Groundhogs frequently seek shelter beneath structures like sheds. These spaces offer a protected environment, shielding them from predators and providing a dry, stable location for their extensive tunnel systems. A single groundhog can excavate hundreds of pounds of soil, and this activity can severely compromise the structural integrity of a shed’s foundation.
Securing the Perimeter: Installing Physical Barriers
The most reliable method for preventing groundhog burrowing is installing a physical barrier known as an exclusion apron or “L-Foot” barrier. This involves using heavy-gauge, galvanized hardware cloth, ideally with a mesh size of 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch, which is too small for the animal to pass through. The exclusion material must be secured directly to the base of the shed.
Installing the barrier requires digging a narrow trench around the entire perimeter of the shed that is at least 12 to 18 inches deep. The hardware cloth is then placed into this trench, but rather than running straight down, the bottom 6 to 8 inches of the mesh is bent outward, away from the structure, creating the characteristic “L” shape. This outward-facing flange is then covered with soil and tamped down.
When a groundhog attempts to dig under the shed, its natural tunneling angle will cause it to encounter the horizontal wire mesh apron, which discourages further excavation. The top edge of the mesh must be firmly fastened to the shed’s skirting every 6 to 12 inches to eliminate any gaps.
Active Removal and Eviction Techniques
If a groundhog is already established beneath the shed, the first step is to safely evict the animal before installing a permanent barrier. Live trapping is a common solution, using a sturdy cage trap placed near the active burrow entrance. Effective baits include fresh fruit slices like cantaloupe or apples, or garden vegetables such as broccoli and carrots.
Before setting the trap, it is important to contact local wildlife authorities, as laws concerning the relocation of trapped animals vary widely. A more targeted eviction method involves installing a one-way exclusion door over the main burrow entrance. This mechanism allows the groundhog to exit for foraging but prevents it from re-entering its den under the shed.
After a few days of using an exclusion door, or after a successful trapping and removal, you must confirm the burrow is empty before sealing it. You can loosely stuff the entrance with wadded newspaper, grass clippings, or lightly dust the opening with flour. If the material remains undisturbed for three to five days, the burrow is likely vacant, and the exclusion barrier can be installed across that final opening.
Non-Lethal Repellents and Deterrents
Repellents are generally considered a secondary defense. Groundhogs have a keen sense of smell, making scent-based deterrents a practical option for temporary discouragement. These can include rags soaked in ammonia placed near the burrow entrance, or commercial granules containing predator urine.
Taste-based repellents can also be applied to nearby vegetation that the groundhog may be feeding on, often utilizing ingredients like castor oil or capsaicin (cayenne pepper) mixed with water. While some homeowners use electronic devices that emit ultrasonic sounds or vibrations, the scientific consensus on their long-term effectiveness against burrowing animals remains highly debated. Repellents require frequent reapplication, especially after rain, to maintain a sufficient concentration to repel the animals.
Long-Term Yard Maintenance for Prevention
Preventing a groundhog from attempting to burrow under a shed begins with making the entire property less appealing. Groundhogs are opportunistic feeders, so eliminating accessible food sources is a significant deterrent. This involves promptly harvesting garden vegetables and routinely clearing any fallen fruit from trees.
Groundhogs also prefer areas where they have cover from predators, so removing potential shelter is beneficial. Keep the grass trimmed low around the shed’s perimeter and eliminate brush piles, dense weeds, and woodpiles located nearby. By trimming back dense vegetation, the groundhog feels exposed, which makes the area less secure for establishing a new burrow.