How to Get Rid of Groundhogs Under Your Home—and Stop Them From Coming Back

Groundhogs look cute and cuddly, but they can be bad news. These curious rodents can wreak havoc on your garden, but they can be equally as detrimental to your home. The space beneath your home or deck can be very attractive to them, so they may take up residence there.

However, the underside of your home is no place for a groundhog. If they stay there, they can cause all sorts of problems, so it's best to remove them if possible. That being said, the best removal method is preventing groundhogs from moving into your yard in the first place. Here's what the experts recommend.

Why Removal Is Important

Groundhogs can cause all sorts of damage if left under your home. It's an appealing spot for them because it's a shelter from bad weather, predators, and even humans. It gives them a quiet spot where they can still access all of the tasty vegetables in your garden.

However, their tunnels can weaken foundations and undermine the stability of the soil under your home, says Jason Burkhart, managing director at Critter Control. "This disrupts the natural flow of water when it rains or snows, causing water to flow under the structure," he adds. "Over time, this leads to drainage problems that will cause the home or shed to settle and sink." They can also damage electrical wires and irrigation systems.

Living underneath a home also gives groundhogs the perfect vantage point from which to gobble up your vegetable garden. They can eat up to 1 pound of plants per day, says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. "If you notice signs of groundhogs, it’s important not to wait," she adds. "The longer they remain undisturbed, the more damage they can cause both above and below ground."

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Prevention Methods

The best way to get rid of groundhogs is to make your home and yard as unattractive to them as possible—that way, they'll never move in, and you'll never have to worry about the removal process.

Groundhogs are drawn to yards with a regular food source and plenty of places to hide, says Burkhart. Installing a fence around your vegetables and flowers can make them less accessible. "Make sure the fence is at least 1 foot underground to keep groundhogs from burrowing under it," says Hicks. It should be at least 3 feet high as well because groundhogs can climb over short barriers.

Burkhart recommends keeping your lawn neatly trimmed and tidy. "Clean away brush and other natural debris that a groundhog can use to hide," he says. Make sure trash cans are secured as well.

Removal

If groundhogs are living under your home, then it's best to leave removal to the pros. The best way to remove them is to trap and relocate them, but this task should only be performed by certified wildlife experts. Doing so on your own can expose you to disease, says Hicks. It's safer for both you and the animal to call in a professional.