Want to prevent groundhogs from damaging your property? Learn an effective method in this article on how to catch a groundhog with a milk jug.
This trapping method with a simple home item is an excellent and convenient solution to the problem of damage caused by these fuzzy animals. Find out how to do everything from setting up a trap to relocating the captured groundhog the right way, step by step.
What Is The Best Bait To Catch A Groundhog?
When trying to trap a groundhog, choosing the appropriate bait is critical. Certain foods are preferred by these herbivores. Here are some humane and efficient bait options:
- Fresh Fruits
The delicious smell of fresh fruits attracts groundhogs. Apples, in particular, are popular. Apple slices or whole apples can be used as bait. - Vegetables
Groundhogs enjoy vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and lettuce. Place these near the trap’s back to entice the groundhog to enter. - Cabbage or Broccoli
Cabbage leaves or broccoli can be enticing. The strong smell might attract groundhogs to take a peek at the trap. - Peanut Butter
Because of its powerful fragrance, a spoonful of peanut butter can be an effective bait. Spread it on a piece of apple or bread and lay it on the back of the trap. - Corn on the Cob
Corn is a favorite snack of groundhogs. An ear of corn on the cob can be beneficial as bait, particularly during the warmer months when corn is in season. - Commercial Groundhog Bait
Commercially available groundhog baits are specifically made for them. These baits are frequently made out of grains, seeds, and other attractants. - Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are known to be popular among groundhogs. To entice them, place a handful near the back of the trap. - Grain Blend
A grain mixture, such as oats and barley, can also be appetizing. To entice the groundhog, scatter them in and around the trap.
What Does Groundhog Damage Look Like?
Groundhogs, often known as woodchucks, can destroy lawns and gardens. Here are signs that a groundhog has been there:
- Burrows
Groundhogs dig very large tunnel systems. Look for big, round exits to burrows that have dirt that was just dug around them. The burrows can be up to several feet deep and have more than one opening. - Chewed Plants
Groundhogs eat plants, so those are their food sources. Check for signs of leaves, stems, and flowers that have been chewed, especially on fruit, veggie, and flower plants. - Gnawed Trees and Shrubs
Groundhogs like to chew on the bark of young trees and bushes. Damage and poor health of the plants can happen because of this. - Crop Damage
Groundhogs can do a lot of damage to plants in parks. Look near the ground for fruits or veggies that have been eaten partway through. - Tunnels and Piles of Dirt
When groundhogs burrow, they dig holes under the ground. It’s possible for this to make the ground uneven, and you might see hills of dirt around the exits to dens. - Holes in the Grass
When they are looking for food, groundhogs may make small holes in the grass. Even though these holes aren’t as big as burrow openings, they can still be ugly. - Damage to the fence
Groundhogs can climb, and they may try to get over or under walls by climbing or digging. Check the fence for signs of damage, especially where it meets the ground. - The presence of droppings
The droppings of groundhogs are generally round and about the size of an olive. Their activity can be shown by droppings, even though they are not as obvious as holes or plants that have been chewed on. - Trampled Vegetation
The groundhog is not a sneaky hunter. They might walk through flower beds, leaving a path of flattened plants, as they look for food.
Read also:Â Thrilling Facts About the Groundhog Poop
How To Catch A Groundhog With A Milk Jug
A clever and humane way to catch a groundhog is to use a milk jug as a trap. A milk jug can be used in this easy do-it-yourself way to catch a groundhog:
What You Need
- Empty and clean plastic milk jug
- A tidy pair of scissors or a tool knife
- Bait (like peanut butter, fresh fruits and veggies)
- Strong rope or string
- A strong stick or dowel
What To Do
1. Make a hole in the milk jug
A tool knife or scissors can be used to make a hole near the top of the milk jug. Allow the groundhog to get through, but don’t make the hole so big that it’s easy for the animal to get out.
2. Put the string on
Make two holes on opposite sides of the top of the milk jug. Put strong string or twine through these holes to make a handle for the trap that you can use to open it.
3. Set the trap with bait
Put tasty food inside the milk jug. You can use fresh fruits, veggies, or a mix of the two. You can also make it look better by spreading peanut butter on the inside.
4. Set the Trap
Place the milk jug trap near the groundhog’s burrow entrance or along a road it likes to use. Make sure the trap faces the direction the groundhog is most likely to come from.
5. Prop the Jug
Hold the milk jug at an angle with a strong stick or dowel to make a ramp going to the door. The groundhog can get into the trap more easily this way.
6. Wait and Watch
Keep a close eye on the trap. They are cautious, so it might take them a while to get in. Wait, and keep checking the trap often.
7. Lift and Move
To carefully remove the milk jug from the trap once the groundhog is inside, use the handle made by the string. Get the groundhog that was caught to a good place to go.
Read also:Â What Does a Groundhog Look Like?
How Do You Attract A Groundhog?
Attracting groundhogs requires properly putting fragrances and goodies. The smell of fresh fruits like apples or veggies like carrots and broccoli can work. Peanut butter on apple slices or bread attracts with its powerful smell. Corn on the cob, sunflower seeds, and commercial groundhog bait with grains and seeds are other alternatives.
These snacks can attract groundhogs by being placed near burrows or along their paths. Groundhogs are cautious, but with patience and attention, you may build an atmosphere that attracts them.
Read also:Â What Is The True Meaning Behind Noticing a Coyote Poop?
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to move the animal or reduce the amount of damage it’s causing, trapping a groundhog may be a simple and gentle operation.
Using a milk bottle serves as a simple and humane trap. Keep in mind that humane groundhog trapping requires time, expertise, and consideration for the animal’s welfare before attempting the task.
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