Install a sturdy fence at least 3 feet tall and bury it 12 to 18 inches underground with an outward-facing L-shaped footer
Use hardware cloth or welded wire with openings no larger than 1 inch
Seal gaps under sheds, decks, porches, and foundations
Remove brush piles, tall weeds, woodpiles, and other hiding spots
Keep grass short and trim vegetation near fences and structures
Harvest ripe vegetables and fruits promptly
Protect gardens with individual cages or row covers
Use motion-activated sprinklers
Apply repellents labeled for groundhogs according to the instructions
Block burrow entrances only after confirming the burrow is empty
Fill abandoned burrows with soil and compact it firmly
Place gravel or rocks around burrow-prone areas
Use live traps only where legal and relocate according to local regulations
Contact a licensed wildlife control professional for persistent infestations