61 BEST Tips How To Keep Groundhogs From Digging Under Shed (Easy)

How To Keep Groundhogs From Digging Under Shed

Install a fence around the perimeter of your shed to prevent groundhogs from burrowing underneath.

Use galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire fencing and bury it at least 12 inches underground.

Make sure there are no gaps along the bottom or sides that a groundhog could squeeze through. Check the fencing regularly for any breaches and repair them right away.

Fencing Material Options

• Galvanized hardware cloth - Sturdy and resistant to rust, recommended for maximum durability

• Welded wire fencing - Affordable option, may rust over time

• Chicken wire - Can work in a pinch but less durable than hardware cloth or welded fencing

Key Fencing Tips

• Bury fencing at least 12 inches underground

• Overlap fencing at seams and gates to prevent gaps

• Use sturdy metal or wooden fence posts

Remove Vegetation and Debris Around Shed

Keeping the area around your shed clear of brush, tall grasses and wood piles eliminates places where groundhogs can hide and build burrows.

Remove any potential food sources as well by clearing away fallen fruit and keeping your garden tidy.

Benefits of Vegetation Removal

• Eliminates hiding places and burrow sites

• Removes food sources that attract groundhogs

• Allows you to spot groundhog activity more easily

Tips for Ongoing Maintenance

• Mow and trim vegetation frequently

• Rake up fallen leaves, fruits and debris

• Stack firewood away from shed perimeter

Use Repellents and Deterrents

There are various commercial repellents and devices designed to deter groundhogs from an area.

Try using a combination of different tactics for best results.

Repellent Options

• Granular repellents - Contain offensive smells that groundhogs dislike

• Liquid animal repellents - Applied around perimeter, contain coyote/fox urine

• Moth balls or ammonia-soaked rags - Strong odors repel groundhogs

Deterrent Devices

• Ultrasonic stakes - Emit high-frequency sound waves

• Vibrating stakes - Vibrations disturb burrowing

• Solar-powered motion sprinklers - Activated by movement

Tips for Using Repellents/Deterrents

• Reapply liquid repellents after heavy rain

• Move stakes/sprinklers occasionally so animals don't get used to them

• Use a combination of 2-3 different tactics for best results

Exclusion Device Options

• Wire mesh - Bury around foundation

• Gravel - Creates uncomfortable digging surface

• Paving stones - Pre access along edges

• Concrete - Form a barrier along foundation walls

Installation Tips

• Extend devices at least 12 inches underground

• Leave no gaps along edges or seams

• For wire mesh, overlap sheets and secure tightly

• For gravel, use coarse gravel at least 3-4 inches deep

Be Persistent and Use Multiple Methods

Groundhogs can be extremely stubborn when it comes to relinquishing a prime burrow site.

Be prepared to try multiple deterrents and exclusion tactics at the same time. Check regularly for any breaches and repair them promptly.

With time and persistence, you can successfully evict groundhogs from under your shed.

Use Live Traps to Remove Groundhogs

Live traps allow you to humanely capture and relocate groundhogs away from your property. Bait traps with fresh veggies and check them daily.

Once caught, drive the animal at least 5 miles away to prevent it from returning.

Trap Types

• Box traps - Enclose animal inside a cage

• Cage traps - Trap closes when triggered

• Funnel traps - Animal goes in but can't get out

Tips for Safe Trapping

• Use traps designed for groundhog size

• Check traps daily and release non-target animals

• Cover traps with burlap to calm animal

• Transport carefully to avoid injuring the groundhog

• Release groundhog in suitable habitat far from your property

Things to Avoid

• Don't use inhumane body-gripping traps

• Avoid traps that may cause injury to the animal

• Don't relocate groundhogs to a new den on your property

Block Burrow Entrances

Find where the groundhogs are entering under your shed and seal up those access points.

This could be done with wire mesh, rocks, or other blocking materials. Be sure to seal all possible entryways.

How to Find Burrow Openings

• Look for dug out soil piles

• Watch for groundhog activity near foundation

• Use a flashlight to spot openings

• Pour flour around shed to see tracks

Burrow Blocking Materials

• Wire mesh or hardware cloth

• Rocks, bricks, or pavers

• Wood planks or plywood

• Concrete mix

Blocking Tips

• Seal openings with mesh then cover with soil/rocks

• Use large rocks that can't be dug under

• Make sure there are no gaps around blocking materials

Use Predator Urine/Scent to Deter

The scent of predators like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats can frighten groundhogs away. Try placing predator urine or scents around your shed's perimeter. Reapply weekly.

How Predator Scents Work

• Triggers instinctual fear response

• Indicates predators are in the area

• Causes groundhogs to avoid the area

Application Tips

• Apply around foundation and potential burrow sites

• Reapply after heavy rain washes away scent

• Rotate different predator scents

Where to Get Predator Scent

• Specialty pest control products

• Hunting/outdoors stores

• Online retailers

Discourage Return After Removal

Getting rid of groundhogs is only half the battle - you also need to discourage them from coming back.

Continue using repellents, exclusion devices, and blocking burrow entrances even after successful removal.

Post-Removal Deterrent Options

• Sprinkle predator urine around perimeter

• Install ultrasonic stakes or vibrating stakes

• Use a motion-activated sprinkler

• Keep using odor repellents regularly

Tips for Ongoing Prevention

• Quickly fix any breaches in fencing or exclusion devices

• Monitor for new burrow activity and block immediately

• Eliminate any food or water sources attracting groundhogs

• Be patient and persistent

How To Keep Groundhogs From Digging Under Shed

Based on my research, groundhogs can be very determined when it comes to burrowing under sheds and other structures.

There are several methods that can be effective for deterring them humanely and preventing them from digging on your property.

Block Access

Installing a barrier around the perimeter of your shed is one of the best ways to keep groundhogs from burrowing underneath.

Bury galvanized hardware cloth, welded wire fencing, or chicken wire at least 12 inches underground, with no gaps along the edges that groundhogs could squeeze through.

Check regularly for breaches and make repairs promptly. Removing vegetation, brush, and debris near the shed also eliminates places where groundhogs can establish burrows.

Use Repellents

There are various commercial repellents designed to deter groundhogs through smell, taste, or discomfort.

Granular and liquid repellents use offensive odors, while mothballs or ammonia-soaked rags can also work. Ultrasonic stakes, vibration stakes, and motion-activated sprinklers also scare groundhogs away through sound, feeling, or surprise water bursts.

Using a combination of different repellents and deterrents is most effective. Reapply liquid repellents after rain and move stakes/sprinklers periodically so animals don't get accustomed.

Live Trapping

Live traps like cage and box traps allow for humane capture and relocation of groundhogs. Bait with fresh produce and check traps daily.

Transport trapped groundhogs at least 5 miles away and release in suitable habitat. Cover traps and handle animals carefully to avoid injury.

Be sure to seal up any burrow entrances found near the shed as well.

Persistence Is Key

Groundhogs are extremely stubborn when it comes to prime burrow locations.

Be prepared to use multiple exclusion and deterrent tactics together, and continuously maintain your efforts.

Monitor for new burrow activity and block entrances immediately. Fix any breaches in fencing right away.

With persistence, you can successfully convince groundhogs to leave your shed alone for good.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I know if groundhogs are digging under my shed?

Look for signs like fresh piles of dug out soil, damage to your shed's foundation, or holes in the ground along the perimeter. You may also see groundhogs coming in and out or hear them making noises underneath.

What is the best material to use for blocking groundhog access?

Galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire fencing buried at least 12 inches underground works best. Be sure to overlap the material at seams and gates to prevent gaps.

Should I use mothballs or ammonia to deter groundhogs?

Yes, the strong odors of mothballs and ammonia-soaked rags can help repel groundhogs when placed around your shed's perimeter. Reapply them frequently.

How often do I need to reapply liquid repellents?

Reapply liquid animal repellents around the foundation after heavy rains wash away the scent. For best results, reapply weekly during peak groundhog activity seasons.

Will ultrasonic stakes work for groundhogs?

Ultrasonic stakes that emit high-frequency sound waves can help deter groundhogs. Move the stakes to new locations periodically so the animals don't get used to them.

What is the best bait to use in a live trap for groundhogs?

Fresh vegetable bait like lettuce, cucumber, and carrots work well for luring groundhogs into live traps. Replace bait daily to keep it fresh.

How far away should I relocate a trapped groundhog?

Drive and release trapped groundhogs at least 5 miles away from your property to prevent them from finding their way back to your shed.

Will groundhogs eventually get used to deterrents?

It's possible for groundhogs to get accustomed to individual deterrents over time. Using a variety of different exclusion methods and repellents together works best.

How can I stop groundhogs from coming back after removal?

Continue using repellents, exclusion devices, and burrow blocking even after trapping groundhogs. Quickly fix any breaches and monitor for new burrow activity.

What should I do if the groundhogs won't leave my shed alone?

Be persistent and patient! Use multiple tactics together, maintain your exclusion and deterrent efforts continuously, and make repairs promptly. With time, you can convince them to leave.

Is it pointless to try keeping groundhogs away from my shed?

While it can be very challenging, there are effective ways to deter groundhogs with consistent exclusion and repellent techniques. Don't give up!

Will groundhogs eventually abandon their burrows under my shed?

Groundhogs are very reluctant to abandon prime burrow locations. You'll likely need to use deterrents and exclusion devices continuously to keep them away long-term.

Can I use mothballs and ammonia together as repellents?

Yes, using mothballs and ammonia-soaked rags together can provide an extra-strong odor repellent effect. Just be sure to reapply them frequently.

What kind of bait should I avoid using in live traps?

Avoid using insect-based bait like meat or fish, which could attract non-target animals. Only use vegetable or fruit bait.

How often should I check a live trap?

Check live traps daily at minimum, and release any non-target animals caught. Leaving an animal in a trap for extended periods risks injury.

Will groundhogs dig new burrows if I seal up their old ones?

It's likely groundhogs will try digging new burrows if their current ones are blocked. Be diligent about watching for new burrow activity and sealing entrances.

Can I bury chicken wire instead of hardware cloth?

Burying sturdy galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire fencing is best, but chicken wire can work in a pinch if dug deep enough underground.

How do I find where groundhogs are entering under my shed?

Look for dug out soil piles near the foundation, watch for groundhog activity in the area, and use a flashlight to spot burrow openings. Flour spread around the perimeter will show tracks leading to entryways.

Will groundhogs eventually find their way under barriers?

Groundhogs are excellent burrowers and may eventually breach barriers by digging deeper. Regularly check for holes or gaps and make repairs to maintain exclusion effectiveness.

Can I use a garden hose to flood groundhog burrows?

Flooding burrows with a hose is not recommended. Groundhogs often have secondary escape tunnels and will just dig back in. Focus efforts instead on exclusion and removal.

What should I do if I can't find where the groundhogs are getting in?

If entry points are difficult to locate, a full perimeter barrier of fencing/mesh is the best option to exclude groundhogs anywhere around the shed.

Will noise deterrents such as radios work for groundhogs?

Loud noises may initially startle groundhogs but they tend to acclimate. Irregular sounds like motion sprinklers are more effective deterrents long-term.

Can I use smoke bombs or gas cartridges in groundhog burrows?

Smoke bombs and gas cartridges should be avoided. They are dangerous, often ineffective, and could potentially backfire and gas your shed.

How often should burrow entrances be blocked after trapping groundhogs?

Check for new burrow activity daily after removal and block any openings immediately with fencing, rocks, or other materials to prevent recolonization.

Is it okay to trap and relocate groundhogs in winter?

Avoid trapping in winter when groundhogs are hibernating. They need extra fat reserves to survive through winter if relocated then.

Can I bury fencing only around the perimeter instead of the whole yard?

For shed protection, burying barrier fencing just around the immediate perimeter is fine. No need to fence the entire yard.

What kind of habitat should I release trapped groundhogs into?

Look for areas with woods, brush, and low grass that provide cover and food sources. Avoid releasing near roads, structures, or large open fields.

Will a motion-activated sprinkler deter other wildlife too?

Yes, motion sprinklers can startle away deer, rabbits, skunks, raccoons, and other animals entering your yard, not just groundhogs.

Can I use a mix of mothballs and predator urine together?

You can use mothballs and predator urine in combination. The strong smells together may provide added deterrent power.

How often should I reapply liquid fence repellents?

Reapply liquid repellent fences around your shed about once per week during peak groundhog activity to maintain the scent barrier effectiveness.

What should I do if I catch a nursing groundhog mother?

If you catch a mother groundhog with dependent young, you must immediately release her at the same location to avoid orphaning the babies.

Can I use a combination of fencing and repellents together?

Yes, pairing physical exclusion like fencing with odor/sensory repellents provides layered protection and works better than one tactic alone.

How can I stop groundhogs from digging under my porch or deck?

Use the same exclusion and deterrent methods as for a shed - perimeter fencing, repellents, and blocking burrow entrances anywhere around the structure.

What kind of bait will attract groundhogs best?

Fresh vegetable bait like cucumber, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and apples work well for luring groundhogs into live traps.

Should I get professional help for removing groundhogs?

For proper humane trapping and exclusion, you can tackle it yourself in most cases. But professional wildlife control can help for severe infestations.

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