How to Keep Groundhogs Out of the Garden
I’m not too ashamed to admit that I have a major woodchuck problem this year.
Woodchucks, aka groundhogs, are incredibly common where I live. They’re closely related to squirrels - and cause just as much (if not more) damage in the garden. This year, they’ve been absolutely horrible when it comes to nibbling on all my seedlings.
If you're a gardener, you know that groundhogs can be a big problem.
They love to eat plants, and they can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time.
In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how to keep groundhogs out of your garden. Keep reading to learn more!
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What Smell Will Keep Groundhogs Away?
Before I dive too deep into the strategies to get rid of groundhogs in the garden, let’s discuss one thing - how to repel them in the first place. Certain smells are highly effective at repelling groundhogs, such as:
Lavender
Mint
Sage
Chives
Oregano
Of course, groundhogs are repelled by the scent of humans, cats, and dogs, too.
Curious about how to get rid of groundhogs in the garden - but don’t want to read through this whole post? Check out this video for some simple (but effective) tips for repelling groundhogs:
What Exactly Are Groundhogs?
Groundhogs are popularly known as woodchucks, and also sometimes go by the name of whistle pigs. Whistle pigs are burrowing rodents that are found across North America, and typically measure about two feet in length.
Groundhogs have short legs and thick bodies, which help them to excavate their burrows effectively. They are proficient swimmers and can climb trees relatively easily. Yet groundhogs spend most of their time in burrows and on the ground.
The whistle pig is mostly herbivorous, but they will occasionally eat small vertebrates such as lizards or snakes. Their primary predators are coyotes, foxes, and weasels.
Are Groundhogs Helpful or Harmful in the Garden?
Some people see groundhogs as pests that wreak havoc in the garden, eating crops and destroying plants.
Groundhogs are one of the most destructive creatures in a garden. Their favorite food is grass and other types of vegetation, and they will take great delight in munching their way through anything that stands in their way.
This can be especially problematic in an established garden, where the groundhog's constant digging up can damage plant roots, destabilize plant beds, and hinder growth.
Worse still, when a groundhog is present in your garden, it is likely to attract more of its kind to the area, leading to widespread destruction of your precious plants. In order to protect your garden from these voracious pests, it is important to take steps like fencing off vulnerable areas and trapping or eliminating groundhogs as early as possible.
Yet they do still have some benefits. Other gardeners believe that these animals can actually be quite helpful. Groundhogs are natural diggers, which means that they help to aerate and fertilize the soil in your garden.
Additionally, their tunneling activities can help to prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil. Finally, groundhogs eat a wide variety of small vertebrates, helping to keep pest populations under control in your garden. That said, you may want to get rid of groundhogs if a groundhog's burrow is creating problems in your garden - or if you have a groundhog eating your plants.
Identifying Groundhogs in the Garden
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for any gardener, however, is identifying those pests that pose a threat to your plants. For example, the groundhog is notoriously difficult to spot in a garden setting.
With their stout bodies and short legs, these animals can easily hide among dense layers of foliage.
Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that can help you to recognize when groundhogs have infested your garden.
For one thing, groundhogs feed primarily on vegetation, so if you notice areas of your garden seem oddly stripped bare or completely missing patches of greenery, this could indicate a groundhog problem.
In addition, check out the burrows in your soil – these are another sure sign that groundhogs are lurking close by!
How Do You Repel a Groundhog?
If you have a groundhog problem, there are several things you can do to repel them. One of the simplest methods is to remove any sources of food and water from your property. Groundhogs are attracted to gardens and open areas where they can find an easy meal, so keeping your property clean and tidy can help discourage them from moving in.
Here are a few more tips!
Make Sure The Problem is Actually Groundhogs (and Not Something Else)
If you're having a problem with groundhogs in your garden, before taking any action, it's important to make sure that the animals causing the damage are actually groundhogs.
While groundhogs can burrow into a variety of soils, their preferred habitat is grassy areas with plenty of old stumps or logs for shelter. If you think that the animal causing damage in your garden might be a groundhog, try to track down some evidence to confirm your suspicions - footprints, droppings, tooth marks on fruit and vegetables - and then contact your local wildlife control agency for help getting rid of the unwanted guests.
However, if you're not absolutely certain that you're dealing with groundhogs and not some other type of animal such as rabbits or raccoons, it's best to proceed with caution before trapping these creatures or disposing of them in another way.
In many cases, fencing off vulnerable plants can help protect them from hungry animals without requiring drastic measures such as killing the offending creatures. Instead of trying to
Use a Live Trap
Groundhogs are a common garden pest, and they can quickly cause extensive damage to your crops. If you suspect that you have a groundhog problem, the best course of action is to set a live trap
Live traps are available at most hardware stores, and they provide an effective way to capture groundhogs without harming them.Before setting the trap, baiting it with a variety of foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Once the groundhog has been captured, you can release it into a nearby wooded area.
Install Fences
If you don't want to use a live trap, another option is fencing in your garden. The fence should be at least four feet high and buried several inches underground to prevent groundhogs from burrowing underneath.
Change the Environment
You can also discourage groundhogs from taking up residence in your garden by removing all sources of food and water.
Keep your grass well-trimmed and remove any fallen fruit or vegetables from your garden immediately. By making your garden less inviting to groundhogs, you can reduce the chances of having a problem with these pesky pests.
Use Row Covers to Protect Your Plants
One option is to surround the perimeter of your garden with a layer of chicken wire, which is far too tricky for even the most determined groundhog to burrow through.
You can also protect individual plants by draping them with plastic or mesh sleeves or row covers - or by using camping stakes or stakes made from copper chicken wire to physically block groundhogs from accessing the plants.
Create Ground Vibrations
There are several things you can do to get rid of groundhogs. Creating ground vibrations is one method that has been shown to be effective in deterring groundhogs. This can be done by driving a metal rod into the ground or by setting up a vibrating fence. You may also want to try installing a loud radio near the entrance to the burrow, as the sound will often scare away these pests.
Smoke Them Out
If you have a groundhog problem, another good solution is to smoke them out. First, block all entrances to the burrow except for one. Then, build a small fire inside the burrow and wait for the groundhogs to flee.
Once they're out, you can close up the entrance to the burrow so they can't get back in. This method may take a few tries, but it's the most effective way to control groundhogs in the garden.
Try Epsom Salts
If you're looking for an effective way to control groundhogs, epsom salt is a good option. When sprinkled around the perimeter of your property, epsom salt creates a barrier that groundhogs will avoid. Additionally, the salty taste of epsom salt will deter them from eating your plants.
Use Castor Oil
Castor oil is a natural groundhog repellent that will help keep groundhogs away from your property. Simply mix together equal parts castor oil and water, and then spray the mixture around the perimeter of your yard. You can also pour the mixture into any groundhog holes or inhabited burrows that you see groundhogs digging. The strong scent of the castor oil will discourage other groundhogs from returning.
Get a Cat or Dog
Cats and dogs are natural predators of groundhogs, and they will quickly learn to stay away from your property if they know that there is a pet present. In addition, cats and dogs can help to keep other pests, such as mice and rats, away from your home. So if you want to get rid of groundhogs, the best solution is to get a cat or dog.
Use Some Human Hair
It sounds strange, but hear me out!
Groundhogs are highly sensitive to smells, and the scent of human hair is particularly repulsive to them. To use this method, simply place small clumps of hair around the perimeter of your property. The groundhogs will quickly learn to stay away.
Try Agricultural Lime or Talcum Powder
Agricultural lime or talcum powder can be used to deter groundhogs from entering an area. The strong smell will deter groundhogs from entering, and the sharp taste will dissuade them from nibbling on your plants.
Plant Natural Deterrents
Another option is to plant natural deterrents such as lavender, mint, or garlic. These plants have strong scents that groundhogs find unpleasant, and they will typically stay away from areas where these plants are growing.
Consider adding some natural plants to your garden planning chart this year.
Try an Animal Repellent
Consider using an animal repellent. There are many commercially available products that release a scent that groundhogs find offensive. You can also try making your own repellent using ingredients like garlic, hot pepper flakes, or vinegar.
Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Groundhogs Away?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Irish Spring soap can keep groundhogs away. Yet it’s still worth a try, especially when you consider that many gardeners find this to be an effective remedy.
For one, many groundhogs have an aversion to strong smells, and Irish Spring contains a number of pungent fragrances like eucalyptus, peppermint, and spearmint. Additionally, these soaps often have a gritty texture that some groundhogs may associate with danger or unwanted attention.
While there is no direct evidence showing that groundhogs avoid Irish Spring soap, it seems likely that this rumor emerged as a way to encourage people to use this popular product.
Use Bright Lights and Loud Noises
Groundhogs hate bright lights and loud noises. So installing motion-activated lights or solar lights around your garden may help to keep them away.
Smells to Keep Groundhogs Away
Groundhogs are a common garden pest, known for their voracious appetite for vegetables. If left unchecked, they can quickly decimate a crop.
While there are several methods of control, one of the most effective is to deter them with scent. Groundhogs have a strong sense of smell, and certain smells will keep them away. Mint, for example, is often used to keep rodents away from the home.
Other scents that groundhogs dislike include cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion. By placing these items around the garden, you can create a barrier that groundhogs will avoid. In addition to being effective, this method is also environmentally friendly and safe for pets and children.
They also hate the smell of vinegar and ammonia. Try sprinkling these substances around the perimeter of your property to deter groundhogs from entering.
Finally, groundhogs dislike the taste of hot peppers. You can make your own natural repellent by mixing water, vinegar, and hot pepper sauce in a spray bottle. Regularly spraying this mixture around the perimeter of your property should help to keep groundhogs at bay.
What Do Groundhogs Hate the Most?
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are common pests in many gardens and yards. These burrowing animals can cause extensive damage to plants and property, and they are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, repelling groundhogs from the vegetable garden is fairly easy if you follow these tips.
So what do groundhogs hate the most? There are a few things that these animals really dislike, which can be used to help deter them from your property. Follow the tips above for the best groundhog control - and don’t be afraid to try multiple solutions until you find one that really sticks.
In some cases, you may have to get rid of groundhogs and other animals by calling a groundhog removal service. While these home remedies of getting rid of garden groundhogs work in most cases, in some cases, it's easier to get rid of these solitary animals by calling in the big guns. A trapped groundhog isn't necessarily dangerous, but it can spread diseases - so you might not want to deal with these pets yourself.
Trapping groundhogs is illegal in some places, too - so while keeping groundhogs around might not necessarily be on your bucket list, you may need help getting rid of them in a legal way.
If you’re having a problem with groundhogs in your garden, don’t worry, we have the perfect solution for you. Try some of these tips to keep those pesky critters out of your garden plants and flowers.
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