How to Get Groundhogs Out From Under a Shed (and Keep Them Out)
Step-by-step guide to removing groundhogs safely and preventing them from returning to your property.
Why Groundhogs Choose Sheds & Decks
Safe Shelter
Sheds and decks provide underground burrows protected from predators like foxes, coyotes, and hawks.
Food Nearby
Yards with gardens, vegetable patches, or landscaping provide abundant food sources within easy reach.
Raising Families
Groundhogs need secure burrows to raise their 4-6 young annually. A shed is the perfect family home.
The Humane Removal Process
Identify All Entry Points
Look for holes under or around your shed that are 2-4 inches in diameter. Groundhogs often have multiple burrows, so check around the entire perimeter. Fresh dirt mounds, disturbed soil, or visible tunnels are signs of activity.
- ✓ Check under shed foundations
- ✓ Look along fence lines and deck posts
- ✓ Inspect areas with soft soil (easier to burrow)
Install One-Way Doors (Humane Exit)
Place one-way exclusion doors at the main burrow entrance. These allow groundhogs to exit but prevent re-entry. Leave them in place for 7-10 days to ensure all groundhogs have left.
- ✓ Secure doors with felt or tape to prevent entry
- ✓ Keep doors in place for at least 7 days
- ✓ Monitor for new entry holes during the exclusion period
Seal All Openings Permanently
Once groundhogs are gone, seal every opening with ¼-inch hardware cloth or galvanized steel mesh. Bury it 12 inches deep to prevent groundhogs from re-digging underneath.
- ✓ Dig trench 12 inches deep around shed perimeter
- ✓ Use hardwire cloth, not plastic netting
- ✓ Secure mesh with stakes or bolts every 12 inches
DIY vs. Professional Removal
DIY Approach
✓ Pros:
- ✓ Saves money on labor
- ✓ You control the timeline
- ✓ Good for early-stage problems
✗ Cons:
- ✗ Requires monitoring & verification
- ✗ Easy to miss entry points
- ✗ Risk of incomplete sealing
- ✗ Time-consuming (7-14 days minimum)
Professional Removal
✓ Pros:
- ✓ Complete within 1-2 visits
- ✓ Experts find all entry points
- ✓ Guaranteed permanent sealing
- ✓ Humane trapping & relocation
✗ Cons:
- ✗ Higher upfront cost
- ✗ Schedule depends on availability
Prevention Tips to Stop Groundhogs Before They Arrive
Remove Food Sources
- 🚫 Clear fallen fruit from trees
- 🚫 Fence or enclose vegetable gardens
- 🚫 Remove pet food dishes at night
- 🚫 Trim or remove clover and plantain
Install Underground Fencing
- ✓ Bury fencing 12+ inches deep
- ✓ Extend 6-12 inches above ground
- ✓ Use ¼-inch hardware cloth or metal fencing
- ✓ Secure all seams and corners
Remove Cover & Shelter
- ✓ Trim tall grass and weeds
- ✓ Prune low-hanging shrub branches
- ✓ Remove woodpiles and brush
- ✓ Keep deck and shed areas exposed
Seal All Gaps
- ✓ Use hardware cloth under sheds before groundhogs arrive
- ✓ Seal gaps between deck boards and ground
- ✓ Cover crawlspace openings with mesh
- ✓ Check for new holes regularly
Groundhog Removal Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Day 1 | Locate all entry points and assess damage |
| Exclusion | Days 2-3 | Install one-way doors at entry points |
| Monitoring | Days 4-10 | Watch for activity, ensure all groundhogs have left |
| Sealing | Day 11+ | Seal all holes with hardware cloth 12 inches deep |
| ✓ Complete | 2-3 Weeks | Problem solved. Groundhogs cannot return. |
Ready for Professional Help?
Stop the groundhog problem fast. Professional trapping, humane removal, and permanent sealing guaranteed.