How many times have you had to battle a groundhog? If they’re burrowing in your yard and eating your plants it’s time to take action. If you’ve tried multiple control options and they keep coming back again and again (and again) it could be time to call a professional pest remover. Learn more about why these burrowers may prefer your yard and what groundhog control options to try next.

Groundhog Preferences

It’s not hard to tell why groundhogs may be hanging out around your garden. These creatures are not shy about picking apart your plants and digging in your yard. One of the best ways to help prevent them from doing extensive damage is limiting what they’re looking for:

1. Food. Like all animals, groundhogs have to eat. If you have a groundhog problem, harvest the plants in your garden as soon as you can. Building a fence around the garden only helps if it’s deep enough so they can’t burrow under it. Groundhogs also eat clover and dandelions, so try to keep these weeds away.
2. Shelter. While groundhogs burrow underground, they look for hidden areas with enough cover to start digging. Rock or wood piles provide an added layer of security. Tall grass and overgrown plants make it easy to sneak around. Keep these areas clear and clean.

Groundhog Deterrents

If you still notice groundhog activity even after making your yard less desirable, it’s time for some deterrents. These ingredients have been used in various treatment and prevention products:

• Castor oil
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic
• Lavender
• Ammonia
• Epsom salt

When using any of these more natural ingredients, keep in mind that any application may need to be repeated after it rains. Also be advised that some products, like ammonia, can kill the grass and become toxic to other animals in the area.

Groundhog Control

Now that you’ve limited what they like and added what they don’t if you’re still battling groundhogs, it’s time to try more control options.

1. Fill the burrow. If you find a hole in your lawn that’s about one foot in diameter with mounds of dirt around it, fill it with gravel or crushed stone. This encourages the current inhabitants to move out and discourages any other pests from moving in. Filling it with dirt may only mean they have to rebuild their burrow.
2. Install a fence. This only works if there are currently no groundhogs already in your yard. The durable fence should be several feet above and below the ground to prevent climbing and tunneling. Bend the top and bottom buried portions away from the garden for more control.
3. Set a trap. While catching and relocating a groundhog is a more humane option, it’s also illegal in some areas if not handled by a professional. Research the rules in your city before buying a trap. Wait until late winter or early spring when they’ll be eager for food (even if it’s used as bait).

Professional Groundhog Control

If all attempts have failed, it’s time to call a pro. They’ll help determine when the burrows are currently occupied and which control methods have better results. Don’t spend another day, season, or year battling a groundhog. Contact Cardinal Pest today to stop these pests in their tracks.