Woodchuck Trap – Humane Wildlife Removal

What do you need to trap a woodchuck?

A woodchuck, also known as a groundhog, is a rodent and type of ground squirrel. Although these small and cute creatures are harmless to humans, they still pose a nuisance to homeowners and farmers. This is due to their diet (they will eat commonly grown garden vegetables) and the areas they make their homes (digging burrows and disturbing building foundations and ponds).

The most effective way to remove woodchucks from your property is to use a live trap. Here is a list of the equipment you will need to trap and remove a woodchuck:

Purchase a woodchuck trap

It’s important to purchase the correct size trap for the woodchuck you want to remove, a trap will be ineffective if it is too small. Woodchucks average in size between 16.5-27 inches so you will need a trap that ranges between 32-42 inches in length to allow room for the woodchuck to enter.

Now you know the size of the trap, you need to decide between a single or two-door model, both are effective.

1-Door: favored by professionals, easier for larger animals to enter, can place bait further from the door.
2-Door: higher catch rate due to dual entry, fewer escapes.

Bait

An un-baited trap is practically useless so you will need to place food in it that woodchucks like in order to lure them safely into the trap. Popular and effective options include vegetables and fruits they have likely been eating from your garden such as lettuce, cantaloupe, sweetcorn, string beans, and strawberries.

It’s important that you place the bait in your trap correctly. For 1-door traps position the bait at the far end away from the door. For 2-door traps position the bait in the center between both doors.

Camouflage for the trap

Woodchucks, like most rodents, are wary creatures and may not be easily lured into a baited cage trap on its own. The harsh and shiny metal of the trap looks unnatural and an animal is unlikely to enter an area they do not deem safe. The best way to make your trap look more inviting is to use natural camouflage. Use natural items you can find around the area that you are planning on placing the trap, such as branches, twigs, leaves, grass, and dirt.

A good tip is to wet your trap and rub dirt and mud into it before proceeding to use natural camouflage to completely cover it. However, make sure nothing is under the door or trigger plate otherwise the woodchuck may not be securely trapped and there will be a higher possibility of escape.