How To Catch A Groundhog With A Milk Jug? (7 Easy Steps)

Wondering, If there are Easy Steps To Catch Groundhog With a Milk Jug? Well Yes, Groundhogs can create a real nuisance to you if they live in your backyard. Therefore, it is very important to know how to catch a groundhog. There are many ways to do it. Some of them are harmful and others are harmless. And the good news is I am going to tell you to remove the groundhog safely from your backyard with the help of a MILK JUG!

Before telling you how to catch a groundhog with a milk jug, let me tell you some basics about groundhogs –

• Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks.
• They are large rodents most commonly found in the northern side of the United States.
• They love to eat plants.
• Groundhogs are certified experts (ha ha) in digging tunnels.
• Because of this, may find these issues –  eaten crops and gardens, collapsing concrete because of digging, and large burrows around the house

How To Catch A Groundhog With A Milk Jug (7 easy steps)

Here are the steps on how to catch a groundhog with a milk jug –

Step 1 – Find/identify the groundhog

Many individuals get confused over a groundhog and a gopher. In case you are confused about what a groundhog looks like, here is the description of its looks –

• Groundhog length – 16’’ – 20’’
• Groundhog height – 8.7’’ – 11’’
• Paddle tail
• Balck paws
• Groundhog weight – 5 to 13 lbs
• Brownish grey fur all over the body

Step 2 – Get the milk jug ready

Take a milk jug that is not that transparent. This way, the groundhog will think it is a part of their hole. Once to find the right milk jug, fill it up with water.

Step 3 – Locate the new burrow

Here, you need to find out the burrow where the groundhog is currently living. I know it is a bit tough because all holes look similar to each other. However, it is important.

If you find more than one burrow in your backyard, find the fresher one that has a visible hole. This is where your enemy is living. For your information, a fresh burrow has around 8’’ large opening holes.

Step 4 – Place scents that they dislike

Place the scents like flowers, herbs, and plants that groundhogs dislike on the opening of its hole so that it comes out immediately when you are ready to catch him with a milk jug.

Step 5 – Placement of the milk jug

Once you know the exact hole, you are ready to catch him. You just need to take the jug close to the hole and place it upside down. This way you are just trying to extend the hole.

Once you place it properly, make sure the hole’s opening is closely intact with the mouth of the milk jug. This way, when the groundhog tries to come out of the hole, it will go inside the jug. While placing the jug, make sure it has water inside it. Without it, the technique would not work properly.

Step 6 – Flip the jug instantly

Once you have inserted the jug in the hole and applied scents that a groundhog hates, it will take less than 30 seconds for the creature to come out of the hole and get inside the jug.

After you see it on the edge, immediately flip the milk jug and put the lid on. This way you are successful in catching the groundhog.

Step 7 – Disposing of the groundhog

The best way is to dispose of the groundhog away from human living. While taking it for disposal, ensure you cover the milk jug with a cloth. This way the groundhog would not be afraid. Now, you just need to take the milk jug to the ground and open the cap of the jug.

5 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Groundhogs

1. Castor oil – Pour castor oil around and in the hole to discourage the groundhogs. However, make sure they are not in the hole while you are applying castor oil. Otherwise, they will stay in the burrow.
2. Lavender – Plant Lavender around your garden. Its smell offends the groundhogs and they avoid going to those areas where they find lavender plants. They also hate the smells of chives, basil, mint, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Epsom salt – you can sprinkle Epsom salt around the burrow entrance to keep the groundhogs away. If you are annoyed with groundhogs eating your plants, then place a tin plate with Epsom salt on it near the plants.
4. Garlic – Crush garlic and keep the paste around the place you want the groundhogs to stay away. Their tiny noses cannot handle such a strong smell.
5. Hair clipping – Your local hair clipping can prevent groundhogs because they do not like human scent. To keep the hair clips in place, place them in a mesh bag and keep them safely near the groundhog’s burrow.
6. Cayenne pepper – Just pour some cayenne pepper near the groundhog’s burrow. You can also buy it in bulk to create a small pile in front of the burrow. When it is windy or rainy out there, you need to reapply it. Groundhogs can’t handle the cayenne pepper smell and the heat it produces.
7. Soiled cat litter – Used cat litter can do wonders in keeping groundhogs away from your home. Just pour the used cat litter on one entrance to the burrow. Groundhogs will consider it as if a predator is around. It will automatically leave the borrow from the other hole.

Final words

Now you have an idea about how to catch a groundhog with a milk jug. It is an easy way to do it yourself in reality. It will not cost anything to you except an empty milk jug. And it works best.

You need a lot of courage to catch this creature with your hands. Therefore, a milk jug is here to rescue you from the little groundhogs. You can find it anywhere easily.

After catching him, it is your decision where to release the creature. I believe rather than killing it mercilessly, you must release it somewhere far away from the area so that he cannot come back.

I hope you enjoyed the article. I will be back soon with more iterating and informative pieces of writing. Till then, stay connected. Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for catching a groundhog?

The best bait for catching a groundhog –

• Place the trap near the burrow.
• Bait the trap using peanut butter, sunflower seed, corn, cantaloupe, etc.
• Wait for the groundhog to get trapped

What is irresistible to groundhogs?

Purdue University says that cantaloupe is the most irresistible thing for a groundhog. Moreover, it is the best bait for attracting groundhogs. You just need to cut cantaloupe into 2-inch cubes and rub the juice and apply it all over the trap.

What is the best time to trap a groundhog?

Groundhogs are usually active in the morning and late in the afternoon. Therefore, you can freely set up the trap in the evening to catch an unwanted creature. Groundhogs neglect humans because of their scent and if the trap has your scent, they will ignore it as well.

What is a groundhog’s favourite food?

Groundhogs’ favourite foods include –

• Peas
• Alfalfa
• Lettuce
• Clover
• Beans
• Soybeans
• Plantain
• Broccoli