Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be a persistent nuisance for gardeners and homeowners, as they tunnel through the earth, damaging lawns, gardens, and crops. Luckily, there are several natural ways to deter these burrowing critters without the use of harmful chemicals.
Here are 15 effective, eco-friendly methods to keep groundhogs at bay.
Why Groundhogs Are a Problem for Your Garden
Groundhogs can be a serious problem for your garden due to their burrowing habits and their appetite for plants. These burrowing animals dig extensive tunnels, which can damage plant roots, disrupt soil structure, and create unsightly holes in the ground. The tunnels often compromise the stability of garden beds and lawns, making them hazardous for both people and pets.
Additionally, groundhogs are voracious herbivores and will happily feast on a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Their feeding can decimate crops, leaving gardeners with significant losses.
Their burrows also attract predators, creating further risks for your garden and yard. All in all, groundhogs can quickly turn a thriving garden into a troublesome, damaged space.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Groundhogs
Epsom Salts
Groundhogs dislike the taste of Epsom salts. Sprinkle Epsom salts around the perimeter of your garden and near burrow entrances. You can also place a tin pie plate filled with the salts near plants. Replace it after rain to ensure the salts remain effective. Epsom salts are safe for plants and can even benefit them, making this method a win-win.
Castor Oil
Groundhogs are repelled by the smell of castor oil. To create a natural repellent, mix 1/2 cup of castor oil with 2 cups of water, and spray the solution around burrows and entrances. Timing is key—apply the mixture when the groundhogs are out foraging, as they will avoid returning to their burrows. This method requires patience but is highly effective when used consistently.
Human Hair Clippings
The scent of humans is something groundhogs find off-putting. Ask your local barber or hairdresser for hair clippings and scatter them around the areas where groundhogs frequent. To prevent the clippings from blowing away, place them in a fine mesh bag and secure it to a stake near their burrows. This simple method can be surprisingly effective at discouraging groundhogs from sticking around.
Blood Meal Fertilizer
Blood meal is an excellent natural fertilizer that also doubles as a deterrent for groundhogs. Sprinkle blood meal around the perimeter of your garden, especially near known entry points. The strong odor will repel groundhogs, and the high nitrogen content benefits your plants. This is an organic solution that works well for both plant health and pest control.
Soiled Kitty Litter
Used kitty litter can be a surprising yet effective repellent. Groundhogs are frightened by the scent of predators, and used kitty litter mimics this smell. Place the litter near one of their burrow entrances to convince them that a predator is nearby. Be sure to leave one exit scent-free so the groundhog can escape. This method can deter groundhogs without harming them.
Offensive Scents
Groundhogs are highly sensitive to strong odors. By using natural scents they dislike, you can make your garden an unappealing place for them. Here are some potent smells to use:
- Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper around burrows. Groundhogs dislike both the heat and the smell. Reapply after rain or wind to maintain effectiveness.
- Garlic: Crush garlic cloves and spread the paste around the garden. The strong smell of garlic is enough to keep groundhogs at bay.
- Lavender and Herbs: Groundhogs avoid strong-smelling herbs like lavender, basil, chives, mint, rosemary, and thyme. Planting these around your garden can create a natural barrier that groundhogs will steer clear of.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like clove, rosemary, lemongrass, and thyme are unpleasant to groundhogs. Combine 5 to 10 drops of any of these oils with water or apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and apply around your garden and burrow entrances. The powerful scent will drive groundhogs away without causing harm to your plants or the environment.
Motion-Detector Devices
If you’re looking for a more high-tech solution, motion-detector devices can be effective in scaring off groundhogs. Some devices emit loud noises or even spray water when they detect movement, which will startle the animals and keep them from returning. These devices are particularly useful for larger properties or vegetable gardens. Make sure to place them away from footpaths to avoid triggering them accidentally.
Dish Soap Water
Groundhogs dislike the smell of dish soap, so you can use soapy water to repel them. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and spray it directly around burrow entrances or throughout your garden. The scent of the soap will make the groundhogs uncomfortable and encourage them to stay away. Make sure to reapply after it rains.
Pepper or Chili Water
Another natural remedy is using pepper or chili water. Mix ground pepper or chili powder with water and spray it around areas where groundhogs frequent. The spicy compounds in the pepper will irritate their senses, making them avoid the area. Reapply after heavy rain or windy days for continued effectiveness.
Marigold Plants
Marigold plants not only add beauty to your garden but also have a strong scent that groundhogs find unpleasant. Plant marigolds around your garden or near burrow entrances. The powerful fragrance of marigolds will deter groundhogs from entering your space.
Instant Coffee Grounds
Instant coffee has a strong odor that groundhogs dislike. You can sprinkle instant coffee grounds around the areas where they usually appear. This simple method is an easy way to keep your garden protected without using harsh chemicals.
Citrus Peels (Orange, Lemon)
Groundhogs tend to avoid the strong, tangy smell of citrus fruits. You can chop up orange or lemon peels and scatter them around burrow entrances or along garden borders. The citrus scent will repel the groundhogs, making your yard less inviting to them.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a strong, spicy scent that groundhogs dislike. You can sprinkle ground cinnamon around their burrows or the areas they frequent. The scent will irritate their noses, and they’ll likely avoid the area. It’s a simple, natural way to discourage them from sticking around.
Physical Barriers
If other methods aren’t enough, consider adding physical barriers to your yard. Install a wire fence about 2 to 3 feet high and bury it 12 to 18 inches underground to prevent groundhogs from burrowing under. Ensure the fence has small enough mesh openings to keep them from squeezing through.
Bonus Tips for Groundhog Prevention
Plant Groundhog-Repellent Plants
In addition to the herbs like lavender, mint, and garlic that are known to repel groundhogs, there are other plants with strong scents that these creatures find off-putting. Marigolds, foxglove, and rosemary are excellent options to add to your garden as natural deterrents. The powerful fragrances of these plants will make your garden less appealing to groundhogs, encouraging them to look for food elsewhere.
Fencing for Extra Protection
While not a “natural” deterrent, installing a fence is an effective way to keep groundhogs out of your garden. To prevent them from tunneling underneath, make sure the fence extends 12–18 inches below the ground. Groundhogs are adept diggers, so a traditional fence that only stands above ground won’t stop them. Adding an underground barrier will ensure that they can’t burrow their way in, providing your garden with much-needed protection.
Conclusion
By incorporating these natural methods, you can successfully keep groundhogs away from your garden while protecting the environment and nearby wildlife. A combination of these techniques can provide the best results in ensuring your garden remains safe from these pesky critters.
