groundhogs, and once they’re captured, you can relocate them to a new environment without causing them any harm.
Eliminate Food Sources
Groundhogs will keep coming back as long as they have access to food and shelter. Eliminating their food sources is effective in getting rid of them. There are several ways you can do this, including planting less attractive plants, covering your plants with mesh or chicken wire, and clearing any debris around your garden.
Groundhog preferences for certain plants: Groundhogs prefer certain plants, and you can protect other plants by planting less attractive varieties. They love fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as beans, peas, and soybeans.
Covering plants with mesh or chicken wire: Chicken wire or mesh with small holes can be used to cover plants, preventing groundhogs from accessing them.
Benefits of removing food sources: By removing groundhogs’ food sources, you’re discouraging them from invading your garden. This is a long-term and effective solution to prevent groundhogs from destroying your plants.
Use Noise or Vibrations
Groundhogs have sensitive hearing, and loud vibrations or noises can scare them away from your garden. There are several noise and vibration-based tools on the market that can be used to discourage groundhogs.
Explanation of groundhog hearing sensitivity: Groundhogs have sensitive hearing– they’re capable of hearing sounds that humans can’t.
Types of noise or vibration-based tools: Ultrasonic devices, wind chimes, and electric fences are all effective in scaring groundhogs.
Selection and application of tools: Choose the tool that’s most suitable for your garden, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Set them up around your garden where the groundhogs frequent.
Benefits of using noise or vibrations: Noise and vibration-based tools are effective in scaring groundhogs from your garden. However, they are not a long-term solution, so it’s essential to combine them with other methods to prevent these pests from coming back.
Call a Professional
If you’re unable to control the groundhog infestation in your garden, it’s best to call in professional help. Professionals have the experience, equipment, and training to manage groundhog infestations effectively.
When to call a professional: If the situation is out of hand and none of the above methods are working, you can consider calling a professional.
Benefits of involving a professional: Professionals will assess the situation in your garden and provide you with a plan for getting rid of the groundhogs effectively. They also use humane techniques to remove them.
How to choose the right professional: Look for a pest control company that specializes in dealing with groundhogs. Check their credentials, customer reviews, and costs.
Cost of professional services: The cost of professional services varies; it depends on the size of your garden and the extent of the infestation.
Conclusion
Garden owners face the problem of groundhogs invading their garden every year. However, groundhogs can be controlled with humane and effective methods that are safe to use around humans, pets, and plants. Remember to use different combinations of the above methods for the best results. Always analyze, which technique is most suitable for your garden, location and season.
Our recommended ways of Getting Rid of Groundhogs, include: Installing Fences, Using Live Traps, Controlling Food Sources, and Repelling Groundhogs Naturally.
By following these methods, your garden will be free from groundhogs and their pesky burrows. Protecting your garden using humane methods is a responsible way to ensure that nature thrives.
