Groundhog Control: Fencing and Trapping Strategies

Groundhogs (woodchucks) devastate gardens quickly. In north Georgia, they're common and persistent. Exclusion and removal are the only reliable controls.

Effective Fence Design

• Height: 36 inches above ground.
• Buried depth: 18 inches, bent outward in an L-shape.
• Material: Heavy-gauge welded wire (1×2 inch mesh or smaller).
• Post angle: Slant posts 10° outward—discourages climbing.
• Top deterrent: Add electric strand or loose top wire.

Trapping Alternative

Hire a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper. Live trapping and relocation is regulated—check Georgia DNR rules. Conibear traps (lethal) require certification. Professional removal is safest and most legal.

What Doesn't Work

Repellents, fumigants, scare devices—groundhogs habituate quickly. Habitat modification (removing brush piles, sealing burrows under structures) helps but won't stop a determined feeder.