Groundhog Under Your Shed? How to Get Rid of Them & Reclaim Your Space

Ugh, a groundhog under your shed! It’s a common problem, and trust me, you’re not alone. These furry fellows, also known as woodchucks, can wreak havoc on your property, digging tunnels, damaging foundations, and generally making a nuisance of themselves. The good news? You can get rid of them, and we’re here to show you how.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about identifying a groundhog problem, understanding their behavior, and, most importantly, safely and effectively evicting them from under your shed. We’ll cover humane methods, preventative measures, and when it’s time to call in the professionals. Let’s get started!

Identifying the Groundhog Problem

Before you start plotting your groundhog eviction strategy, you need to be sure you’re actually dealing with a groundhog. Here’s how to identify them and the signs they’ve taken up residence under your shed:

What Does a Groundhog Look Like?

Groundhogs are relatively large rodents, usually weighing between 4 and 14 pounds. They have a stout, compact body, short legs, and a bushy tail. Their fur is typically a brownish-gray color, but can vary. They have a flattened head, small ears, and powerful claws perfect for digging. They’re also known for their characteristic whistle, which they use to warn others of danger.

Quick Facts:

• Size: 20-26 inches long (including tail)
• Weight: 4-14 pounds
• Color: Brownish-gray
• Lifespan: 2-6 years in the wild

Signs of Groundhog Activity

Even if you don’t see the groundhog itself, there are several telltale signs that indicate they’ve moved in under your shed:

• Burrow Entrances: Look for large, circular holes, typically 10-12 inches in diameter. These are the main entrances to their burrows. You might find multiple entrances.
• Mounds of Dirt: Groundhogs are prolific diggers, and they’ll leave large mounds of dirt near the entrance of their burrows.
• Chewed Vegetation: Groundhogs are herbivores and love to munch on plants. If you notice plants around your shed or garden being chewed down, a groundhog might be the culprit.
• Tracks and Scat: You might find groundhog tracks (four toes on the front feet, five on the back) or their droppings (small, dark pellets) near the burrow entrance.
• Shed Damage: Groundhogs can undermine the foundation of your shed, causing it to settle or even collapse over time. They also might chew on wooden beams or other structural components.

Where Do Groundhogs Typically Build Their Burrows?

Groundhogs prefer to build their burrows in areas that offer protection and easy access to food. Common locations include:

• Under Sheds: This provides a sheltered and relatively undisturbed location.
• Under Decks and Porches: Similar to sheds, these structures offer cover and protection.
• In Fields and Meadows: Open areas with plenty of vegetation for food.
• Near Gardens: Easy access to a groundhog’s favorite meals.
• Along Banks of Ditches and Streams: Provides good drainage and access to water.

Understanding Groundhog Behavior

Knowing a little about groundhog behavior can help you understand how to best deal with them. This includes their diet, habits, and mating season.

What Do Groundhogs Eat?

Groundhogs are primarily herbivores. Their diet consists mainly of:

• Grasses and Weeds: They love to graze on various types of vegetation.
• Garden Vegetables: They’re particularly fond of vegetables like beans, peas, lettuce, and carrots. This is why they’re often considered pests by gardeners.
• Fruits: They’ll also eat fruits like apples and berries.
• Insects: Occasionally, they might consume insects, but this is a smaller part of their diet.

Groundhog Habits and Lifestyle

Groundhogs are typically solitary animals, except during mating season. Here’s a look at their key behaviors:

• Hibernation: Groundhogs are true hibernators. They spend the winter months in a deep sleep within their burrows.
• Diurnal Activity: They’re most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Excellent Diggers: They create complex burrow systems with multiple chambers, including sleeping areas, nurseries, and latrines.
• Good Swimmers and Climbers: While they spend most of their time on the ground, they can swim and climb trees if necessary.
• Territorial: They will defend their territory from other groundhogs, especially during mating season.

Groundhog Mating Season

The groundhog mating season usually occurs in late winter or early spring (February to March). During this time, the normally solitary groundhogs come together to mate. After a gestation period of about a month, females give birth to a litter of 2-6 young. The young groundhogs stay with their mother for a few months before venturing out on their own. (See Also: how to put a foundation under an existing shed)

Humane Methods to Get Rid of a Groundhog

When dealing with a groundhog under your shed, it’s essential to prioritize humane methods. These methods focus on discouraging the groundhog from staying without causing it harm. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Habitat Modification

Eliminate Food Sources: Groundhogs are attracted to readily available food. Reduce their access by:

• Securing Garbage Cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans and store them in a secure location.
• Fencing Your Garden: Install a sturdy fence around your garden to protect your vegetables.
• Removing Fallen Fruit: Pick up any fallen fruit from trees to prevent attracting groundhogs.
• Cleaning Up Pet Food: Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.

Remove Shelter: Make your property less appealing by:

• Keeping Your Lawn Trimmed: Short grass makes it harder for groundhogs to hide.
• Clearing Brush and Debris: Remove any piles of wood, brush, or other debris that could provide cover.
• Sealing Entry Points: Close off any potential entry points under your shed, deck, or other structures with hardware cloth or other sturdy materials (more on this later).

2. Repellents

Commercial Repellents: Several commercial repellents are available, often containing ingredients like capsaicin (the active component in chili peppers), castor oil, or predator urine. While these can be effective, they often need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Homemade Repellents: You can also try making your own repellents:

• Chili Pepper Spray: Mix water, chili powder, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture around the burrow entrance and on plants the groundhog is eating. Be careful when handling this mixture and avoid contact with your eyes and skin.
• Ammonia-Soaked Rags: Soak rags in ammonia and place them near the burrow entrance. The strong odor can deter groundhogs. Replace the rags regularly.

Important Note: Repellents can be somewhat effective, but they are often not a long-term solution. Groundhogs may become accustomed to the smell or find alternative food sources.

3. Exclusion (one-Way Door)

One-Way Door: This is a humane method that allows the groundhog to leave the burrow but prevents it from re-entering. Here’s how to do it:

1. Identify the Main Entrance: Locate the primary burrow entrance.
2. Install the One-Way Door: Purchase a commercially available one-way door specifically designed for groundhogs or build your own. Attach the door over the entrance, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
3. Monitor Activity: Check the door daily to ensure the groundhog can leave and that no other animals are trapped.
4. Seal the Entrance: Once you’re certain the groundhog has left, seal the entrance with hardware cloth or another sturdy material.

Important Considerations:

• Timing: Avoid using this method during the breeding season (February-March) or when young groundhogs might be present.
• Relocation: Relocating groundhogs is often illegal in many areas. It’s also often not a successful strategy, as the groundhog may not survive in its new environment.

4. Noise and Vibration

Ultrasonic Devices: Some people use ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds to deter groundhogs. The effectiveness of these devices is debated, and groundhogs may become accustomed to the sounds over time. Experiment with this option, but don’t rely on it as a sole solution.

Other Noises and Vibrations: You can also try creating noise and vibrations near the burrow entrance to scare the groundhog away. This could include: (See Also: how much does it cost to move a shed)

• Radios: Leave a radio playing near the burrow entrance.
• Wind Chimes: Hang wind chimes near the entrance.
• Vibrating Objects: Place a vibrating object (like a small electric device) near the burrow.

Preventative Measures to Keep Groundhogs Away

Once you’ve successfully removed the groundhog, it’s time to take steps to prevent them from returning. This includes:

1. Fencing

Fencing is one of the most effective long-term solutions.

• Type of Fence: Use a sturdy fence made of hardware cloth or galvanized steel mesh. Chicken wire is not strong enough.
• Height: The fence should be at least 3-4 feet high.
• Burial: Bury the fence at least 1 foot underground to prevent groundhogs from digging under it.
• Outward Angle: Angle the top of the fence outward to prevent groundhogs from climbing over it.

Electric Fencing: An electric fence can be even more effective. This requires more setup, but the mild shock will deter groundhogs from approaching the fence.

2. Secure Your Shed’s Foundation

Hardware Cloth: Wrap the bottom of your shed with hardware cloth to prevent groundhogs from digging underneath. Bury the hardware cloth a foot or more underground and extend it outward a foot or two from the shed’s perimeter.

Concrete Barriers: Consider pouring a concrete footer around your shed to create a physical barrier that groundhogs can’t penetrate.

3. Landscaping Practices

Choose Groundhog-Resistant Plants: Some plants are less attractive to groundhogs. Consider planting these in your garden:

• Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme.
• Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and peppers.
• Flowers: Marigolds, daffodils, and irises.

Maintain Your Yard: Keep your lawn mowed and clear away any brush piles or debris that could provide cover for groundhogs.

When to Call a Professional

While many groundhog problems can be addressed with DIY methods, there are times when it’s best to call a professional:

• Persistent Problems: If you’ve tried several methods without success.
• Large Infestations: If you suspect there’s a large groundhog population on your property.
• Safety Concerns: If you’re uncomfortable dealing with the groundhog yourself.
• Structural Damage: If the groundhog has caused significant damage to your shed or other structures.

Wildlife Removal Professionals: These professionals have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to safely and effectively remove groundhogs from your property. They often use a combination of trapping, exclusion, and habitat modification techniques. They also know local laws and regulations regarding wildlife removal and relocation.

Frequently Asked Questions (people Also Ask)

How Do I Get Rid of Groundhogs Under My Shed Humanely?

Humane methods to get rid of groundhogs under your shed include habitat modification (eliminating food sources and shelter), using repellents (commercial or homemade), and exclusion with a one-way door. Avoid trapping and relocating, as this is often not successful and may be illegal. (See Also: how to put together a rubbermaid shed)

What Smells Do Groundhogs Hate?

Groundhogs have a strong sense of smell, and they dislike certain odors. Some smells that may deter them include ammonia, chili pepper, and predator urine. You can use these smells in repellents or soak rags in them and place them near the burrow entrance.

What Is the Best Groundhog Repellent?

The “best” groundhog repellent depends on the situation and the groundhog’s behavior. Commercial repellents containing capsaicin or castor oil can be effective. Homemade repellents like chili pepper spray or ammonia-soaked rags can also deter them. However, habitat modification and exclusion are often more effective long-term solutions.

Will Mothballs Get Rid of Groundhogs?

Mothballs are not recommended for getting rid of groundhogs. They contain chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and animals, and they are not a reliable groundhog repellent. Plus, their effectiveness is questionable in the long run.

What Attracts Groundhogs to My Yard?

Groundhogs are attracted to yards that offer easy access to food and shelter. This includes gardens with vegetables and fruits, areas with tall grass and weeds, and structures like sheds and decks that provide shelter. Eliminating food sources and shelter is key to preventing them from being attracted to your yard.

Legal Considerations

Before you take any action, it’s important to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding wildlife. Some areas may have restrictions on trapping, relocating, or harming groundhogs. Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency to find out the regulations in your area.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Groundhog

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

1. Identify the Problem: Confirm that you have a groundhog and locate the burrow entrance.
2. Habitat Modification: Remove food sources and shelter.
3. Consider Repellents: Use commercial or homemade repellents to discourage the groundhog.
4. Use a One-Way Door (If Applicable): Install a one-way door to allow the groundhog to exit but not re-enter.
5. Seal the Entrance: Once you’re sure the groundhog is gone, seal the entrance with hardware cloth.
6. Preventative Measures: Install fencing or other barriers to prevent future infestations.
7. Monitor: Keep an eye on your property for any signs of groundhog activity.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a groundhog-free property!

Final Verdict

Getting rid of a groundhog under your shed requires a multi-faceted approach. Start with humane methods like habitat modification and repellents. Consider using a one-way door for exclusion. Long-term prevention involves fencing and securing your shed’s foundation. Remember, consistency and persistence are key to success. Good luck!

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