Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, are common burrowing rodents that can quickly become a significant problem for property owners. Their tunneling activities cause two primary types of damage. The extensive burrows they create can undermine structures like sheds, decks, and foundations, leading to costly repairs. As voracious herbivores, woodchucks are also capable of rapidly destroying vegetable gardens and ornamental landscaping. Keeping them away involves a combination of physical exclusion, habitat modification, and sensory deterrents.
Preventing Access Through Physical Barriers
The most reliable method for woodchuck prevention is the installation of robust physical barriers, typically specialized fencing. Since woodchucks can both climb and dig effectively, a standard perimeter fence is not sufficient to exclude them.
The above-ground portion of the fence should be constructed from a sturdy material, such as heavy-gauge woven wire or hardware cloth with a mesh opening smaller than two inches, and extend at least three feet high. To prevent climbing, the final 12 to 15 inches of the fence should be bent outward at a 45-degree angle away from the protected area. This outward overhang removes the stable vertical surface a woodchuck needs to scale the barrier.
To counter powerful digging, the fence must incorporate a crucial underground component known as an “L-footer.” This involves burying the bottom of the wire mesh at least 10 to 12 inches deep into the soil. At the bottom of this trench, the wire is bent outward at a 90-degree angle, extending horizontally away from the protected area for another 10 to 12 inches.
This horizontal apron creates a “false floor” that the woodchuck encounters when it attempts to dig directly down next to the fence. When the animal attempts to burrow, it hits the wire mesh and is discouraged.
Making the Area Unappealing
While physical barriers are primary, modifying the environment can significantly reduce the appeal of a property to woodchucks. Woodchucks are drawn to properties that offer easily accessible food and secure, hidden shelter. Removing these attractants can make the area less desirable for colonization.
Start by eliminating potential food sources, such as fallen fruits from trees or berry bushes and accessible pet food left outdoors. Woodchucks are vegetarians that feed heavily to prepare for hibernation. Clearing away dense ground cover, brush piles, rock stacks, and unused lumber piles removes preferred surface shelter and visual cover.
Focusing on structural security involves blocking access underneath decks, porches, and sheds, which woodchucks often use as a stable starting point for burrows. A wire mesh L-footer barrier should be installed around the perimeter of the structure to prevent digging under the base. If an existing burrow is confirmed to be empty—by loosely plugging the entrance and monitoring it for several days—it should be permanently filled to prevent re-colonization.
Using Sensory Deterrents and Repellents
Deterrents that rely on taste, smell, or noise can supplement physical barriers, although they are generally less reliable as a standalone solution. Commercial repellents often contain active ingredients like capsaicin, which provides an unpleasant taste, or predator urine analogs, which signal danger. These products must be applied directly to plants or around the perimeter of the area you wish to protect.
The effectiveness of these repellents is limited because they require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or heavy watering, as the active ingredients wash away. Common home remedies, such as sprinkling cayenne pepper, crushed garlic, or blood meal, rely on strong odors or tastes. While some anecdotal evidence supports their use, they also require constant replenishment to maintain a deterrent concentration.
Homeowners also employ motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices. Motion-activated sprinklers deliver a harmless burst of water when movement is detected, while ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves. These methods may offer temporary relief, but woodchucks may become habituated to a consistent disturbance, reducing long-term effectiveness.