Introduction
Woodchucks may be cute to look at, but they can cause severe damage to your property. These furry creatures dig burrows, which can lead to uneven ground, collapsed driveways, and damaged foundations. Getting rid of them can be a daunting task, but there are a few effective methods to keep your property safe. In this article, we will discuss various ways to get rid of woodchucks.
Trapping
Trapping is the most common way to get rid of woodchucks. Live traps are humane and efficient. Place the traps in the burrow entrances or close to the area where the woodchucks have been sighted. Use fresh vegetables like carrots, lettuce, or apples as bait.
Check the traps regularly, preferably every morning and evening, to avoid stressing out the trapped woodchucks. When handling the traps, be careful not to get bitten or scratched, as woodchucks can be aggressive. When releasing the woodchucks, do it at least five miles away from your property.
Exclusion
Exclusion involves creating barriers around your property to prevent woodchucks from entering. Fences, walls, and netting are effective methods. Install fences at least three feet deep, with the bottom buried to prevent burrowing. Choose materials that can withstand the woodchucks’ gnawing, such as galvanized steel mesh.
Building walls is another option, but it can be expensive. You can use netting to cover your garden beds or place it around your plants to prevent woodchucks from feasting on your crops. The netting must be buried a few inches underground, so the woodchucks cannot burrow their way in.
Repellants
Natural repellants, like garlic, hot pepper, and predator urine, can be effective in repelling woodchucks. Garlic and hot pepper sprays can be made at home and sprayed onto plants, or you can purchase commercially available sprays. Predator urine (e.g., coyote or fox urine) can be found in stores and sprayed around the perimeter of the property.
You can also use ammonia as a repellant. Soak rags with ammonia and place them within the burrows. The strong scent of ammonia will irritate their sensitive noses and make them find a new home.
Plants
Certain plants can also deter woodchucks. Plant daffodils, alliums, and other flowers that belong to the onion or garlic family as they repel woodchucks. Woody plants such as barberry and spirea also work great in keeping woodchucks away. To increase their effectiveness, plant these around the perimeter of your property or in an area where woodchucks are often sighted.
Ultrasonic devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves, which are not audible to humans but can be annoying and uncomfortable for woodchucks. These devices are battery-operated and easy to install. Place them around your property, making sure that they cover the burrow entrances. Ultrasonic devices work well in combination with other methods such as exclusion and repellants.
When to call professionals
If none of the above methods work, it’s time to seek help from professionals. Pest control companies and wildlife removal services have the experience and equipment necessary to handle the problem. Always choose a reputable and licensed company. They can use traps, repellants, and other methods to rid your property of woodchucks.
Conclusion
Woodchucks can cause significant damage to your property if left unattended. However, with various methods at your disposal, they can be kept under control. Trapping, exclusion, repellants, planting certain flowers, ultrasonic devices, and contacting professionals are all effective ways to get rid of woodchucks. Act quickly to prevent any further damage to your property.
