You get rid of woodchucks in the garden by fencing them out and trapping, since woodchucks are strong diggers and eat a wide range of plants. Woodchucks burrow and can clear a garden quickly. Here is what works.
- A buried fence is the most reliable protection.
- Woodchucks dig and climb, so the fence must be buried and tall.
- Trapping removes the animal, where legal.
- Repellents have limited effect.
Fence the Garden
A wire fence buried deep and bent outward at the bottom, with the top floppy or angled, keeps woodchucks out. Woodchucks dig and climb, so the fence must address both.
Bury the fence deep. Woodchucks dig under fences, so bury the bottom or bend it outward.
Trap the Woodchuck
A live trap baited with fresh vegetables, fruit, or peas, placed near the burrow entrance, works. Check state rules before trapping and relocating. Still deciding whether to handle this yourself? My DIY vs. pro quiz asks five questions and gives you a straight answer.
Remove Cover
Woodchucks need cover near their burrow. Remove brush piles and keep the area near the garden clear, so the woodchuck has no place to hide.
Why Repellents Fail
Woodchucks are not strongly deterred by scent, so repellents rarely stop a hungry woodchuck from a garden. Fencing and trapping are the reliable methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
A buried wire fence with a floppy top is the most reliable protection. Trapping removes the animal, where legal.
Yes, woodchucks are strong diggers. Bury the fence deep or bend it outward at the bottom.
They eat a wide range of vegetables, fruit, and plants, and they can clear a garden quickly.
They have limited effect, since woodchucks are not strongly deterred by scent. Fencing and trapping are more reliable.
