Sick Of Your Greens Getting Eaten By Groundhogs? Here’s How To Keep These Critters Out Of Your Garden
Let’s get one thing straight: groundhogs may look adorable with their tiny hands and bushy tails, but don’t be fooled. These little guys can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated garden.
From munching on your leafy greens to digging tunnels that disrupt root systems, groundhogs don’t make the best neighbors for your plants.
And before you know it, you’ll be waving goodbye to your tomatoes, lettuce, and even some young tree bark if you let these critters stick around.
Don’t let groundhogs take over your garden. Here’s how to spot the signs that you have these critters in your yard and promptly deal with them.
Signs You Have A Groundhog Situation
Before we dive into solutions, let’s figure out how to tell if you even have a groundhog problem.
First, keep an eye out for things like dug-up soil, small tunnels, or if your vegetables suddenly start to disappear randomly. Groundhogs also tend to leave droppings near their burrow openings.
If you spot any of these telltale signs, then it’s likely that you’ve got a groundhog issue.
Your First Line Of Defense: A Fence
Photo 93985890 © Cheryl Fleishman – Dreamstime.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual groundhogs
Believe it or not, a good fence can make all the difference to your critter problem.
Consider installing a fence that’s at least three to four feet high, with a portion buried about a foot or so underground to prevent digging.
Chicken wire, hardware cloth, or even electric fencing can get the job done. Just remember to make sure that whatever fence you choose is sturdy enough to withstand those groundhog gymnastics.
Lean On Scare Tactics
Sometimes it also helps to play mind some games. Just like we get scared of horror movies, there are ways to effectively spook critters from your yard, too.
Scare tactics like motion-activated sprinklers or even a good old scarecrow can make your garden a less appealing buffet for groundhogs.
Some people also swear by using inflatable owls or rubber snakes. And if it keeps groundhogs guessing, it’s worth a try.
Keep It Eco-Friendly With Natural Repellents
If you aren’t too keen on the idea of using traps or chemicals, natural repellents are also a solid option.
Castor oil, garlic, and even human hair can make your garden smell like a place a groundhog wouldn’t want to hang out. All you have to do is sprinkle these around the perimeter of your garden, and you’ll add an extra layer of stink that could deter these fuzzy eaters.
Know When To Call In The Pros
In the game against groundhogs, sometimes the biggest sign of strength is knowing when to admit defeat.
If you’ve done everything you can and the groundhogs are still persisting, don’t feel bad. In cases like these, it’s simply time to call in a professional exterminator.
These experts can handle the challenge– safely and humanely removing the critters from your yard. This is arguably the easiest solution, too, allowing you to just go back to enjoying your garden in peace.
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