This time of year, everyone turns their attention to the groundhog. This elusive creature is famous for predicting whether we’ll have an early spring or not. It’s one of the few times people are happy to see this furry face peek out of a hole. Usually, if you see one on your lawn, it means you’ll probably have some cleaning up to do. Use these groundhog control methods to help prevent them from showing up, no matter what they have to say about the seasons.

What Attracts a Groundhog

Sure, they may look cute on television, but nothing is cute about a groundhog tearing up your yard and garden. If you see one, it could be because of one of the following reasons:

1. Food. Like many pests and wildlife, groundhogs are always on the lookout for food. If you grow any of their favorites—beans, peas, or melons—they may just move in if these delicacies are left out in the garden for too long.
2. Shelter. Another main attraction is a nice warm place to stay. If you live near a wooded area or have piles of wood, rocks, and other debris around your yard, you could be setting up a cozy spot for a groundhog or two. Once they find sufficient cover, they’ll burrow under the ground for more protection.
3. Grooming. Any large pieces of wood or tree trunks could become a groundhog’s dental office. They like to gnaw and grind their teeth on the tough bark, which of course could be a detriment to the tree.

To help prevent groundhogs from making themselves at home in your yard, do your best to make it less attractive to them.

• Trim back plants they could eat or use for cover.
• Fill any open burrows with gravel.
• Harvest gardens as soon as possible.
• Clear debris.
• Build a fence at least four feet tall (this only works if your yard is already groundhog-free).
• Try one of the methods below.

While preventing groundhogs is easier than dealing with their damage, there are several ways to get rid of them once you find them in your yard.

Groundhog Control Methods

If preventative measures haven’t worked, try one of these groundhog control methods to get rid of these burrowing beasts. Some are more toxic than others, but you should use caution no matter which method you choose.

1. Castor oil. This natural repellent can be mixed with water and sprayed in areas you’ve seen a groundhog or want them to stay away from. Multiple applications may be needed, especially after any rain. Add some hot sauce to the mix to spice things up!
2. Offensive odors. Make a spray, paste, or other mixture with certain scents to place around areas where you want to keep groundhogs away. Bonus points if the scent is attractive to you! Some of the scents include garlic, lavender, and cayenne pepper.
3. Ammonia. Another natural solution involves mixing ammonia with water and pouring it into the burrow. You can make the mixture even more potent by adding castor oil and some of the offensive odors.
4. Live traps. Relocating a groundhog isn’t easy, especially if they’ve already learned your yard is the place to be. Use gloves to set a trap with some of their favorite foods as bait. This way they’ll only smell the food, not you. You can even camouflage the trap with leaves to help make it seem more “natural.” Then release the pest back into the wild far, far away from your home.
5. Fumigation. Gas bombs are only effective if the groundhog is actually in their burrow and they don’t have multiple escape routes.
6. Professional pest control. If you’ve tried natural and toxic measures and are still dealing with a groundhog problem, call in the pros.

Any of these methods should be carefully planned before trying it out, especially if it involves toxic ingredients. For more information on the best ways to deal with a groundhog or any other lawn pest, contact Cardinal Pest.