What to Put in a Groundhog Trap

Trapping groundhogs can be an effective way to manage their presence in your garden or yard. However, the success of a trap often depends on the bait you use. By selecting the right foods and setting up the trap correctly, you can humanely and efficiently capture groundhogs. Here’s what to put in a groundhog trap to achieve the best results.

Choose Their Favorite Vegetables

First and foremost, vegetables are one of the most effective baits for trapping groundhogs. Groundhogs have a strong preference for fresh produce such as carrots, lettuce, and sweet potatoes. These vegetables mimic their natural diet, making them highly attractive to the animal. Place the bait at the center of the trap to ensure the groundhog steps fully inside before triggering it.

Add Sweet Fruits for Extra Appeal

In addition to vegetables, sweet fruits can increase the trap’s appeal. Groundhogs are particularly fond of cantaloupes, apples, and berries. The sweet aroma of these fruits helps lure them from their burrows. For maximum effectiveness, cut the fruit into smaller pieces and scatter a few outside the trap to guide the groundhog toward the bait.

Incorporate Fresh Herbs

To enhance your trap setup, include fragrant herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Groundhogs find these scents irresistible, and combining them with vegetables or fruits makes the bait even more enticing. Using a mixture of their favorite foods increases the likelihood of a successful capture.

Place the Trap Strategically

Lastly, positioning the trap near the groundhog’s burrow or along its regular path significantly improves your chances of success. By choosing the right bait and placing it carefully, you can humanely manage groundhog activity and protect your property.

With the proper bait and setup, trapping groundhogs becomes a straightforward and effective solution to keep your garden safe.