If you've noticed mounds of dirt near your garden, chewed-up vegetables, or burrow holes around your yard, you may have an uninvited guest—the groundhog. Also known as woodchucks, these burrowing rodents are common throughout Southwest Missouri, and while they may appear harmless, groundhogs can quickly become a major nuisance for homeowners and gardeners alike.
At Critter Control of SW Missouri, we specialize in humane wildlife management and understand the frustration that comes with a groundhog invasion. Below, we’ll break down how to identify groundhog activity, prevent future problems, and safely relocate these critters if needed.
Identifying Groundhog Damage
Groundhogs are active during the day and are most commonly seen in spring and early summer. Here are some signs they may be lurking in your yard:
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Large holes or burrows near your foundation, shed, or garden
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Chewed vegetables and flowers, especially beans, peas, and lettuce
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Gnawed wood on garden fences or sheds
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Mounds of soil near tunnel entrances
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Tracks or droppings around your garden beds
Burrows are the biggest concern. These tunnels can extend up to 30 feet and potentially compromise building foundations, patios, and driveways.
Prevention Tips
The best way to avoid groundhog problems is to make your yard less attractive to them in the first place.
Install Fencing
Use heavy-duty wire mesh or hardware cloth fencing around gardens and raised beds. The fence should be at least three feet tall to prevent groundhogs from climbing over. Just as important, it needs to be buried at least 12 inches underground and bent outward at the base in an L-shape to stop them from digging underneath. A properly installed fence is one of the most effective long-term deterrents.
Remove Attractants
Groundhogs are drawn to areas with abundant food and shelter. To make your property less appealing, harvest vegetables as soon as they’re ripe, clean up any fallen fruit or leftover produce, and avoid leaving compost uncovered. Also, eliminate potential shelter by clearing brush piles, trimming tall grass, and keeping the area around sheds, decks, and foundations well-maintained.
Use Repellents
Commercial repellents containing castor oil, garlic, or predator urine can deter groundhogs temporarily. These products are most effective when applied consistently and after rainfall. While repellents aren’t a permanent fix, they can help protect specific areas when used alongside other methods.
Secure Structures
Groundhogs often dig under sheds, porches, and decks. To prevent this, seal off access by installing mesh or lattice barriers around the base of these structures. Make sure the barriers are also buried a few inches underground to block entry points.
Humane Relocation Strategies
If prevention hasn't worked and you're dealing with an active groundhog burrow, humane relocation may be necessary. Here's how to approach it responsibly:
1. Live Trapping
Live traps can be baited with fruits like cantaloupe or apples and placed near the burrow entrance or along the groundhog’s travel path. It’s important to check traps frequently—at least once every 24 hours—to ensure the animal doesn’t suffer from stress or exposure. Always wear gloves when handling traps to avoid transferring human scent, which can make groundhogs wary. For the animal’s safety, place the trap in a shaded area to protect it from overheating during the day.
Important: In Missouri, relocating wildlife often requires permission from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Always check local regulations or consult with a professional before proceeding.
2. Professional Assistance
DIY groundhog removal is not always safe or effective, especially if the animal is burrowed near your home’s foundation. Critter Control of SW Missouri uses licensed, humane methods to remove and relocate groundhogs safely—ensuring both your property and the animal are protected.
Why Humane Matters
At Critter Control, we believe in ethical wildlife management. Groundhogs are a vital part of the ecosystem, serving as prey for predators and helping aerate soil through their digging. Our goal is to resolve conflicts without harm, balancing nature with your need for a safe, damage-free property.
If you’re dealing with a persistent groundhog problem, don’t go it alone. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.