Image Source : upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Marmota_monax_UL_04.jpgGroundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are rodents that are widespread across the northern states and Canada. They dig burrows to raise their young and, like moles and gophers will quickly destroy a beautiful lawn. Groundhogs, however, are more like rabbits when it comes to their appetite and will eat every almost plant in your yard or garden, leaving nothing behind. Groundhogs can be easily identified by their distinctive features: brown fur, with curved claws, and bushy tail – they look like overgrown squirrels. If you have a groundhog infestation, these pests are a real problem. However, if you want to know how to get rid of groundhogs, then we’ve got you covered. Our natural home remedies for groundhogs will clear your garden or yard of these pests for good.
How to get rid of Groundhogs
1. Sudsy Ammonia
Ammonia is a fantastic home remedy to get rid of groundhogs.
On a sunny day, take 2½ cups of sudsy ammonia and pour it into the groundhog burrow. The fumes will force the groundhogs out of their lair.
If they continue to stay hidden, then repeat the process the next day.
- Alternatively, if sudsy ammonia isn’t available, you can mix a quarter glass of water, 2 spoons of detergent and 2 cups of regular ammonia, and pour it in the hole.
Note – Wear gloves while using this remedy.
2. Havahart Trap
Groundhogs are attracted to lettuce leaves and fruits such as apples. The fruit and soft veg can be used as bait.
Put a piece of the aforementioned food items in a Havahart trap and keep it at a distance from the burrow. Soon you will have a trapped groundhog.
Note: In some states, it may be illegal to trap animals this way. Hence, it is advised to check the local laws first.
3. Remove clutter
As prevention is better than cure, remove clutter such as fallen trees, rock piles and woodpiles from your garden.
Bushes and small plants also attract groundhogs; therefore, trim your bushes, especially near the ground. This will remove the potential cover for the groundhog to hide.
4. Get a Dog
Owning a dog is one of the easiest ways to get rid of groundhogs. Groundhogs are terrified of dogs for good reason.
Dogs will sniff out and attack these rodents. Keeping a dog in the yard or garden will deter the groundhog from ever entering your property.
When clearing up dog mess, dispose of the poop in the groundhog’s burrow.
5. Mud
Mud is another good groundhog deterrent home remedy. Simple but effective.
All you have to do is refill the burrow with mud again and again.
It may be a tiring and slow process, but, in the end, the woodchuck will get exhausted and leave the area.
6. Garlic
Woodchucks get irritated by weird and pungent smells. If the smells persist, they will vacate their burrows in search of fresher habitats.
Crush some garlic cloves and spread the paste over the affected area. Refresh the garlic on a daily basis and soon the groundhogs will leave.
- Alternatively, you can sprinkle some garlic powder near the burrows.
7. Fencing
You can use fencing to keep groundhogs out of your yard and from burrowing.
To fence your yard, make sure to bury the fence at least 5-6 inches into the ground and extend it at least 2-3 feet above the ground.
It is also important to add flashing at the bottom of the gates so that groundhogs do not enter from underneath.
Once these rodents leave your garden, secure it by fencing to prevent their return.
8. Plant a Food Source Outside
Some people use the contradictory method of feeding the groundhogs to keep them away.
Building a feeder for groundhogs and providing food for them can keep them away from your vegetables.
While this is a very gentle way to get rid of groundhogs without killing them, it might not work for everyone.
Planting some of their favorite food sources outside your yard or in a separate area will often lead them elsewhere.
9. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is an irritant to groundhogs. The cannot bear its smell and will avoid areas that have been treated with the powder.
You can use talcum powder to get rid of groundhogs. Sprinkle the powder on the boundary of the garden and in the holes of the groundhogs.
10. Pepper
Puree and strain hot peppers and mix the paste with water. Add to a sprayer.
You can use this hot pepper spray to keep the groundhogs from your backyard.
Spray it in their burrows and around your prized vegetables. They won’t eat vegetables that have been sprayed with chili. For extra effect, add some garlic to your pepper spray.
11. Exhaust fumes or Fumigation
Fumigation is another fantastic anti-rodent remedy. It is performed with the help of a gas cartridge usually filled up with carbon monoxide. Try this in the summer on the burrow if pungent smells such as ammonia or pepper spray do not work.
You can also hook your car exhaust to a hosepipe to smoke them out.
Note: It may be illegal in some states, so check your local laws first.
12. Human Hair
Groundhogs hate the smell of humans. Using human hair is a simple but also one of the easiest ways to get rid of groundhogs.
Take some human hair and spread it around your garden, especially near the burrow entrances. They will be wary of the smell and soon leave.
Combining this approach with other pungent smells such as pepper or ammonia works best.
13. Cat Litter
As with dogs, groundhogs are terrified of cats. Cats will happily hunt groundhogs and groundhogs will not take up residence in a yard with a cat present.
However, all you need is the smell of a cat to get rid of groundhogs.
Put used clay cat litter into the hole of the groundhog. Make it muddy by adding water. Cover it with dirt and sticks.
14. Flooding
If you want to know how to get rid of groundhogs in the simplest, but most effective way, try flooding.
Pour several buckets of water into a groundhog burrow or you can also simply use a hose. It will not necessarily kill the pests, but it will force them to leave their burrows.
16. Sticky Repellents
Grounhogs will avoid coming into contact with any sticky materials as they like to keep their fur clean. Groundhogs and squirrels will go to great lengths to rid sticky products from their bodies.
If your garden or yard has a fence or wall, a generous helping of axle grease along the entire perimeter, can keep groundhogs away from your property.
Smear the grease around the entrances to their burrows. The groundhogs will soon leave.
You can use other sticky materials, but axle grease is impervious to wind, sunshine, and rain. One coating of axle grease can last over a year.
Do’s
- Check with the local laws first before using any of the mentioned remedies.
- Find out the favorite food of the groundhogs and use it as bait.
- Conduct regular mowing and maintenance of your lawn.
Dont’s
- After catching the groundhog, do not kill it, instead leave it on the outskirts of the town or far away.
No comments:
Post a Comment