Groundhogs , also known as woodchucks , can be a persistent pain in the neck for gardeners and homeowners , as they burrow through the earth , prejudicial lawns , gardens , and crops . fortuitously , there are several natural room to dissuade these tunnel critter without the use of goods and services of harmful chemicals .
Here are 15 good , eco - friendly methods to keep groundhogs at bay .
Why Groundhogs Are a Problem for Your Garden
Groundhogs can be a serious trouble for your garden due to their burrowing habits and their appetency for works . These tunnel animals delve blanket tunnel , which can damage plant roots , disrupt soil structure , and make unsightly holes in the terra firma . The tunnel often compromise the constancy of garden beds and lawn , make them hazardous for both people and pets .
Additionally , woodchuck are voracious herbivore and will happily junket on a wide variety of flora , including vegetables , fruits , and blossom . Their feeding can decimate crops , allow gardener with meaning losses .
Their tunnel also appeal predators , creating further risks for your garden and railway yard . All in all , woodchuck can quickly turn a flourishing garden into a troublesome , discredited quad .
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Groundhogs
Epsom Salts
Groundhogs dislike the predilection of Epsom saltiness . sparge Epsom SALT around the perimeter of your garden and near burrow entrances . you may also place a tin Proto-Indo European plateful fill with the salts near plants . Replace it after rain to insure the salts remain effective . Epsom salt are dependable for works and can even benefit them , seduce this method a winnings - profits .
Castor Oil
Groundhogs are gross out by the smell of Alpha Geminorum oil . To produce 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 invalidate returning to their burrow . This method acting requires patience but is highly efficient when used consistently .
Human Hair Clippings
The fragrance of humans is something groundhogs get hold off - putting . Ask your local barber or hairdresser for whisker clippings and dust them around the region where groundhogs frequent . To prevent the trim from blowing away , commit them in a fine meshing bag and stop up it to a stake near their burrows . This round-eyed method acting can be amazingly effective at discouraging groundhogs from stick to around .
Blood Meal Fertilizer
Blood meal is an first-class natural fertilizer that also doubles as a deterrent for groundhogs . Sprinkle pedigree meal around the perimeter of your garden , especially near eff entry point . The unassailable odor will rebuff Marmota monax , and the high N contentedness benefits your plants . This is an organic solution that works well for both works health and pest control .
Soiled Kitty Litter
Used kitty bedding material can be a surprising yet effectual repellent . Groundhogs are frightened by the scent of predators , and used kitty bedding material mimic this smell . Place the bedding near one of their burrow entree to convince them that a predator is nearby . Be certain to leave one exit scent - free so the groundhog can escape . This method can deter groundhogs without harm them .
Offensive Scents
Groundhogs are highly sensitive to strong smell . By using natural scent they dislike , you could make your garden an unappealing place for them . Here are some virile smell to use :
Essential Oils
Essential oil like clove , rosemary , lemongrass oil , and thyme are unpleasant to groundhog . Combine 5 to 10 drops of any of these oil with water or apple cider acetum in a nebulizer bottle and utilize around your garden and tunnel entrances . The powerful scent will drive groundhogs off without cause harm to your plants or the surroundings .
Motion-Detector Devices
If you ’re looking for a more high - technical school solution , motion - detector devices can be effective in scaring off groundhog . Some machine give off meretricious noise or even spray weewee when they discover apparent movement , which will startle the animals and keep them from returning . These devices are particularly utile for large place or vegetable garden . check that to grade them away from footpath to avoid set off them accidentally .
Dish Soap Water
Groundhogs dislike the flavour of dish grievous bodily harm , so you may use soapy water to repel them . Mix a small amount of dish soap with water supply and spray it immediately around tunnel entrances or throughout your garden . The aroma of the scoop will make the groundhogs uncomfortable and advance them to detain aside . verify to reapply after it rain down .
Pepper or Chili Water
Another natural remedy is using peppercorn or chili H2O . commix ground pepper or chili powder with water and spray it around areas where groundhogs frequent . The spicy compound in the pepper will irritate their senses , making them avoid the arena . Reapply after hard rain or windy days for stay on effectiveness .
Marigold Plants
Marigold plants not only add beauty to your garden but also have a potent fragrance that groundhogs find unpleasant . Plant marigolds around your garden or near burrow entryway . The potent fragrance of marigolds will discourage groundhogs from insert your space .
Instant Coffee Grounds
Instant coffee has a warm smell that groundhogs disfavour . you’re able to patter instant coffee tree grounds around the surface area where they usually appear . This simple method is an easy style to keep your garden protect without using harsh chemicals .
Citrus Peels (Orange, Lemon)
Groundhogs incline to avoid the strong , sourish smell of citrus fruits . you may chop up orange or stinker Robert Peel and disperse them around tunnel entry or along garden borders . The citrus aroma will repel the groundhogs , making your G less invite to them .
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a strong , gamey scent that groundhogs dislike . you may sprinkle priming coat cinnamon around their tunnel or the areas they frequent . The smell will irritate their nose , and they ’ll in all probability avoid the region . It ’s a dim-witted , natural wayto discourage them from bind around .
Physical Barriers
If other methods are n’t enough , consider bestow physical barriers to your yard . instal a telegram fence about 2 to 3 metrical unit high and bury it 12 to 18 in underground to forbid 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 accession to the herbs like lavender , mint , and garlic that are known to push back groundhog , there are other plants with secure fragrance that these creature find oneself off - putt . Marigolds , foxglove , and rosemary are excellent options to add to your garden as natural deterrents . The powerful redolence of these plant will make your garden less appealing to Marmota monax , encouraging them to reckon for food elsewhere .
Fencing for Extra Protection
While not a “ instinctive ” deterrent , installing a fence is aneffective wayto keep Marmota monax out of your garden . To keep them from tunneling underneath , make indisputable the fencing extends 12–18 column inch below the ground . groundhog are adept diggers , so a traditional fence that only stands above ground wo n’t stop them . Adding an belowground barrier will ensure that they ca n’t tunnel their agency in , provide your garden with much - needed protection .
Conclusion
By incorporating these natural method acting , you may successfully keep woodchuck away from your garden while protecting the surround and nearby wildlife . A combination of these techniques can provide the best results in guarantee your garden remains safe from these nettlesome critters .
