Groundhog traps are great for deterring them from entering your yard, but you need to know what type of bait to use. The best bait for groundhogs is one that contains a lot of sugar. This bait should be placed a few feet away from your home. It will give off the scent of materials and other food supplements groundhogs like. Some of these products are vanilla, nuts, and extracts from cantaloupe.
The bait should be placed at the back of the trap, behind the trigger plate, and as far away from the walls as possible. The bait in a two-door trap should be placed near the middle and should encourage interaction with the trigger plate. It can also be placed directly on the trap trigger plate. Other methods include burying the bait under the trap or hanging it from the top of the trap. Groundhogs often like the smell of decomposing fruit, so fresh fruits and vegetables are good choices.
If a groundhog has already begun to dig a hole in your yard, you should use humane traps. Place traps near burrow entrances, as well as in the garden. Bait the trap with carrots, apples, or broccoli slices. After setting the trap, be sure to monitor the groundhog and catch it if it attempts to escape. You should use an old blanket or similar material to calm the groundhog before using the trap.
If you’re not sure what type of bait to use, try sweet corn. It’s the best way to catch groundhogs without killing them. Sweet corn is also very effective for triggering groundhog traps. Peas are another good choice. You can also use lettuce as bait, since woodchucks are unable to resist lettuce. If your yard has a large woodchuck population, lettuce will work great as bait for trapping groundhogs.
If you don’t have a lot of money or time to invest in setting traps, you can try making a homemade version of sudsy ammonia. It’s simple to make, and it creates fumes that groundhogs can’t stand. To add to the potent scent, you can sprinkle some chopped garlic around your garden. Crushed garlic will also cause groundhogs to flee, and it won’t take long for them to leave your property.
It’s important to choose the best type of bait for groundhog traps, as groundhogs are attracted to nutritious foods, such as vegetables and herbs. Place your trap near their burrow, preferably on a flat floor. Make sure the trap is stable so that it doesn’t tip over when a groundhog enters it. Place soil or plants in the bottom of the trap to prevent it from tipping over.
You can also try using a live cage trap, but this method has a lower success rate. If the woodchuck does get out of your yard, you can relocate it a few miles away. While a live cage trap may catch groundhogs, the woodchuck is far more likely to get away. Groundhogs can cause huge damage to domestic properties, and removing them is the best solution.
