How to Control Groundhogs

It would seem that since the first garden was planted, groundhogs have been a nuisance. The commonality of groundhogs, however, has led to numerous different methods of controlling and removing groundhogs. Some methods prevent entry while others allow for the re-homing of nuisance ground hogs. Still, other methods can exterminate groundhogs altogether. How you wish to control groundhogs is up to you and the resources you have at your disposal.

Things You'll Need

  • Live traps
  • Smoke bombs
  • Fencing
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Instructions

  1. Know the Signs

    • 1

      Look for signs of groundhogs on your property. You may find large nibble marks on vegetables that are growing in your garden or the vegetables themselves might be pulled up out of the ground.

    • 2

      Inspect the fruit trees on your property. Look for nibble marks that are visible on the bark near the bottoms of the trees.

    • 3

      Look for large holes in your yard that are approximately 10-to-12-inches wide. Groundhog holes will also have large dirt mounds next to the large holes.

    Trapping

    • 4

      Set a live trap in normally traveled path of the groundhogs. This is a safe and humane way to control groundhogs.

    • 5

      Bait the live trap with apples or cantaloupe melon slices or use some of the vegetables from your garden that the groundhog has been eating.

    • 6

      Place the trap on a flat and level surface. Camouflage the trap so that it blends in with the surrounding area. This can be done with leaves, grass or other vegetation.

    • 7

      Check your traps on a regular basis. Once you have trapped a groundhog, relocate the groundhog to safe area, away from your property.

    Fumigating

    • 8

      Purchase smoke-bomb fumigants in your local lawn and garden store. You will need one smoke-bomb for each groundhog hole.

    • 9

      Locate each of the groundhog holes in your yard. Light the end of the fumigant smoke-bomb and place it in the hole.

    • 10

      Cover the smoke bomb with rocks and dirt. This will keep the groundhog from escaping.

    • 11

      Check the site of the covered groundhog hole after a couple of days to make sure the hole has not been dug out and reoccupied.

    Fencing

    • 12

      Install a fence. The fence will not only help to keep the groundhog out of your yard, but will also keep other pests out as well and will provide a safe place for your small children or pets to play.

    • 13

      Bury the fencing at least 12 inches into the ground. This will keep the groundhogs from digging under the fence and gaining access to your property.

    • 14

      Angle the fence slightly outwards from 90 degrees. This will keep the groundhogs from climbing up and over the fence.