How to Trap Groundhogs

Locating the groundhog's burrow is important because the best place to set up your trap is just outside the burrow hole (at most 5'-10' away from it). You might as well try to get him at the source, rather than hoping to determine the path he'll take to arrive at your garden. Installing guide logs at either side of the path between the burrow hole and the trap will help funnel the groundhog into the trap. Another tactic to make the trap more approachable is to conceal the trap with canvas or vegetation. At the very least, Havahart recommends that you sully a newly-purchased trap, in order to divest it of its gleam.

If trapping in summer, when groundhogs can afford to be choosier about bait, purchase a product called "woodchuck lure" from your local farmer's supply store or trapping supply store. Sprinkle drops of woodchuck lure in a path from the burrow's hole to the trap, enticing the pest in. Apply additional drops of the lure to the bait itself.

If your trap catches an animal, the victim may or may not be the one that you intended to catch. That's part of the beauty of this pest control method: you can encounter some interesting wildlife in the process! When you release an animal from your trap, exercise caution, no matter how small the animal. Remember, the animal at this time is in an extremely agitated state. Its actions will not be entirely predictable. Bear in mind also that a rodent who can chew through wood could deliver a serious bite to your hand!