Remove food sources (secure garbage, stop leaving pet food outside, harvest fallen fruit)
Block access to gardens and lawns with fencing (solid barrier 3–4 ft tall, buried 6–12 in, angled outward at the top)
Use hardware cloth or buried fencing around vulnerable areas (extend below ground to prevent burrowing entry)
Seal burrows with soil and tamp firmly after confirming the groundhog is not inside (do at times when they’re likely away)
Install chimney-style one-way burrow traps (allow escape, prevent re-entry), then seal the burrow after activity stops
Use live traps designed for groundhogs (bait with vegetables/greens; check frequently per local rules)
Hire a licensed wildlife control professional for trapping/relocation where legal
Use deterrents (motion-activated lights, sprinklers, repellents labeled for groundhogs)
Apply commercial repellents according to label directions (reapply after rain or as directed)
Use odor/irritant repellents where allowed (avoid products not labeled for groundhogs)
Maintain tall vegetation and reduce cover near burrows (mow regularly)
Remove hiding spots (trim brush, stack wood away from burrow areas)
Keep dogs/cats outdoors only if allowed and safe (not a guarantee, but can deter)
Use exclusion and landscaping changes (cover exposed soil, use mulch/ground cover to reduce attractiveness)
Consider habitat modification (remove easy burrowing areas, limit loose soil near structures)
Use fencing around the perimeter rather than relying on single-point barriers
Check local laws and regulations before trapping, relocating, or using lethal control
If damage is severe, contact your local extension office or wildlife agency for compliant options