Groundhogs, a type of rodent, are renowned for their ability to create complex and extensive burrow systems. These burrows, often located in residential areas, can wreak havoc on yards and gardens, damaging plants and creating unsightly mounds. Consequently, a crucial home maintenance task involves addressing these burrows and preventing groundhogs from returning. One effective method for accomplishing this is by plugging the holes they’ve dug.
Plugging groundhog holes requires a strategic approach, as these animals are clever and persistent. The first step involves understanding their behavior and sealing potential entry points around your property. Inspect your yard for any potential access points, such as holes or gaps under fences or sheds. These areas should be blocked off using materials like wire mesh or expanding foam. Additionally, remove any potential food sources, such as fallen fruits or pet food, to deter groundhogs from frequenting your yard.
Once potential entry points have been addressed, the next step is to plug the actual burrows. Several effective methods can be employed. One option is to use a mixture of pea gravel, sand, and dirt, tamped firmly into the hole. Another method involves using commercial groundhog repellents, which can be poured directly into the burrow. Additionally, some homeowners have success with using mothballs or dryer sheets to deter groundhogs. However, it’s important to note that these methods may not be foolproof and may require repeated applications to be effective.
Assess the Hole’s Size
A crucial step before plugging the holes is to assess their size and severity. This will help you determine the appropriate materials and methods for effective repairs.
Hole Type and Depth
Groundhogs create two main types of holes: burrows and temporary holes. Burrows are extensive underground tunnels that typically have a diameter of 10-12 inches and can extend up to 60 feet in length. Temporary holes, also known as “exit holes,” are smaller, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in diameter, and are used for quick exits or exploration.
Assessing the Depth
To assess the depth of the hole, insert a long stick or pole into it. Mark the depth at which the stick meets resistance, indicating the bottom of the burrow or temporary hole. If the depth exceeds 18 inches, professional assistance may be required for safe and effective repairs.
Table: Hole Size and Repair Considerations
| Hole Type and Depth | Repair Considerations |
|---|---|
| Temporary hole (3-6 inches, less than 12 inches deep) | Can be plugged with soil, rocks, or wire mesh |
| Temporary hole (3-6 inches, more than 12 inches deep) | May require digging to expose the main burrow before plugging |
| Burrow (10-12 inches, less than 18 inches deep) | Can be plugged with dirt, rocks, or a combination of materials |
| Burrow (10-12 inches, more than 18 inches deep) | Professional assistance is recommended for safe and effective repairs |
Gather Necessary Materials
Before you begin the task of plugging groundhog holes, it is essential to gather the following materials:
1. Steel Wool: This will act as a barrier to keep groundhogs from digging back into the hole.
2. Hardware Cloth: A sturdy wire mesh that is used to cover the hole and prevent groundhogs from re-entry.
3. Rocks or Stones:
Rocks or stones play a crucial role in the hole-plugging process for several reasons:
- Weight: Large rocks or stones add weight to the covering, making it more difficult for groundhogs to move or dig through.
- Loose Filling: Smaller rocks or stones can be packed tightly into the hole, creating a dense and impenetrable barrier.
- Uneven Surface: The jagged and uneven surfaces of rocks deter groundhogs from attempting to dig or crawl through the covered hole.
| Size | Use |
|---|---|
| Large (12-18 inches) | Covering the hole |
| Medium (6-12 inches) | Filling the hole |
| Small (2-6 inches) | Further filling and creating an uneven surface |
Clean and Widen the Hole
Before you can start filling in the hole, you need to clean it out. This means removing any debris, such as leaves, sticks, or rocks. You can use a shovel or a trowel to do this. Once the hole is clean, you need to widen it slightly. This will help to create a better seal when you fill it in.
To widen the hole, you can use a pickaxe or a mattock. Start by making a small hole in the center of the groundhog hole. Then, use the pickaxe or mattock to widen the hole until it is about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
| Groundhog | Hole |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 inches |
| Width | 12 inches |
| Depth | 12 inches |
Create a Gravel Barrier
Groundhogs are notorious for digging holes in yards and gardens, creating unsightly messes and potential hazards. Fortunately, there are effective ways to deter and block groundhogs from re-entering these holes. One such method is the creation of a gravel barrier.
Materials Needed:
- Pea gravel
- Shovel or hoe
- Optional: Landscape fabric
Steps:
1. Locate the holes: Identify the active groundhog holes you want to block.
2. Excavate around the holes: Use a shovel or hoe to dig a trench around each hole, extending at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide from the edges of the hole.
3. Add landscape fabric (optional): If desired, line the bottom and sides of the trench with landscape fabric to prevent weeds and grass from growing through the gravel.
4. Fill the trench with gravel: Pour pea gravel into the trench, filling it to the top. The gravel should be packed down firmly to create a dense barrier.
5. Extend the gravel barrier: To make the barrier more effective, extend it at least 3 feet beyond the perimeter of the hole in all directions. This will create a wide perimeter that makes it difficult for groundhogs to dig around or over the barrier.
Install Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric is a highly effective method for deterring groundhogs from digging holes in your yard. Here’s how to install it:
Clear the area where you want to install the landscape fabric of all vegetation, including grass, weeds, and roots.
Unroll the landscape fabric and place it over the prepared area. Secure the edges with stakes or landscape pins.
Overlap the edges of the fabric by at least 6 inches to prevent groundhogs from digging underneath. Secure the overlap with more stakes or pins.
Cover the landscape fabric with a 2-inch layer of mulch or stones to help conceal it and deter groundhogs from digging.
Use stakes with pointed caps to secure the landscape fabric. This will prevent groundhogs from chewing through the fabric.
Additional Tips for Using Landscape Fabric:
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use heavy-duty fabric | Prevents groundhogs from tearing through |
| Avoid using fabric with seams | Seams can provide weak points for groundhogs to exploit |
| Keep fabric taut | Creates a more difficult barrier for groundhogs to dig through |
Fill the Hole with Soil or Sod
To fill the hole, you can use either soil or sod. If you use soil, pack it down firmly so that it doesn’t settle and create another hole. You can also use a tamper to help compact the soil. If you use sod, cut a piece that is slightly larger than the hole and place it over the hole. Water the sod thoroughly to help it establish roots.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for filling the hole with soil or sod:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dig up the soil around the hole to create a wider area to work with. |
| 2 | Fill the hole with soil or sod. |
| 3 | Pack down the soil firmly or water the sod thoroughly. |
Remove Excess Soil or Debris
Once you have located the groundhog hole, it is important to remove any loose soil or debris that may be blocking the entrance. This will help you to properly plug the hole and prevent groundhogs from re-entering.
To remove excess soil or debris, you can use a shovel or a trowel to scoop out the material. Be careful not to damage the surrounding soil or vegetation.
Once you have removed the excess soil or debris, you can begin to plug the hole.
Tips for Removing Excess Soil or Debris
Here are some additional tips for removing excess soil or debris from a groundhog hole:
Use a shovel or a trowel to scoop out the material.
Be careful not to damage the surrounding soil or vegetation.
If the hole is large, you may need to use a bucket or a wheelbarrow to remove the excess soil or debris.
Once you have removed the excess soil or debris, you can begin to plug the hole.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Shovel | A shovel is a tool with a wide, flat blade that is used for digging and moving soil. |
| Trowel | A trowel is a small, hand-held tool with a flat blade that is used for digging and planting. |
| Bucket | A bucket is a container that is used for holding and transporting liquids or solids. |
| Wheelbarrow | A wheelbarrow is a small vehicle that is used for transporting heavy loads. |
Tamp Down the Filled Area
Once you’ve filled the hole with soil, it’s essential to tamp it down firmly to compress the soil and prevent it from settling too much. This will help to create a stable surface that discourages groundhogs from re-entering the hole.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
- Tamping tool (e.g., a hand tamper, a flat shovel, or a piece of wood)
Step 2: Position the Tamping Tool
Place the tamping tool over the filled hole.
Step 3: Apply Pressure
Use your body weight to apply downward pressure on the tamping tool. Tamp the soil firmly in a circular motion.
Step 4: Repeat and Compact
Repeat the tamping process several times until the soil is firmly compacted and level with the surrounding ground.
Step 5: Check for Settling
Step away from the filled hole and observe it from a distance. Check if the soil has settled or if there are any new holes or cracks appearing.
Step 6: Tamp Again If Needed
If you notice any settling or new holes, repeat the tamping process until the area is level and stable.
Step 7: Monitor the Hole
Monitor the filled hole for a few days or weeks to ensure that no groundhogs attempt to dig it up again. If you notice any new digging activity, you may need to take additional measures to repel groundhogs.
Step 8: Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for tamping down the filled area effectively:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Dampen the soil | Slightly dampening the soil before tamping can help to create a more compact surface. |
| Use a heavy tamping tool | A heavier tamping tool will apply more force and compress the soil more effectively. |
| Tamp in layers | For deeper holes, fill and tamp the hole in layers to avoid air pockets. |
Monitor the Hole for Signs of Reopening
Once you’ve successfully plugged the hole, it’s important to monitor it for signs of reopening. Groundhogs are persistent creatures, and they may try to dig their way back into your yard. Here are some things to look for:
- Loose soil around the hole: If you see loose soil around the hole, it’s a sign that the groundhog may be trying to dig it open.
- Tracks in the dirt: If you see groundhog tracks in the dirt around the hole, it’s another sign that the groundhog may be trying to get back into your yard.
- Holes in the screen: If you have a screen around the hole, check it for any holes or tears. If there are any holes, the groundhog may be able to get back into your yard.
- Groundhogs in your yard: If you see groundhogs in your yard, it’s a sign that they’ve found a way to get back in. You’ll need to take steps to seal the hole again.
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action to seal the hole again. Groundhogs can cause a lot of damage to your yard and home, so it’s important to keep them out.
How To Plug Groundhog Holes
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large rodents that can cause a lot of damage to your property. They burrow under fences, dig up gardens, and can even damage the foundation of your home if left unchecked. If you have a groundhog problem, it’s important to take steps to plug up their holes as soon as possible. Here are a few methods you can use:
- Trapping: This is the most effective way to get rid of groundhogs, but it requires some patience and skill. You can use a live trap or a kill trap, but be sure to check your local laws before setting any traps.
- Poison: You can also use poison to kill groundhogs, but this method is not recommended unless you are experienced in handling poisons. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and keep the poison away from children and pets.
- Fencing: Fencing is a good way to keep groundhogs out of your yard, but it can be expensive to install. If you decide to fence your yard, be sure to dig the fence at least 2 feet deep and extend it at least 6 inches below the ground.
- Plugging Holes: You can also plug up groundhog holes to prevent them from entering your yard. To do this, you can use rocks, dirt, or even steel wool. Be sure to pack the material tightly into the hole and cover it with something heavy so that the groundhog cannot dig it out.
People Also Ask About How To Plug Groundhog Holes
What is the best way to plug groundhog holes?
The best way to plug groundhog holes is to use a combination of methods. This includes trapping or poisoning the groundhogs, fencing your yard, and plugging up the holes with rocks, dirt, or steel wool.
How do I know if I have a groundhog problem?
There are a few signs that you may have a groundhog problem. These include:
- Seeing groundhogs in your yard
- Holes in your lawn or garden
- Damage to your plants
- Noise coming from under your house
- Tracks in the snow
What can I do to prevent groundhogs from coming back?
There are a few things you can do to prevent groundhogs from coming back. These include:
- Eliminate any food sources, such as pet food or garbage
- Remove any hiding places, such as wood piles or brush
- Keep your lawn mowed and your garden clean
- Seal up any holes in your fence or foundation
- Consider using a repellent, such as predator urine or mothballs
