Woodchucks Deterrent – Humane Wildlife Removal

Do high pitch sound deterrent machines work against woodchucks?

Many ads and retailers will boast that these devices will solve your woodchuck problems, however, they don’t seem to be very effective. They work by emitting a harsh and irritating high pitch sound that is undetectable to human ears. However, the woodchucks may be discouraged at first, most customers of these devices have found that they become accustomed to it and eventually ignore it. Pet owners have also complained that it affects their animals. Some of these high pitch sound deterrent devices even cost a hefty sum.

Overall, it is not worth purchasing a high pitch sound deterrent machine to repel woodchucks from your property. Instead, it may be worth trying some of these tips:

Woodchuck repellents

Fencing

Apply fencing to your garden or any vegetable/fruit patches to prevent them from entering and eating your food or damaging your property. This is a cheap and easy to install option, make sure the fence is tall and difficult for woodchucks to climb. Also, set it deep into the ground otherwise they will easily be able to burrow under it.

Offensive smells

Woodchucks are repelled by strong and harsh scents. These can be used to spread or spray on your plants and property and even around their burrows. Here are some effective examples:

Garlic (crushed and spread around areas you want to discourage them from visiting, around their burrows).
Common herbs (mint, sage, basil, chives, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Sprinkle in areas you want to discourage them).

Lavender (plant near vegetable and fruit patches and around the edges of your property).
Cayenne pepper (mix with water and spray onto plants/vegetables/fruit they like eating. Repelled by the smell and spicy taste).
Pet hair clippings (the smell of a possible predator should repel them. Sprinkle it around your property and in areas of plant and vegetable growth).

For woodchucks that have made your property their home and have not been discouraged by any of the other tactics, it may be time to purchase a live trap. With a live trap, you will be able to safely and humanely catch and relocate woodchucks to a more desirable area. These are fairly cheap and effective but will take patience to use as you are unlikely to catch one instantly.

Remove attractants

If you can, remove the plants the woodchucks are attracted to eating. Also cut down or trim dense areas of plant foliage to discourage them from eating it or using it as cover from predators. If there is an abandoned burrow nearby fill it with stones or gravel to prevent another woodchuck from moving in.