How to Get Rid of Burrowing Woodchucks

A woodchuck's tiny paws are ideal for burrowing.

A woodchuck can also be referred to as a groundhog, and they are a fairly common woodland creature. One of the natural behaviors of a woodchuck is to create burrows. These burrows are especially important when it comes time for the woodchucks to hibernate for the winter. While burrowing is a natural behavior and necessary for woodchuck survival, it can be a bothersome trait if the woodchucks are digging up your property. There are a few simple changes you can make to your yard to get rid of burrowing woodchucks by preventing the burrowing altogether.

Instructions

1. Purchase a wire fence 18 to 24 inches high with the wire mesh being one inch or smaller in size. Bend the fence upward at the bottom.

2. Install the wire fence all around the areas of your property where woodchucks burrow most. This will generally include your plant and vegetable garden. Be sure the bent portion is at the bottom and buried at least 4 inches deep to stop the burrowing.

3. Lift your vegetable garden by at least 18 inches. Once a woodchuck burrows into the ground, they will attack your plants from underneath. While a fence is a suitable defense mechanism, you can only truly protect your plants by raising the garden.

4. Surround the raised vegetable garden with more meshed wire. This stops woodchucks from burrowing into the sides.

5. Spray a commercial repellent that claims to repel woodchucks or groundhogs all around your garden and property. This can be an effective final touch to your efforts and help keep burrowing woodchucks away.

References

• Hobby Farms.com: Keep Your Garden Protected: Rhoda Peacher

Resources

• Cornell University: Groundhog Day facts and factoids