How do I keep groundhogs from eating my flowers? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are undeniably cute, but they can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated flower gardens. These voracious herbivores have a particular fondness for tender flower buds and foliage, turning your beautiful blooms into a buffet. Luckily, there are many effective strategies to protect your precious plants and deter these furry freeloaders.

The most effective way to keep groundhogs from devouring your flowers involves a multi-pronged approach that combines physical barriers, repellents, and, in some cases, habitat modification. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Physical Barriers: The First Line of Defense

• Fencing: A sturdy fence is often the most reliable solution. The key is to make it groundhog-proof.
  • Height: The fence should be at least 3 feet tall.
  • Burial: Extend the fence at least 12 inches underground. For added security, bend the buried portion outward in an “L” shape. This prevents groundhogs from simply digging under it.
  • Material: Use a strong gauge wire mesh with openings no larger than 2-3 inches. Chicken wire can work for a while, but determined groundhogs may eventually chew through it. Woven wire fencing is a more durable option.
• Individual Plant Cages: For particularly prized plants, consider using individual wire cages. These can be made from hardware cloth and placed directly over the plants. Be sure to bury the edges of the cage a few inches deep to prevent digging.

2. Repellents: Appealing to Their Aversions

Groundhogs have a sensitive sense of smell, which can be used to your advantage. Several scent-based and taste-based repellents can deter them:

• Scent Repellents:
  • Garlic, Lavender, and Pepper: Groundhogs detest the strong scents of garlic, lavender, and peppers like cayenne or red pepper. Sprinkle dried or crushed versions around your plants and burrow entrances. You can also make a spray by steeping garlic or peppers in water and then applying it to your flowers.
  • Other Aromatic Herbs: Basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano are also known to deter groundhogs. Planting these herbs near your flower garden can create a natural repellent barrier.
  • Ammonia: Soak rags in ammonia and place them near burrow entrances (but not directly inside, as this could harm the animals). The strong smell of ammonia is offensive to groundhogs.
  • Predator Urine: The scent of predators can scare groundhogs away. You can purchase commercial predator urine products (coyote or fox urine) and apply them around your garden perimeter.
• Taste Repellents:
  • Commercial Repellents: Several commercial groundhog repellents are available at garden centers. Look for products that contain bitter substances that make plants unpalatable. Apply these repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Hot Pepper Spray: Make a homemade hot pepper spray by boiling hot peppers in water, straining the mixture, and then spraying it on your plants. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when handling hot peppers.
• Epsom Salts: Sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of your flowers. Groundhogs dislike the taste and texture of Epsom salts.

3. Habitat Modification: Making Your Yard Less Attractive

• Clear Brush and Debris: Groundhogs prefer areas with dense vegetation where they can easily hide. Remove brush piles, overgrown shrubs, and other potential hiding places from your yard.
• Mow Regularly: Keep your lawn mowed short to reduce cover for groundhogs.
• Block Access to Structures: Groundhogs often burrow under sheds, decks, and other structures. Prevent them from doing so by installing wire mesh barriers around the base of these structures.
• Consider Scare Tactics: Motion-activated sprinklers, wind chimes, or even strategically placed pinwheels can startle groundhogs and deter them from entering your garden. Move these devices periodically to prevent the groundhogs from becoming accustomed to them.

4. Planting Groundhog-Resistant Flowers

While groundhogs will eat almost anything if they’re hungry enough, they tend to avoid certain types of plants. Incorporating these into your garden can help reduce groundhog damage:

• Flowers Groundhogs Dislike: Ageratum, Bleeding Heart, Butterfly Weed, Coreopsis, Foxglove, Fountain Grass, Geranium (Citronella), Heather, Heuchera, Lamb’s Ears, Larkspur, Lavender, Lily-of-the-Valley, Peony, and Sweet Alyssum.

5. Humane Trapping and Relocation (If Necessary)

If all other methods fail, you may consider trapping and relocating the groundhogs. However, this should be a last resort, as relocation can be stressful for the animals, and they may not survive in a new environment. Additionally, it’s essential to check your local regulations regarding trapping and relocation of wildlife.

• Use a Live Trap: Choose a humane live trap that is large enough to comfortably accommodate a groundhog.
• Bait the Trap: Apples, cantaloupe, or peanut butter are effective baits.
• Check the Trap Regularly: Check the trap frequently, especially in hot weather, to prevent the animal from suffering.
• Relocate Responsibly: If relocation is permitted, release the groundhog in a suitable habitat at least 5-10 miles away from your property. Contact your local wildlife agency for advice on appropriate relocation sites.

Important Considerations:

• Persistence is Key: Groundhogs are persistent creatures. It may take time and effort to effectively deter them from your garden.
• Rotate Your Tactics: Groundhogs can become accustomed to repellents and scare tactics over time. Rotate your methods to keep them guessing.
• Be Patient: It can take time to fully get rid of groundhogs. Don’t get discouraged if your initial efforts aren’t immediately successful.
• Consider the Environment: Choose environmentally friendly repellents and methods to avoid harming other wildlife or polluting the environment. The Environmental Literacy Council, https://enviroliteracy.org/, is an excellent resource for learning more about environmental stewardship.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively protect your flowers from groundhogs and enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will simply filling in a groundhog hole get rid of them?

Not likely. Groundhogs are excellent diggers and will simply reopen the burrow or create a new one nearby. Plugging the hole can be part of a larger strategy, such as using a gas cartridge in the hole.

2. What is the best time of year to deter groundhogs?

Early spring, before they establish their territories and begin breeding, is the ideal time. However, you can implement deterrents at any time of year when you notice groundhog activity.

3. Does human urine really deter groundhogs?

Some gardeners swear by human urine as a groundhog repellent due to its strong odor. However, its effectiveness can vary, and it’s not a scientifically proven method.

4. Will mothballs get rid of groundhogs?

While mothballs have a strong odor, they are not recommended for groundhog control. They are toxic and can pose a risk to children, pets, and other wildlife.

5. How deep and wide can a groundhog burrow be?

Groundhog burrows can be extensive, typically reaching depths of up to 6 feet and spreading out over 20 feet. They often have multiple entrances.

6. Are groundhogs active at night?

Groundhogs are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.

7. What is the gestation period for groundhogs?

The gestation period for groundhogs is approximately 32 days.

8. What are a groundhog’s natural predators?

Natural predators of groundhogs include foxes, coyotes, hawks, bobcats, dogs, and humans.

9. Is it beneficial to have groundhogs in my yard?

Groundhogs do provide some benefits, such as soil aeration through their digging activities. However, the damage they can cause to gardens and property often outweighs these benefits.

10. Will vinegar deter groundhogs?

Vinegar, with its strong odor, can act as a deterrent. You can soak rags in vinegar and place them near burrow entrances. However, its effectiveness is limited, and it needs to be reapplied frequently.

11. What smell do groundhogs hate the most?

Groundhogs seem to be most repelled by strong, pungent smells such as garlic, cayenne pepper, lavender, ammonia, and the urine of predators.

12. Does Epsom salt really keep groundhogs away?

Epsom salts are effective due to their taste and abrasive texture on groundhog paws. Apply around plants after the rain as it has to be replenished.

13. What flowers do groundhogs avoid?

Groundhogs will generally avoid Ageratum, Bleeding Heart, Butterfly Weed, Coreopsis, Foxglove, Fountain Grass, Geranium (Citronella), Heather, Heuchera, Lamb’s Ears, Larkspur, Lavender, Lily-of-the-Valley, Peony, and Sweet Alyssum.

14. How do I get rid of a groundhog under my shed?

A good strategy is to pour ammonia around your shed and in any holes they’ve dug, place lawn windmills or a vibrating sonic device near your shed, and encourage your dog or cat to spend time sniffing around the shed.

15. Does kitty litter repel groundhogs?

Used cat litter can deter groundhogs as it makes them believe a predator is nearby. Pour it around the holes.