How To Keep Groundhogs Out Of Gardens

The best way to prevent groundhogs from damaging the garden is to understand their habits and implement proactive solutions such as fencing or setting up traps. Whether done through preventive measures or proactive solutions, it is important to have an understanding of why groundhogs are attracted to gardens in the first place. This article will explore what attracts groundhogs to gardens and introduce eight strategies to keep groundhogs from destroying a garden.

What Attracts Groundhogs to Gardens?

Groundhogs are herbivores, meaning they will look for a variety of food sources, including fruits, vegetation, stems, and roots. Gardens provide an abundant source of food for groundhogs, which explains why they try to get in. Other factors that draw them to gardens include the shelter of vegetation such as trees and shrubs, and the game of hide-and-seek they can play among tall grasses and other foliage in dense gardens.

How to Keep Groundhogs Out of the Garden

Groundhogs, like many other animals, typically hunt and travel around for food. It is important to look at things from the groundhog's perspective in order to prevent them from entering the garden. Here are eight strategies for keeping groundhogs out of the garden:

1. Fencing

The most reliable way to keep groundhogs out of the garden is to build a fence. Fencing should be installed at least two feet underground and five feet above the ground to keep groundhogs out. This method is also useful for other pests such as raccoons and skunks.

2. Motion-Activated Sprinklers

The second strategy involves the use of motion-activated sprinklers. These devices can be installed within the garden area and will spray a jet of water at intruders. Animals are usually frightened by the suddenburst of water and will leave the area.

3. Repellents

The third strategy is to use natural, animal-based repellents. Natural deterrents such as predator urine, repel groundhogs and other animals from entering the garden. These repellents are available both in liquid and granular forms.

4. Traps

If all other methods fail, traps can be used to capture and remove groundhogs. These traps should be placed in locations where groundhog activity has been seen, and should be checked regularly.

5. Natural Predators

Another way to keep groundhogs away from the garden is to use natural predators. Coyotes, foxes, and hawks are natural predators of groundhogs and will help keep them away from the garden.

6. Plant Selection

When planning a garden, it is important to be aware of plants that are attractive to groundhogs. These should be avoided when choosing plants for the garden.

7. Habitat Modification

Groundhogs need to be able to burrow and hide in order to stay safe, so it is important to reduce vegetation near the garden and remove any potential hiding places.

8. Physical Barriers

The last strategy for keeping groundhogs out of the garden is to create physical barriers. This could include items such as chicken wire, buckshot, or even rocks that help keep groundhogs from digging in the garden area.

In Summary

Groundhogs can be a destructive pest in the garden, but there are several strategies that can be used to help keep them out. By understanding why they are attracted to the garden in the first place and using preventative measures such as fencing, motion-activated sprinklers, or repellents, groundhogs can be kept away from the garden. Traps and natural predators can also be used to help keep the garden safe, as well as habitat modification and physical barriers. With these strategies, it is possible to keep groundhogs out of the garden and help the garden stay lush and healthy.