How To Plug Groundhog Holes

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large rodents that can cause extensive damage to your yard and garden. They are known for digging burrows, which can undermine your home’s foundation, ruin your lawn, and damage your plants. While there are a number of ways to get rid of groundhogs, one of the most effective is to plug their holes. This will prevent them from burrowing into your yard and causing further damage.

There are a few different ways to plug groundhog holes. One method is to use a shovel to fill the hole with dirt. However, this is not always effective, as the groundhogs may simply dig another hole. A more effective method is to use a combination of dirt and rocks. This will make it more difficult for the groundhogs to dig through, and it will also help to discourage them from digging in the area again. Another option is to use a commercial groundhog hole plug.

These plugs are typically made of a durable material, such as concrete or metal, and they are designed to fit snugly into the hole. Once the hole is plugged, the groundhogs will not be able to dig through it, and they will eventually move on to another area. Plugging groundhog holes is a simple and effective way to keep these pests out of your yard. By following these steps, you can protect your property from damage and keep your yard looking its best.

Identifying Groundhog Holes

Identifying groundhog holes is crucial before taking steps to plug them. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you recognize these holes:

1. Location and Appearance:

Groundhog burrows are typically found in open, sunny areas near water sources. Look for entrances that measure 6-8 inches in diameter, with a mound of excavated dirt nearby. The mounds can range from 1-3 feet in height and 3-6 feet in width, and may have a flattened area at the top where the groundhog has been resting.

2. Tunnel System:

Groundhog burrows consist of an extensive tunnel system with multiple entrances and exit holes. These tunnels can extend up to 50 feet in length and can have multiple chambers used for nesting, sleeping, and food storage. Look for secondary entrances that are smaller than the main entrance and are often located 10-20 feet away.

3. Signs of Activity:

Freshly dug holes or mounds of dirt near the burrow entrances indicate recent groundhog activity. You may also notice tracks around the burrow, which are characterized by five toes with claw marks. Groundhogs are often active at dawn and dusk, so observing the burrow during these times may increase your chances of spotting the animal.

4. Other Clues:

Crushed vegetation or flattened grass near the burrow entrances can be another sign of groundhog presence. Additionally, groundhogs often leave behind droppings near their burrows. These droppings are typically cylindrical, about 1 inch long, and have blunt ends.

Gathering Necessary Materials

Before you begin the process of plugging groundhog holes, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Materials:

Quantity	Item	Description
• Enough to fill the holes	Soil, gravel, or sand	Fine-grained soil, well-compacted gravel, or coarse sand will work best for filling the holes. Avoid using loose, sandy soil or large rocks.
As needed	Rocks or bricks	Use small rocks or bricks to line the bottom of the hole before filling it to prevent digging animals from tunneling underneath.
• 1 per hole	Hardware cloth or wire mesh	Choose hardware cloth with a mesh size of 1/2 inch or smaller, or wire mesh with a similar spacing. This will prevent groundhogs from digging through the fill material.
• As needed	Stakes or pegs	Use stakes or pegs to secure the hardware cloth or wire mesh over the filled hole. Choose stakes that are long enough to be firmly planted into the ground.
• 1 per hole	Tamper or heavy object	A tamper or heavy object, such as a sledgehammer or a large rock, is used to compact the fill material after it has been placed in the hole.

Choosing the Right Plug

To effectively seal groundhog holes, selecting the appropriate plug is crucial. Consider the following options:

1. Pressure-Treated Wood

Untreated wood is highly susceptible to decay and moisture damage, making it unsuitable for groundhog hole plugging. Pressure-treated wood, on the other hand, has been chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and insect infestation, ensuring its longevity in the face of harsh underground conditions.

2. Concrete Mix

Concrete mix provides a durable and long-lasting solution for plugging groundhog holes. It is particularly effective in areas with unstable soil or high water tables. It sets hard, forming an impenetrable barrier that prevents groundhogs from re-entering the hole.

3. Hardware Cloth and Soil

Hardware cloth, a sturdy wire mesh, can be used in conjunction with soil to effectively plug groundhog holes. To create a durable plug:

Cut a piece of hardware cloth to a size that will cover the hole and extend at least 12 inches beyond the opening.
Shape the hardware cloth into a cone with the apex pointed downward.
Insert the cone-shaped hardware cloth into the hole, ensuring that the pointed apex extends at least 6 inches into the burrow.
Fill the remaining space around the hardware cloth with soil, tamping it down firmly to create a solid seal.

This method provides a combination of strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for sealing groundhog holes.

Plug Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Pressure-Treated Wood	Durable, decay-resistant	Can be difficult to fit into irregular holes
Concrete Mix	Long-lasting, impenetrable	Can be difficult to apply in wet or unstable soil
Hardware Cloth and Soil	Durable, simple to install	Requires more time and effort to construct

Preparing the Hole

Before plugging the hole, it’s crucial to prepare it properly. Here are some detailed steps:

1. **Clear the hole:** Remove any soil, rocks, or vegetation that may be blocking the entrance to the groundhog hole.

2. **Widen the hole:** Use a trowel or shovel to widen the hole by about 6-8 inches in diameter. This will provide enough space to insert the plugging material securely.

3. **Level the bottom:** If the bottom of the hole is uneven, use a shovel to level it out. This will ensure that the plugging material fits snugly against the ground.

4. **Create a barrier:** To prevent the groundhog from digging around the plugging material, dig a trench around the perimeter of the hole, approximately 12-18 inches deep and 6-8 inches wide. This trench should be filled with rocks or gravel, which will act as a deterrent to the groundhog.

Here’s a table summarizing the preparation steps:

Step	Action
Step 1	Clear the hole of debris
Step 2	Widen the hole by 6-8 inches
Step 3	Level the bottom of the hole
Step 4	Dig a trench around the perimeter and fill it with rocks or gravel

Inserting the Plug

**5. Inserting the Plug**

Once you have gathered your supplies, it’s time to insert the plug. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the plug is secure and effective:

Select a Suitable Plug: Choose a plug that is slightly larger than the burrow opening to create a snug fit.
Position the Plug: Center the plug over the burrow entrance and push it down firmly into the hole.
Secure the Plug: Tamp down the soil around the plug to create a secure seal. Use a heavy object like a brick or rocks to hold the plug in place.
Cover the Plug: Spread a layer of mulch or dirt over the plug to camouflage it and prevent groundhogs from digging it up.
Monitor the Plug: Keep an eye on the plug for the next few days to ensure it stays in place. If the plug becomes loose or damaged, repair it immediately.

Tool	Purpose
Shovel or trowel	Digging and tamping soil
Rocks or bricks	Weighting down the plug
Mulch or dirt	Camouflaging and protecting the plug

Compacting the Plug

Once the hole is plugged, it’s essential to compact it to prevent groundhogs from digging through it. Use a sturdy tool like a tamper or a piece of wood to pack down the plug firmly. Start from the center of the plug and work your way out, applying even pressure to ensure a solid seal.

To create a durable and effective plug, layer different materials in the hole.

Layer	Material	Purpose
1	Gravel or small stones	Provides drainage and discourages digging
2	Dirt or soil	Fills the hole and provides support
3	Expanded metal or hardware cloth	Creates a barrier that prevents groundhogs from pushing through the plug

Repeat this layering process until the hole is filled and well-compacted. The top layer should be soil or sod, blending it with the surrounding area to avoid attracting the groundhogs’ attention.

Covering the Hole

Once you’ve filled the hole with dirt or gravel, it’s time to cover it up. Here are several methods you can use:

Soil: Simply cover the hole with soil, pressing down firmly to pack it in. You can also water the soil to help it settle.
Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, over the hole. This will help to keep the soil in place and prevent erosion.
Rocks: Place a few large rocks over the hole. This will weigh down the soil and make it more difficult for groundhogs to dig it up again.
Hardware cloth: Cut a piece of hardware cloth to fit over the hole. Secure it with stakes or wire.
Landscape fabric: Place a layer of landscape fabric over the hole, then cover it with soil or mulch.
Concrete: Mix a small amount of concrete and pour it into the hole. This will create a permanent barrier that groundhogs won’t be able to dig through.
**Table of Covering Methods**

Method	Pros	Cons
Soil	Easy and inexpensive	May not be effective if the soil is loose or sandy
Mulch	Helps to keep soil in place and prevent erosion	May not be effective if the mulch is thin or if groundhogs are determined
Rocks	Provides a heavy barrier	May be difficult to place if the hole is deep or in a hard-to-reach area
Hardware cloth	Durable and effective	Can be expensive and may be visible from the surface
Landscape fabric	Prevents erosion and helps to keep soil in place	May not be effective if the fabric is torn or if groundhogs are determined
Concrete	Permanent solution	Expensive and may require professional installation

Monitoring and Maintenance

Once you have successfully plugged the groundhog holes, it is crucial to monitor the area regularly to ensure that the groundhogs do not attempt to dig new holes or re-open the existing ones. Conduct frequent inspections around the perimeter of your property, focusing on areas where groundhog activity was previously observed.

During these inspections, look for signs of fresh digging, disturbed soil, or any other indications that groundhogs might be present. If you notice any suspicious activity, take immediate action to address the situation and prevent further damage.

In addition to monitoring, regular maintenance is essential to keep the plugged holes effective. Over time, natural elements such as rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations can weaken the integrity of the plugs. To ensure their longevity, inspect the plugs periodically and make repairs as needed.

Maintenance Tips

Here are some specific maintenance tips to keep your plugged groundhog holes secure:

Regular Inspections	Check the plugs weekly, especially after heavy rainfall or storms.
Repacking Plugs	If you notice any loose soil around the plugs, repack them firmly to prevent any gaps.
Replacing Plugs	If a plug becomes severely damaged or dislodged, remove it and replace it with a new one.
Checking for New Holes	Inspect the perimeter of your property regularly for signs of new groundhog activity.
Monitoring Vegetation	Keep vegetation around the plugged holes trimmed to deter groundhogs from hiding or burrowing nearby.
Consider Fencing	If groundhogs continue to be a persistent problem, consider installing a fence around your property to prevent them from entering.

Preventing Future Holes

Once you have successfully plugged groundhog holes, it is important to take steps to prevent future digging. Here are nine effective strategies for long-term protection:

Remove Food Sources: Eliminate potential food sources near your property, such as bird feeders, pet food, compost piles, and fallen fruit.
Keep Grass Short: Regular mowing prevents groundhogs from using tall grass as cover for digging.
Install Fence: Bury a wire mesh or plastic fence around your property to deter groundhogs from entering.
Plant Barrier Plants: Surround your property with plants that groundhogs dislike, such as daffodils, hyacinths, and marigolds.
Install Ultrasonic Repellers: These devices emit high-pitched sounds that repel groundhogs and other pests.
Use Repellent Chemicals: Apply granular or liquid repellents around your property to discourage digging.
Predators: Encourage natural predators, such as hawks and owls, to patrol your area and scare away groundhogs.
Keep Drainage Pipes Clear: Ensure that drainage pipes are free of debris and excess water, which can attract groundhogs seeking shelter.
Remove Brush Piles and Rocks: Eliminate potential hiding places for groundhogs by clearing brush piles and removing rocks from your property.

Food Sources to Avoid
Bird feeders
Pet food
Compost piles
Fallen fruit

Professional Assistance When Needed

In some cases, it may be advisable to seek professional assistance when dealing with groundhog problems. This is especially true if you are not comfortable handling the situation yourself or if the groundhog has caused extensive damage to your property.

Professional groundhog removal services can provide a number of benefits, including:

Expert knowledge and experience in dealing with groundhogs
Access to specialized equipment and techniques
Insurance and liability coverage in case of accidents
Peace of mind knowing that the problem is being handled by a qualified professional

If you are considering hiring a professional groundhog removal service, be sure to do your research and choose a company that is reputable and experienced. You should also get a written estimate of the costs involved before hiring the service.

In addition to professional assistance, there are a number of other resources available to you if you are dealing with groundhog problems. These resources include:

Local wildlife agencies
Extension offices
Libraries
The Internet

These resources can provide you with information on groundhog behavior, control methods, and safety precautions. By taking the time to learn more about groundhogs and how to deal with them, you can help to protect your property and keep your family safe.