Updated On

December 31, 2023

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    If you’re interested in learning more about groundhog traps or want to read more about the products we considered, see below! Once you are done reading about traps, check out our guide for keeping groundhogs away.

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    What Is a Groundhog Trap, Exactly?

    A groundhog trap is a device designed to capture groundhogs, also called woodchucks. Most of these traps look like small cages which have a mechanism to trap the animal inside.

    How Do Groundhog Traps Work?

    Most traps have an interior panel, switch, or lever which is activated by the groundhog when they walk inside. Once they activate the mechanism, the door behind the woodchuck swings shut, trapping the creature.

    Just take a look at the video below—it takes less than a minute from start to finish!

    The user of the trap will need to reset the mechanism once they release the groundhog. Most of these devices require the owner to use some form of bait. For groundhogs, it’s possible to use fragrant fruits and vegetables like green beans and watermelon.

    Read Also: What are the best baits for groundhogs?

    What Are the Risks of Using a Trap?

    Trapping a groundhog with regular cages pose little to no risks. The user just needs to make sure they wear proper safety gear when handling the cage that has a groundhog in it, since these animals might use their powerful teeth (called incisors) to harm you.

    Wildlife experts recommend that people wear full gloves, sleeves, and maybe some eye protection.

    Did You Know

    Groundhogs use their powerful front teeth to chomp down on the toughest foods – from carrots to celery, and even tree roots! Be sure to protect your fingers with gloves any time you go near a groundhog.


    Are Traps And Baits Sold Together?

    Even though bait and traps go together as one thought in peoples’ minds, they’re actually two separate products. Buyers will need to purchase their own bait since the traps are sold separately.

    See Also: How to pick the best groundhog baits?

    All of the traps on the list can be baited by simply placing the preferred food inside of the cage beyond a pressure plate or trigger.


    How Much Does a Trap Usually Cost?

    Traps come in a lot of shapes and sizes. Because of the different variables at stake, it’s impossible to nail down a specific price point for each and every trap—that’s almost like asking how much houses cost!

    However, here’s the good news: in our buying guide below, we list up-to-date pricing for each and every product. Be sure to click the links in the product descriptions to learn more about each individual product price.


    Do Groundhog Traps Work?

    In general, groundhog traps do work when set up properly.

    Individuals who use one need to know that it might take several days for the woodchuck to enter. Some animals will also prefer one type of bait over another, so there is some experimentation involved.


    Top 4 Best Groundhog Traps

    In the below section we break down each of our product recommendations in a little more detail.

    1. Havahart 1085 Live Animal Trap (Our Top Pick)
    2. SAFETRAP Animal Trap (Our Second Choice)
    3. HOMESTEAD Live Animal Trap
    4. Ant March Live Animal Cage Trap

    Havahart Live Animal Two-Door Trap

    The Havahart 1045 is one a the most popular live traps on the market, and for good reason: it’s a solid, reliable, and durable trap which gets the job done safely and efficiently. The interior features smooth edges so the captured groundhog or other animal doesn’t hurt itself.

    This trap comes fully assembled upon purchase and requires little to no setup, since the doors on either side just needs to be set. The metal resists rust and is unlikely to corrode, regardless of how long it sits outside in the elements. The wire is thick enough that the groundhog can’t bite through it, despite the strength of their incisors.

    This product features a system of two spring-loaded doors, which make it simple to catch and release the groundhog in a secure location. The trap is secure, and has an external handle so that it can be picked up and the groundhog released safely in a separate location. In addition to groundhogs, you can trap raccoons, opossums, and even feral cats with this trap.

    We recommend this trap to those who are looking for an excellent all-around groundhog trap to use year after year and get the job done right.

    The product is relatively inexpensive
    The trap is not likely to rust or break
    The trap comes pre-assembled
    The user is unlikely to trigger the trap themselves
    The trigger is in the middle of the trap, so the groundhog might be able to back out
    Heavy animals could break themselves out

    SAFETRAP Animal Trap

    The SAFETRAP Animal Trap closes and opens easily for smooth operation. Treated aluminum wiring mesh helps strengthen it. Also, the cage conforms to all wildlife trapping regulations.

    It’s just the right size for groundhogs, squirrels, and chipmunks. It won’t rust or corrode under any weather condition, and it holds up to several years of continuous use.

    The SAFETRAP Animal Trap comes with an aft door for easy release and a micro-sensing trip plate that triggers only when the animal is in the cage.

    Catches a wide range of small animals
    Ultra sensitive trip plate
    Heavy aluminum construction
    Gloves included
    May be too sensitive for larger animals

    HOMESTEAD Live Animal Trap

    With its ample 10″X32″ size, this groundhog trap from HOMESTEAD works well for all kinds of small animals, including:

    • Groundhogs
    • Squirrels
    • Chipmunks
    • Raccoons
    • Opossums

    The sturdy steel design ensures it will hold up after several trapping operations. So, even the most active professionals will get years of use out of it.

    But the homeowner who needs to get rid of groundhogs fast will appreciate its ease of use. Just pull the latch on the reinforced door and set the trap hook.

    With the safety guard plate beneath the handle, you can be assured that the animal won’t bite you during transport.

    In addition, the HOMESTEAD Live Animal Trap’s dual coating provides optimal rust and corrosion protection during all weather conditions. So, you can be sure it will last.

    Heavy steel construction
    Double-coated, corrosion-resistant
    Reinforced door
    Not suitable for armadillo trapping

    Ant March Live Animal Cage Trap

    The Ant March Live Animal Trap offers the latest innovations in animal trapping technology. It features an easy set design, so you no longer have to worry if your trap will go off by itself.

    Also, the trip plate is now simpler to set the bait. Just add your favorite attractant, and you’re all set.

    The Ant March Live Animal Cage also comes with a back door for easy release. With its corrosion-resistant aluminum construction, you no longer have to worry about rust build-up.

    Perfect dimensions for groundhogs and squirrels
    Unique trigger arm ensures trap won’t go off by itself
    Trip plate designed for easy baiting
    Corrosion-resistant construction is completely rust-proof
    May not last as long as some galvanized steel models

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    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Ed Spicer

    Ed Spicer

    Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management.

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