What Do Groundhogs Eat? The Best Bait for Groundhogs and How to Set a Live Trap

Groundhogs—also known as woodchucks—are adorable little critters but also potentially destructive. These balls of fur love to burrow, and their tunnels can cause serious problems for homeowners. Groundhogs can break up foundations, chew through wires, and damage pipes.

If you have a groundhog problem threatening your home, you may have explored the best bait for groundhogs to lure them into traps and then relocate them. But if you don’t know how to get rid of groundhogs, you may not know where to start—and whether this is the best solution. This guide breaks down the different kinds of bait available and the best methods to deal with your problem once and for all.

The Best Bait for Groundhogs

Fresh fruit, vegetables, and greens are good bait options for groundhogs. Groundhogs will be tempted by any of the following foods: 

• Carrots

• Celery

• Corn

• Peas

• Beans

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Blackberries

• Cherries

• Apples

• Cantaloupes

• Lettuce

• Alfafa

• Clovers

• Dandelions

• Daisies

• Red mulberry

• Hackberry leaves

The truth is that different groundhogs have different preferences, so you may need to experiment with different types of bait. If you have an attractive garden, and they seem to focus on eating or destroying one plant over others, that’s likely a good indication of what they prefer.

What may be more important than what bait you choose is where you position it in the trap and where you place the trap itself.

Stop Guessing: It’s Time to Call In a Professional

When taking on this project, expect questions only a pro can answer. With our network of local pros, you'll get the job done and your questions answered—without the hassle and stress of doing it yourself. 

How to Set Up a Live Trap for Groundhogs

Start by contacting your local wildlife and game office for advice on how to handle the situation. They can alert you to any local laws you may have to abide by and let you know if trapping and relocating is an appropriate removal method. Sometimes this isn’t ideal because moving a wild animal to a new and strange area can endanger them.

If trapping is the way to go, make sure you set up your live trap and bait correctly so you don’t have to make multiple attempts. 

Ideal Bait Position

Place the bait in a spot where the groundhog would need to trigger the trap to access the bait. This ensures the woodchuck won't be able to dine and dash.

Ideal Trap Position

If it's an option, place the trap in an area where groundhogs already scavenge for food. Also, place it a few feet from the burrow where they like entering and exiting. If there’s more than one hole (which is often the case), you should probably use multiple traps.

How to Relocate a Captured Groundhog

The groundhog is probably freaking out, so the first thing to do is cover the cage with a blanket to calm it down. Put the cage in your vehicle and take it, preferably at least 20 miles from home.

Remember, this isn’t the ideal method for getting rid of groundhogs. Instead, consider an alternative to trapping and relocating.

Alternatives to Trapping Groundhogs

Instead of relocating problem groundhogs, leaving them far from their home range, and even separating them from a litter that they will desperately search for, consider patiently convincing them to leave on their own terms.

Soak rags in cider vinegar (but not toxic ammonia), put them in their burrows, or blast a radio station and use bright lights at night. Disturb their peaceful environment and make them feel unwelcome. By doing so, you're treating them as humanely as possible.

Why You Should Avoid Using Poison Bait

You can easily find groundhog poison, but this is a problematic idea for dealing with a groundhog problem for four big reasons.

1. The Animal Will Suffer

It may take a groundhog days to die from the poison, inflicting great suffering for potentially a long time.

2. It Could Kill Other Animals, Including Pets

Generally sprinkled on the ground, the poison’s scent attracts animals. As a result, other creatures you didn't intend to harm could die—or, in a worst-case scenario, your beloved pet.

3. It's Hard to Tell If It Worked

Because the poison doesn't work instantly, the groundhog will wander somewhere else to die, so you won't know if the poison worked.

4. The Carcass Will Be Hard to Find

If a groundhog ingests the poison and then wanders somewhere else—like, say, underneath your house—the resulting carcass could stink up your home and attract even worse pests.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Groundhogs?

Another option is to hire a professional to deal with the situation. The cost to remove groundhogs is $175 on average, with a typical range between $150 and $200. But if they’ve caused other damage to your home or yard, don’t forget to factor in repair costs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Consider contacting an animal removal professional near you for a consultation and a quote. If you’re concerned about a humane solution, ask about their groundhog removal approach and what alternative methods they offer.