If a groundhog is still inside, it will dig a new tunnel to get back out and it could cause more damage than before.
Spread grass seed over the patch of dirt to help regrow the spot in your lawn. If you want to hide the groundhog hole, cut a piece of sod slightly larger than the hole and press it down firmly onto the dirt.
Groundhogs can’t dig through gravel as easily so they won’t be able to reopen the tunnel. You don’t need to fill a groundhog hole with concrete, though (that’s probably overkill).
After you flood the hole, plug it with dirt, sand, or gravel to deter a groundhog from coming back.
Use cantaloupe, sweet corn, or lettuce to attract groundhogs to the trap. [8] X Research source Replace the bait every day or two so it stays fresh. If you don’t feel comfortable moving a groundhog on your own, call your local wildlife department to have someone relocate the groundhog for you.
Look for smoke coming out of the ground, which can indicate another entrance hole. Quickly cut another piece of sod and plug the hole as soon as you can. Fumigation is most effective in the spring when young groundhogs haven’t come out of their burrows yet. Avoid using gas cartridges if the groundhog tunnel goes underneath any sheds, buildings, or other flammable objects since they could potentially ignite. Avoid breathing the fumes since they can cause severe irritation.
Avoid shooting groundhogs if you live in a populated area; it might be illegal, and you could accidentally hurt someone.
Bending the top of the fence helps prevent groundhogs from climbing over. Install an electric wire 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) out from the bottom corner to deter groundhogs even more.
You can also use a motion-detected deterrent that shoots water or makes a noise whenever it senses a groundhog nearby.
You can also try leaving rags soaked in ammonia or castor oil since they have strong scents that groundhogs hate.
You can also try using dried blood meal as a deterrent.
