Groundhogs may seem harmless, but in the Charlotte area they can quickly become a serious nuisance for homeowners with gardens, landscaping, or crawl spaces. We spoke with Aaron Pollard, district manager serving Charlotte, North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, about why groundhogs become a problem and what homeowners can do to discourage them from taking over their property.
Q: Why are groundhogs considered a nuisance in Charlotte-area gardens?
Groundhogs are primarily herbivores, so one of the biggest complaints we hear from homeowners in Charlotte is damage to gardens and landscaping, They’re constant foragers and will feed on grasses, clover, vegetables, garden crops, and ornamental plants.
Homeowners throughout the Charlotte region often notice damage to leafy vegetables, root crops, beans, and backyard gardens during the warmer months when groundhog activity increases.
But feeding damage is only part of the issue.
Groundhogs are also powerful diggers. Their burrow systems can become extensive and include multiple entrances and escape routes. Over time, those tunnels can weaken soil around sheds, porches, patios, retaining walls, and even home foundations.
In some cases, burrowing can also create hazards in lawns or around crawl spaces common in homes throughout North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.
Q: What natural methods do homeowners commonly use to deter groundhogs?
Once a groundhog becomes established on a property, it can be difficult to get rid of them completely. A lot of homeowners try natural deterrents first, but the challenge is that most scent-based methods lose effectiveness over time and require regular reapplication.
He also notes that homeowners often struggle to identify which burrow openings are actually active.
“Groundhogs maintain several entrances, and some tunnels may no longer be in use. We’ve seen people spend days trying to treat holes that the groundhog abandoned weeks earlier.”
Pollard says these are some of the more common natural deterrents homeowners try:
Epsom Salt
“Some homeowners sprinkle Epsom salt around burrow entrances or garden beds because the strong mineral scent and taste may discourage feeding,” Pollard says. “The downside is that rain washes it away quickly, so it has to be reapplied often.”
Garlic
Groundhogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, and strong odors can sometimes help make an area less attractive. “Garlic-based sprays or crushed garlic around plants and burrows may help temporarily deter activity,” Pollard explains.
Human Hair Clippings
“Human scent can sometimes make groundhogs more cautious,” says Pollard. “Some homeowners place hair clippings in mesh bags around gardens or near burrow entrances to introduce unfamiliar scents.”
Used Cat Litter
Used cat litter is another commonly suggested remedy because it may imitate the presence of a predator.
“But homeowners should be careful with this method,” Pollard warns. “It can create sanitation concerns and may attract rodents or insects. If you’re using deterrents around a burrow, it’s also important not to block every exit completely so the animal doesn’t feel trapped underground.”
Q: What natural deterrent works best?
In our experience, castor oil-based repellents tend to be one of the more effective natural deterrents. They work by making vegetation and soil less appealing while irritating active burrowing areas. Repellents are usually more effective before a groundhog becomes fully established on the property. Prevention is always easier than trying to remove an animal after it’s already built an extensive burrow system
For homeowners in Charlotte and Upstate South Carolina, Pollard recommends a combination approach.
“The best results typically come from pairing castor oil treatments with garlic-based sprays, habitat modifications, and physical exclusion methods like fencing,” he says. “Commercial-grade repellents and professional exclusion work are usually the most reliable long-term solutions when groundhog activity becomes persistent.”