08/15/2026
Grounghog problem? Here's what to do!
This time of year, groundhogs are dispersing and deciding where to take up residence for the winter, so it's the right time to convince them to move on if they are not wanted.
A lot of people assume trapping and relocating is the answer, but in many places that's actually illegal without a nuisance control permit and you would need permission from a landowner where you want to release it. You'd also be going through the stress of trapping (both for you and the animal), separating families (groundhog moms and female kits often live in family groups), and potentially spreading diseases. How about an easier, kinder solution where you don't have to buy, set, and monitor traps?
Try USED KITTY LITTER in the entrance to the den. That's it. Simply place used litter in any holes you find and the groundhogs will move themselves out and take their families with them. Refresh after every rain event.
Just be aware that prime real estate doesn't stay empty for long... you may end up with a skunk family moving into the empty tunnels (though honestly they are wonderful since they eat termites and ground wasp nests).
If you don't want wildlife in your yard, don't give them the things they need to survive like food, water, shelter, and space. If you're providing those things, you can't be upset about having wildlife live there.
