Looking for the best groundhog repellent or deterrent?
Then you’re in the right place!
You will learn the following from our professional product review:
- How repellents and deterrents work to deter groundhogs
- How to use a groundhog repellent to keep them away from your property
- The typical lifespan of deterrents and how long they will last you
Continue reading to get the full spectrum of information about groundhog repellents!
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. He manages Pest Strategies now helping homeowners around the world!
Best Overall
Best Service
I Must Garden Anumal Repellent
Features
- All natural ingredients
- Easy to use granules
- Non-toxic
Rabbit and Groundhog OUT
Features
- Contains essential oils
- Smells good
- Relatively waterproof
ELLASSAY Ultrasonic Mole Repellent
Features
- Lasts up to four days on one solar charge
- Holds up well to adverse weather conditions
- Safe and effective rodent deterrent
Exterminator’s Choice Rodent Defense Small Animal Repellent and Deterrent
Features
- Easy to apply
- All-natural ingredients
- Good smell
Bonide Animal Repellent Granules
Features
- Works for most small animals and rodents
- Easy to apply, comes in a shaker bottle
- Eco-friendly
Table Of Contents
Groundhog Repellents/Deterrents We Reviewed
Short on time? Take a look below for the top 5 in our list. Otherwise, check out our buying guide.
- I Must Garden Groundhog Repellent
- Rabbit and Groundhog OUT
- ELLASSAY Ultrasonic Mole Repellent
- Exterminator’s Choice Rodent Defense Small Animal Repellent and Deterrent
- Bonide Animal Repellent Granules
But first, you can watch this video to understand why groundhogs are so hard to get rid of!
What Is a Groundhog Repellent or Deterrent?
A groundhog repellent or deterrent is exactly what it sounds like. It can be a spray, granule, or ultrasonic device which keeps groundhogs, also called woodchucks, away from certain patches of land. Many people use them around their garden, outdoor sheds, vegetables, or other potential targets.
But before you decide to target your groundhog problem with repellents, double check that groundhogs are really the pests that you’re dealing with.
How Do Repellents Work?
After you ensure that groundhogs are the problem, you have to choose the right repellent. Most repellents which are sprays or granules, produce an odor which is unpleasant for groundhogs.
The animal will smell it and be deterred from approaching the plants beyond the barrier. Some also contain materials which are toxic when ingested and could hurt the groundhog, like ammonia.
An ultrasonic deterrent is different. These small devices supposedly emit a high-pitched sound on a frequency humans can’t hear. It’s extremely unpleasant and groundhogs will avoid them as much as possible.
Chemical vs. Ultrasonic
The main difference between these two options are the inherent risk for the groundhog or the plants near the repellents. Chemicals are more effective but some can be harmful to animals and humans. Sometimes they will leave toxic byproducts behind as well.
Ultrasonic repellents or deterrents are more expensive but don’t include toxic elements. However, scientists are still undecided about whether they actually work or not, which can be bad news for the homeowner who invests in one.
These repellents use noise or ultrasonic pulses in the ground to scare away groundhogs.
What Are the Risks of Repellents?
As with any repellent, there is always the risk of chemicals being ingested or sinking into the soil in the area where it is applied. Nowadays, a lot of deterrents are non-toxic, but users should always be wary of ingredients like ammonia.
There is also a chance that the groundhog will ignore the deterrent. If this happens, then your garden and plants are still at risk of being eaten. Most pest control experts recommend trying a different repellent in this case or spraying some type of pepper spray on plants that are being nibbled.
How to Use a Repellent
Most repellents come with instructions that should be followed to the letter. Failing to do so can result in unintended and unpleasant consequences, such as ingesting toxic chemicals or even attracting a different form of wildlife. For instance, coyote urine might bring different visitors to the yard.
As with most outdoor pest control products, be sure to read the instructions and follow them carefully.
Know Your Enemy
One of the most important steps to using any form of repellent or deterrent is to know your groundhog’s habits. If you have a creature that really likes your vegetable garden, than the repellent needs to be near that area.
Read also: What do groundhogs like to eat?
If your friendly neighborhood woodchuck constantly digs under the garden shed, then the deterrent should be placed there instead.
Do Groundhog Repellents Work?
Groundhog repellents are a mixed bag. Some of them work, but others don’t seem to have the desired effect. The most common reason for a deterrent not working is that the woodchuck itself is simply too determined or tenacious to be stopped by a spray or noise.
If this is the case, consider looking into a groundhog trap to catch the persistent pest.
Read also: What are other methods of getting rid of groundhogs?
How Much Does a Deterrent Cost?
Most woodchuck deterrents are relatively inexpensive. Almost all products contain multiple uses and are guaranteed to last for at least two weeks to a month.
Some ultrasonic repellents will be more expensive, but they last closer to six months.
I Must Garden Groundhog Repellent
I Must Garden Animal Repellent is a repellent that uses granules to keep groundhogs and other plant-eating pests away. The granules are long-lasting and weather-resistant.
This repellent is non-toxic and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or poison. It utilizes natural ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and the environment
This groundhog repellent comes in a container and can be sprinkled around the yard safely. A single container weights 2.5 lbs and can be used multiple times.
The Good And The Bad
- The repellent is non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Each container possesses multiple uses
- The repellent is long-lasting
- The deterrent smells pleasant
- Not all groundhogs will be affected
Rabbit and Groundhog OUT
Rabbit and Groundhog OUT is an easy-to-use spray that utilizes essential oils for an effective repellent with a fresh scent. The repellent doesn’t wash away easily and can survive at least one rainstorm.
The Deer Out groundhog repellent comes in a 40 oz. bottle and can be used around gardens, vegetables, and other plants.
This spray is easy to use and requires little to no preparation.
This product is useful to individuals who have pest problems but would like a more natural alternative to traditional repellents.
The Good And The Bad
- The deterrent is inexpensive and comes in a large container
- There are multiple uses per bottle
- The repellent is easy to use
- The deterrent smells pleasant
- Sometimes the bottle nozzle malfunctions
- Some rabbits and groundhogs enjoy the taste
ELLASSAY Ultrasonic Mole Repellent
The ELLASSAY Ultrasonic Mole Repeller kit has four solar-powered stakes to chase away even the most stubborn burrowing rodents. Each solar charge lasts up to four days, and they’re guaranteed to work during worst weather conditions.
The secret is in its unique ultrasonic technology that sends out a pulse every 20 seconds. Humans can’t hear it, but gophers can, and every time they do, it sends them running to another location.
The Good And The Bad
- Lasts up to four days on one solar charge
- Holds up well to adverse weather conditions
- Safe and effective rodent deterrent
- Covers a wide area
- Initial charge may take up to two days
Exterminator's Choice Rodent Defense Small Animal Repellent and Deterrent
Exterminator’s Choice Rodent Defense is a convenient spray designed to repel small burrowing pests like groundhogs, moles, and voles.
This repellent should not affect pets and is environmentally friendly. However, it can stain painted or stained areas.
Due to the size of the spray bottle, this groundhog repellent is ideal for small problem areas.
The Good And The Bad
- The repellent is easy to apply
- All-natural ingredients
- Proper application is long-lasting
- One bottle only covers a small area
Bonide Animal Repellent Granules
Defend your lawn or garden from groundhogs with this strong animal repellent from Bonide. Unlike sprays, the granules in this unique formula are designed to irritate the nasal passages of curious animals gently. Once they get a whiff of these repellent granules, they don’t return. Best of all, humans don’t notice it.
To activate the repellent granules, sprinkle throughout the area and water in. They work for up to two months, are fully biodegradable, and safe for the environment. Bonide Repellent granules work for small and large animals but won’t harm them in any way.
The Good And The Bad
- Works for most small animals and rodents
- Easy to apply, comes in a shaker bottle
- Eco-friendly
- Long-lasting repellent
- May not work as well for larger animals
- Necessary to water in the granules to activate