The woodchuck, also known as a groundhog (Marmota monax), is a large, burrowing rodent that can quickly decimate ornamental plantings. This animal is an opportunistic herbivore whose appetite often focuses on specific, tender foliage when it discovers a garden. Homeowners frequently worry whether these pests target hostas, one of the most popular shade plants. This article addresses that concern and offers practical, effective methods for protecting your landscape from this common pest.
Hostas as a Preferred Food Source
Woodchucks include hostas in their diet, often favoring them among garden plants. This preference is due to the hosta leaf’s physical characteristics. The large, broad leaves are succulent, meaning they have a high water content and a tender texture. These moisture-rich leaves provide hydration, as woodchucks typically obtain fluid directly from the vegetation they consume. Their diet also includes clover, grasses, alfalfa, and various garden vegetables and flowers. When a woodchuck establishes a territory near a garden, it will consistently choose these easy-to-digest, high-moisture plants.
Identifying Woodchuck Damage
Identifying the culprit is important, as other animals like rabbits and deer also graze on garden plants. Woodchuck damage is distinct because they possess sharp incisor teeth, allowing them to take large, irregular, and relatively clean bites out of hosta leaves. They often consume entire leaves or stems down to the ground. This contrasts with deer damage, which leaves a ragged or torn edge on the foliage, as deer lack upper incisors and must rip the plant material when feeding. A definitive sign of woodchuck presence is the burrow system they excavate near the feeding area. Burrows are substantial, featuring main entrances 10 to 12 inches wide, often with a visible mound of excavated dirt at the opening.
Effective Deterrence Strategies
Physical Exclusion
The most reliable method for protecting hostas is physical exclusion through properly installed fencing. Since woodchucks are adept climbers and burrowers, a simple garden fence is insufficient. The perimeter barrier must be at least three to four feet high above ground, and the top section should be left unsecured or angled outward to prevent the animals from climbing over it. To prevent digging underneath, the fence material must extend approximately 10 to 12 inches below the soil line. This underground portion should be bent outward, forming an L-shape apron that discourages burrowing directly next to the fence line. Using woven wire or hardware cloth with a mesh size no larger than three inches ensures the barrier is effective against both climbing and digging attempts.
Habitat Modification
Habitat modification focuses on removing potential cover and den sites. Woodchucks seek areas with dense brush, tall grass, and woodpiles for shelter and security. Keeping the lawn mowed short and clearing away debris and brush piles around the garden perimeter makes the area less appealing for establishing a permanent burrow. Sealing off openings under structures like sheds or porches with buried wire mesh can also prevent them from taking up residence.
Repellents
Repellents can be used as a supplementary measure, though they require consistent reapplication and rotation. Woodchucks are deterred by strong tastes and smells. Capsaicin-based sprays, which contain hot pepper derivatives, are a popular choice for direct application to the foliage. Applying granular or liquid repellents like blood meal or crushed garlic around the perimeter creates a distasteful boundary. These odor and taste repellents should be applied frequently, especially after rain or watering, and alternated every few weeks to prevent the animal from becoming accustomed to a single scent.