8 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Groundhogs (2024)

Are you wondering how to get rid of groundhogs without harming them? Here are some top groundhog repellents and tips:

About Groundhogs

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, “whistle pigs,” or marmots, are rodents that can do a lot of damage to your lawns and gardens. Because they are excellent diggers (their dens can be extensive tunnel systems containing chambers, hallways, and multiple exits), they can weaken the soil, resulting in damage to foundations, barns, and farm equipment, as well as cause possible injuries to livestock. And since groundhogs are herbivores, they enjoy making a meal on the plants in your garden, so all that hard work you put into it can be decimated in a single afternoon. They certainly make a nuisance of themselves.

So what can you do? If you don’t own a dog, or you’re not comfortable trapping and releasing* (or don’t have the means to), consult ourlist of 8 effective,natural remedies to help keep them out, below. These ideas won’t harm the environment, family pets, or the groundhogs themselves.

A few Key Things To Know

First, it’s important to know that prevention is very important when it comes to any rodent infestations. Try to identify and remove what they’re attracted to in your yard. For example, a food source like fruit from apple trees. Harvest your garden and pick up any fallen fruit often. Also, consider a covered compost bin—especially if your compost piles have sweet fruit like melons, a groundhog’s favorite. You’ll also want to reduce any woodpiles on your property.

Before you start tackling your groundhog problem, be sure that is what you are really up against.Some good indicators that a groundhog is present are:

• A hole 10 to 12 inches wide in the ground or under a shed, foundation or deck, with mounds of dirt around it.
• Teeth of claw marks.
• Damaged plants with good sized bites taken out of them.

Additionally, knowing the groundhog’shabits is key. The time whenthey emerge from their post-winter dens will differ depending on where you live (despite what you hear, most groundhogs are hibernating on February 2 and are not popping up to see their shadows), and they’re active during the day. Spring is when they start mating so they’ll be very active during this time.

8 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Groundhogs

1) Epsom Salts

Groundhogs hate the taste of Epsom salts. Sprinkle them around the perimeter of your garden and near burrow entrances and exits.You may also try placing a tin pie plate filled with the salts near the plants. (Replace after a rain.) If you are consistent, you will keep the groundhogs away.

If you are concerned about putting the salt near your garden, don’t worry.This isn’t table salt, and it may actually good for your plants.

2) Castor Oil

Groundhogs hate the smell of castor oil. To make your own homemade groundhog repellent, mix one half cup of castor oil with two cups of water and spray it in and around the burrow holes.But only apply it when you know they’re not there, otherwise, they’ll just stay burrowed. (You’ll have to keep vigil to see when they head out to find food.)

3) Human Hair Clippings

Clippings from your local barber or hairdresser may also prevent groundhogs well because they dislike the scent of humans. Sprinkle clippings around areas where the groundhog frequents. Or to avoid it blowing away in the wind, place clippings in a fine mesh bag and secure it to a stake near the groundhog’s dwelling.

4) Blood Meal Fertilizer

Blood meal is a great organic fertilizer for your plants, while also repelling pesty groundhogs (and squirrels).Sprinkle blood meal around the perimeter of your garden, concentrating on entry points or plants that have been a common target.The strong odor is a natural deterrent, while also being a good source of nitrogen for your plants. Consider this a win-win.

5) Soiled Kitty Litter

Kitty litter (used) poured around one of the den holes (but not the other) is also effective as it smells like a predator. Leaving one exit hole scent-free allows them to escape rather than stay burrowed.

6) Offensive Scents

There are certain smells groundhogs absolutely detest. If you can ensure these smells are present near their burrows and around the garden, you may be able to send them packing:

• Cayenne pepper – Our Farmers’ Almanac readers swear by this method: Simply pour cayenne pepper close to the groundhog’s holes. Buy a large container (bulk size) so you can create a small pile. When it rains or is windy, you’ll have to reapply. It’s actually the smell and the heat they don’t like. You can also spray tender plants with a mixture of 2 teaspoons cayenne with one quart of water to deter them from nibbling.
• Garlic – Crush some garlic cloves and spread the paste around areas of the garden you want groundhogsto avoid. Their sensitive noses can’t handle the pungent smell.
• Lavender – Try planting some lavender around the garden. While it smells lovely to us, groundhogs find it offensiveand avoid the areas where it is. They also dislike the smell of these herbs:basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.Consider planting these around the border of your garden or yard.

7) Essential Oils

Essential oils such as clove, lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, and thyme can get rid of groundhogs.Mix 5 to 10 drops of these essential oils in a spray bottle with water (or apple cider vinegar, which they also find repulsive), and apply it around your garden.

8) Add A Motion-Detector Devices

You may choose to place a motion-detector device on your property. Some emit a loud noise as a groundhog approaches, which scares it away.Others spray water, which is an equally effective deterrent. (Bear in mind: Avoid areas where you and your family normally walk. These work particularly well around a property perimeter or near your vegetable gardens.)

More About Groundhogs

Fun Fact: Groundhogs are the largest member of the squirrel family.

Wonder why groundhogs areknown as“whistle pigs?” Listen to the sound they make in this video clip (you mayhave thought you were hearinga bird!):

*Note: If you do choose to set a groundhog trap, late winter to early spring is the best time.The groundhogs have yet to produce that year’s offspring and the food source will be scarce, making your trap bait more enticing.However always check with your state wildlife agency before relocating an animal from your property. There may be laws in your area prohibiting you from doing so. Relocating groundhogs is illegal in some states due, in part, to fears of spreading rabies. You might want to check with them about what a safe distance is, depending on where you live.