Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs (Marmota monax), are large, stocky rodents common across much of North America. Primarily herbivores, they are often considered a nuisance due to their extensive burrowing and destructive feeding on gardens and crops. A single burrow system can be complex, sometimes extending 30 feet long and up to five feet deep, which can compromise the structural integrity of foundations, driveways, and retaining walls. The sight of a large mound of excavated dirt next to a 10 to 12-inch wide hole signals that removal is necessary to protect your property. Successfully removing a groundhog requires a thoughtful approach that prioritizes both effectiveness and humane treatment.
Before You Begin: Safety and Legal Requirements
Before attempting any removal, confirm the local regulations regarding wildlife trapping and relocation, as these laws vary widely by state, county, and municipality. Some jurisdictions prohibit the relocation of captured wildlife, requiring the animal be released on-site or euthanized, while others may mandate a permit for trapping. Consulting with your local animal control or state wildlife agency ensures compliance with all legal requirements and helps avoid potential fines.
Handling any wild animal, even in a humane trap, presents a risk of bites or disease exposure, particularly from rabies. Wearing thick, protective gloves throughout the process prevents direct contact with the animal or the transfer of human scent onto the equipment. Trapping must be conducted humanely, meaning live-catch traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours to prevent the animal from suffering from prolonged stress, dehydration, or heat exposure.
Baiting Strategies to Lure the Groundhog
Luring a groundhog into a trap is accomplished by appealing to its strong sense of smell and preference for sweet, nutrient-rich foods. Groundhogs are primarily attracted to fresh fruits and tender leafy greens, often favoring the same vegetables they raid from a garden. Cantaloupe is among the most effective baits, possessing a strong, sweet aroma that travels well and draws the animal from a distance.
Other effective baits include:
- Sliced apples
- Fresh strawberries
- Corn
- Leafy greens like clover or lettuce
To maximize the bait’s allure, cut it open to expose the juicy interior, enhancing the scent profile. The bait should be placed strategically inside the trap, positioned at the far end past the trigger plate to ensure the groundhog steps fully inside to activate the mechanism.
A small trail of bait can be created leading from the burrow entrance directly into the live trap. Since groundhogs are diurnal, being most active during the early morning and late afternoon, setting and checking the trap during these times increases the chances of a successful capture. Always wear gloves when handling the bait and the trap to prevent residual human scent from deterring the cautious groundhog.
Humane Trapping and Relocation Methods
The removal method involves using a live-catch cage trap, sized for a groundhog (typically at least 10 inches wide and a foot tall). The trap should be placed directly in the groundhog’s known travel path, ideally within 5 to 10 feet of the main burrow entrance. Placing the trap on a level, stable surface prevents it from rattling or tipping, which could startle the animal.
To increase the groundhog’s confidence in entering, the trap can be camouflaged by covering the top and sides with leaves, dirt, or a dark cloth, while ensuring the entrance remains clear. Creating a funnel shape with natural materials like logs or stones leading toward the open trap door subtly directs the animal into the cage. Once captured, place a blanket or tarp over the cage to keep the animal calm and reduce stress during transport.
If relocation is legally permitted, the groundhog must be transported a sufficient distance to prevent its immediate return. The release location should be a suitable habitat, such as a wooded area with access to food and water, but far from other residential properties. A minimum distance of five miles away from the capture site is recommended. If you find a female with young during the breeding season (spring through early summer), wait until the young are independent before trapping to ensure the humane removal of the entire family unit.
Preventing Future Groundhog Infestations
Once the groundhog is removed, immediate action must be taken to prevent new animals from inhabiting the vacant burrow system. The first step is to correctly fill the burrow entrances, using a mixture of soil and gravel or a small amount of concrete to create a solid barrier that discourages future digging. Before sealing, loosely plug the holes for a few days to confirm that no other animals, including young groundhogs, are still using the tunnels.
Long-term exclusion is achieved through the installation of physical barriers, such as a sturdy wire-mesh fence around vulnerable areas like gardens or sheds. This fence should be at least three feet high, and the bottom edge must be buried to a depth of 10 to 12 inches below the surface. To counteract the groundhog’s powerful digging ability, the buried portion of the mesh should be bent outward at a 90-degree angle, creating an L-shaped footer that prevents the animal from digging straight down.
Modifying the landscape also helps make the property less appealing to groundhogs, who prefer areas with thick cover. Keeping grass and vegetation trimmed low eliminates potential hiding spots, making the animals feel vulnerable to predators. While less reliable than physical exclusion, non-lethal deterrents like capsaicin-based repellents or predator scents can be applied near the former burrow sites to create an environment the groundhog perceives as unsafe.