Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be very problematic pests for homeowners. With their extensive burrowing and tunneling, groundhogs can cause serious damage to your yard and garden. If you've noticed mounds of dirt or holes appearing on your property, you likely have groundhogs that have moved in. Getting rid of groundhogs can be tricky, but there are several effective and humane methods you can try to evict your furry tenants.

Identifying Groundhog Activity

The first step is confirming that you do indeed have groundhogs on your property. Groundhogs are medium sized rodents that can reach up to 2 feet long and weigh up to 12 pounds. They have brown fur and short legs. The most obvious sign of groundhogs is large mound-like holes around 1 foot in diameter. These are the entrances to their underground burrow systems where they live. You may also see partially eaten vegetation or small piles of dirt from their excavations. Groundhogs are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and evening when they come out to feed.

Repellents

There are several types of repellents that can be used to drive groundhogs away by creating an unpleasant environment. Sprinkling ammonia, bleach or vinegar around burrow openings and areas where they frequently feed can deter groundhogs with the strong odors. Cayenne pepper and garlic are other natural repellents you can spread around since groundhogs dislike strong spices and smells.

Castor oil is also very effective at repelling groundhogs. Mix 1 part castor oil with 3 parts water and spray it around burrow entrances and prime groundhog real estate in your yard. The oil has a offensive smell to groundhogs that will encourage them to leave.

Trapping

If repellents don't work, trapping the groundhogs in humane cage traps is the next step. The best approach is to place the traps directly at the entrance to an active burrow. Bait the trap with fruits, vegetables or nuts that will attract the groundhog. Once the groundhog is trapped inside, you can relocate it at least 10 miles away to prevent it returning. Be sure to release the groundhog in a rural, wooded area away from roads or homes.

An alternative is to use a catch and release trap, also called a one-way exclusion door. These traps allow the groundhog to exit the burrow but not re-enter. Again, place directly on the burrow and allow the animal to leave but not come back. This is less stressful for the groundhog than a full cage trap.

Deterrents

There are also some clever tricks you can use to fool the groundhogs into thinking your yard is unsafe. Sprinkling human hair clippings collected from a barber or salon around their burrows will give the impression that humans are nearby. Groundhogs are very wary of people.

You can also use predator urine, which is urine collected from coyotes, foxes and dogs. The smell tricks the groundhogs into thinking predators are nearby. Used kitty litter scattered around burrows has a similar effect.

Motion activated sprinkler systems are another clever deterrent. When the groundhog trips the motion sensor, it activates the sprinkler right over their hole, startling them with the sudden spray of water. This is harmless but annoying enough to make them leave.

Prevention

To prevent groundhogs from taking up residence in the first place, make sure your yard is not appealing real estate. Keep the lawn mowed short, trim back any brush or dense vegetation, and clear away woodpiles or debris they could use for cover. A fence can help block them, but make sure it extends at least 2 feet underground since they are excellent diggers. Gravel orwire mesh at the base of the fence prevents them from burrowing underneath.

With persistence and variety in your approach, you can humanely evict pesky groundhogs. Just be patient, as it make take them a while to get the hint that your yard is no longer groundhog friendly. But using a combination of these strategies will soon have them looking for a new home.