The Lakewood groundhogs are relatives of the squirrels. They can weigh as much as 14 lbs and they have long and coarse fur. They prefer to build their den in large and open space and they can be found from the areas of Alabama up to the plains of Alaska. They will be active during the summer months, munching on different herbaceous plants in order to increase their body mass. They can eat as much as 1 pound of vegetable in one sitting.

Ways to Protect Your Garden from the Groundhogs

The Colorado woodchucks are known for their insatiable hunger. They will eat at least 1/3 of their total body weight daily. Contingent upon the size of the colony, they can decimate your garden in no time. Some of their favorite delicacies include squash, beans, carrot, broccoli, lettuce, and peas. They will eat incessantly in order to store excess fats that can help them survive their long hibernation period. In order to keep your garden protected, here are some of the effective ways to do it.

Scare Tactics

Groundhog will rather flee the site in case they think that there is a presence of danger. They are shy Lakewood creatures and will retreat back to their burrows if there is something unfamiliar in their environment. You may want to introduce noisy or moving items in your garden. However, keep in mind that this is just a short-term result. You will have to combine it with the different exclusion methods to completely get rid of the infestation.

Fencing Method

Groundhogs can jump over and dig under the fence. You will need to consider this when surrounding your vegetable garden with fence. When using a chicken wire or hardware cloth, it should be 6ft in height at the very least. The fence should be buried at least 1 foot deep. This will deter the digging of the woodchuck. Attach this to the post to ensure its stability. This should be bent away from the garden to thwart the creature from climbing over the fence. 

Trapping and Relocation

Relocation can only be used if this is allowed in your state. If possible, we recommend you to use live traps that enable you to capture them without harming the poor creature. Proper placement of the trap is essential. It should be at least 5 ft. away from their burrow. The bait that you should use should also be the fruits or vegetables that are available in your yard. This will increase the success of trapping the woodchuck. After capturing them, you will have to release them in a place where they will not cause any damage. Be sure to wear protective gears to keep safe from their bites and claws.

Proper maintenance of your landscape is also effective in preventing the creature from establishing their burrows in your Lakewood yard. Be sure to clear the piles of brushes and woods that they can use as covers. In case none of these works, it is time for you to hire the service of the professionals.