How To Get Rid Of Groundhogs

Getting rid of groundhogs (also called woodchucks) on your own can be challenging due to their burrowing habits and persistence, but there are several effective methods homeowners and business owners can use. The best approach is usually a combination of exclusion, habitat modification, and humane deterrents. Here are the most effective DIY methods:

Identify and Monitor Burrows

Start by locating all active burrows. Groundhogs often have one main entrance and one or more escape holes nearby. Fresh soil, chewed vegetation, and tracks are signs of an active den. Knowing where they live is crucial before attempting any control method.

Exclusion (Fencing)

Fencing is the most reliable long-term DIY solution.

Install a heavy-duty wire mesh fence (such as galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire) with openings no larger than 2 inches.
Height: At least 3–4 feet above ground, with the top 12 inches bent outward at a 45° angle to deter climbing.
Depth: Bury the bottom 12–18 inches underground, bending the bottom outward to create an L-shaped barrier to prevent digging underneath.
Gate access points should fit tightly with no gaps.

This method is especially effective for gardens, sheds, decks, and foundations where groundhogs like to dig.

Habitat Modification

Groundhogs thrive in areas with dense vegetation and nearby cover.

Remove brush piles, tall grass, and wood stacks that provide shelter.
Trim vegetation near sheds, fences, or decks.
Harvest or protect gardens promptly—ripe produce attracts them.
Install gravel or concrete barriers under decks, porches, and sheds to discourage burrowing.

Reducing available cover makes your property less attractive and encourages groundhogs to relocate.

Repellents

Use repellents to create an unpleasant environment for groundhogs:

Castor oil-based repellents (liquid or granular) are the most effective. Apply around burrow entrances and throughout gardens according to label directions. Reapply after rain.
Scent deterrents: Predator urine (fox or coyote) and ammonia-soaked rags can be placed near active burrows to simulate predator presence, though results vary.
Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic deterrents can help scare groundhogs away from specific areas.

Trapping and Relocation (Where Legal)

Live trapping can be effective but must be done carefully and in accordance with local wildlife laws.

Use a large live trap (at least 32 inches long).
Bait with cantaloupe, apples, or fresh vegetables placed at the back of the trap.
Set the trap near the burrow entrance and check frequently (at least every 12 hours).
Relocate only if local regulations permit—many states prohibit relocation due to disease concerns.

If relocation isn’t allowed, contact animal control or a licensed wildlife trapper to handle removal.

Burrow Closure

Once you’re confident the groundhog is gone:

Fill burrow entrances with gravel, soil, or concrete.
Install mesh or wire barriers over old burrow sites to prevent reuse.
Do not close a burrow if you’re unsure it’s empty—trapped animals can cause odor issues and structural damage.

Maintain a Preventive Strategy

After removal, continue monitoring for new burrows or activity. Maintain fencing and repellents seasonally to deter new groundhogs from moving in.

Groundhogs are resilient and can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and building foundations. While DIY methods can work for mild infestations, our professional pest control is often the best option for long-term prevention, large properties, or situations where groundhogs are digging near structures. Our professionals can provide permanent exclusion, trapping, and habitat management solutions safely and legally.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Groundhogs

While DIY methods can sometimes discourage groundhogs, these stubborn burrowers often require professional intervention for complete and lasting control. Groundhogs can cause extensive damage to lawns, gardens, and building foundations, and their tunneling habits make them one of the most difficult wildlife pests to manage. Here’s why our professional pest control is the best solution for safely and effectively eliminating groundhogs from your property:

Expert Identification and Assessment: Our professional pest control technicians begin by thoroughly inspecting your property to identify all active burrows, feeding areas, and travel routes. We understand groundhog behavior—where they dig, what attracts them, and how to locate hidden den sites that most property owners overlook. Our expert assessment ensures that control measures are precisely targeted and effective the first time.
Safe and Humane Removal: Trapping and removing groundhogs can be tricky and, in many areas, regulated by state wildlife laws. Our professionals use legal, humane, and approved trapping methods that ensure the animal is captured without harm. We also handle relocation or euthanasia procedures according to local and federal wildlife regulations, protecting you from potential legal or ethical issues.
Advanced Exclusion and Damage Repair: Groundhogs are strong diggers capable of undermining decks, sheds, patios, and even home foundations. Our pest control experts go beyond removal by implementing long-term exclusion solutions, such as installing underground wire barriers and L-shaped trench systems, reinforcing vulnerable structures with rodent-proof materials, and sealing burrow entrances and preventing future digging. This combination of removal and structural prevention stops the problem at its source and keeps your property protected.
Effective and Long-Term Prevention: Groundhogs are persistent and may return if only temporarily deterred. Our professionals create a customized prevention plan tailored to your property—addressing vegetation, attractants, and structural vulnerabilities. Our ongoing monitoring and maintenance help ensure that new groundhogs do not move in once the original ones are gone.
Reduced Risk to Property and Safety: Attempting to trap or handle groundhogs yourself can be risky. They are strong, can bite when cornered, and may carry fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Improper handling or incomplete removal can also lead to property damage, injured animals, or lingering odors from sealed burrows. Our professional wildlife control eliminates these risks while ensuring the safety of both the homeowner and the animal.
Time, Cost, and Peace of Mind: DIY methods often involve trial and error—purchasing repellents, traps, and materials that may not fully solve the problem. Our professionals bring efficiency, proven results, and guaranteed service, saving you time and repeated expenses. With expert help, you get peace of mind knowing the problem is resolved thoroughly and responsibly.

Hiring our professionals to handle groundhogs ensures the job is done safely, legally, and permanently. Our experts have the tools, training, and experience to remove these burrowing pests, repair the damage they cause, and protect your property from future infestations. Whether for a home, business, or large property, our professional wildlife management is the most reliable way to reclaim your yard and prevent costly damage.

Get Rid Of Groundhogs With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!