When the weather starts warming up, groundhogs come out to play—and by “play,” we mean dig. These furry little guys might look cute from a distance, but they can cause serious headaches for homeowners. From tearing up your garden to burrowing under sheds and decks, groundhogs know how to make themselves right at home.
The good news? You can stop them before they move in. Whether you’re dealing with a recurring groundhog problem or trying to prevent one from starting, now’s the time to take action. Let’s walk through how to prevent groundhogs from taking over your outdoor space before summer hits.
Why Groundhogs Dig—and Why You Should Care
Groundhogs (also called woodchucks) dig for shelter, safety, and food. They create complex burrows with tunnels and rooms—yes, rooms—that can stretch up to 30 feet long. These burrows often pop up near gardens, sheds, decks, or patios.
Besides the eyesore, groundhog tunnels can weaken structures like foundations, sidewalks, and fences. They also love snacking on vegetables and plants, making them a nightmare for gardeners. The sooner you deal with them, the easier it is to protect your yard from long-term damage.
Signs You’ve Got a Groundhog Problem
Before you jump into prevention mode, it’s good to know what to look for. Here are a few telltale signs that a groundhog might be lurking around:
- Large holes in the ground (about 10–12 inches wide)
- Dirt mounds near tunnel entrances
- Chewed-up plants, especially in vegetable gardens
- Tracks or droppings near food sources
- A groundhog sighting during the day (they’re mostly active in the morning and late afternoon)
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep them from settling in.
How to Prevent Groundhogs from Taking Over
Here are some easy, effective ways to stop groundhogs from making your yard their summer getaway:
1. Secure Your Structures
Groundhogs love burrowing under sheds, porches, and decks. Use heavy-duty wire mesh (sometimes called hardware cloth) to seal off open areas under these structures. Dig the mesh about 12 inches underground and angle it outward to stop digging.
2. Fence Off Your Garden
A strong fence can be a game-changer. Use fencing that’s at least 3 feet high and buried 12 inches underground. For extra protection, bend the top of the fence outward to make climbing difficult. Groundhogs are decent climbers, but they’re not Olympic athletes—this usually keeps them out.
3. Remove Attractants
Groundhogs love food and shelter. Keep your yard clean by removing brush piles, tall weeds, and unused wood or debris. Secure garbage cans and compost bins. If you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden, clean up fallen produce regularly.
4. Try Natural Repellents
Some scents and tastes can drive groundhogs away. Sprinkle Epsom salt, garlic, or castor oil around plants and burrow entrances. You can also use commercial repellents—just make sure they’re safe for pets and the environment.
5. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers
These handy tools startle groundhogs with a sudden burst of water when they get too close. Over time, they learn to avoid your yard altogether. Bonus: they work on other pests too.
What Not to Do
It’s tempting to try quick fixes or aggressive traps, but those can backfire. Poisoning or harming groundhogs isn’t just unsafe—it’s often illegal depending on where you live. Live trapping may seem humane, but relocating groundhogs is rarely a long-term solution and might be restricted by local laws.
The safest and most effective option? Prevention. When done early and consistently, it keeps groundhogs away without risking harm to you, your pets, or the environment.
When to Call a Pro
If groundhogs have already made themselves at home—and you’ve tried everything—it might be time to bring in the experts. Professional pest control can safely remove groundhogs and offer long-term solutions to keep them from coming back.
At Genuine Pest Control, we use proven, humane methods to handle groundhog issues without the stress. We can help secure your property and give you the peace of mind to enjoy your yard all summer long.
Take Action Now—Before Summer Starts
The best time to deal with groundhogs is before they’ve had time to dig in. Early spring is your window of opportunity to stop them before their burrows get deep and their habits get harder to break.
A little prevention goes a long way. Secure your yard, remove what’s attracting them, and act early to make your outdoor space one they skip over this summer.
And if they’re already causing trouble? We’re just a call away.
Need help with groundhogs?
Get in touch with Genuine Pest Control today and let us take care of the digging—so you don’t have to.
