Content updated: September 16, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Fence building, exclusion, trapping and chemical repellents are common methods used in groundhog control.
  • Using chemicals to poison a groundhog is not recommended because they aren’t always effective, they can be dangerous to pets and children, and the law may prohibit it in your area.
  • Fumigants (toxic gas) are often used to eliminate groundhogs in underground burrows, but it’s important to leave it up to a professional and not attempt it yourself.
  • If a groundhog dies on your property, it can leave a foul smell, attract other animals and insects, and can be challenging to clean up.
  • If you have groundhogs on your property, contact a pest control professional to remove them safely and effectively.

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Chemicals with toxic effects aren't something the average person should handle. Despite the damage that can be done by groundhogs (also known as woodchucks) digging up your yard, it’s not advisable to take matters, or potentially toxic chemicals for that matter, into your own hands.

Fence building, exclusion, trapping and chemical repellents are common methods used in groundhog control, however these methods may not be effective. In fact, there are many reasons why using chemicals or groundhog poison for groundhog control isn’t recommended.

Take the following factors into consideration:

  • Placement of chemicals. Putting potentially toxic chemicals in your yard can lead to exposure of unintended targets, including pets, children and other wildlife. Pest control professionals, on the other hand, are adept at identifying the most effective methods for targeted pest control.
  • The law. Groundhogs are considered game animals in some states, which means special permits may be required to kill them using any method including groundhog poison. It may also be illegal to use other types of chemicals on groundhogs including rat poison and mothballs.
  • The aftermath. The death of a groundhog on your property may lead to a foul smell as it decays. This could subsequently require a costly clean-up to properly dispose of the carcass.
  • Effectiveness. Chemical control alone may not be effective, leading to additional work needed to remove groundhog pests.
  • There are currently no chemicals registered specifically for controlling groundhogs. Therefore, you may be taking a gamble as to whether or not this method of removal would work and potentially wasting time and money on a product that lacks a guarantee.

Methods Used for Controlling Groundhogs

Fumigants (toxic gas) have been used to help get rid of groundhogs. However, it’s important that only trained pest control professionals use this method. In some cases, fumigants are only available to licensed pest control operators due to their potential toxicity. Fumigants are used to eliminate groundhogs in the underground burrows created by groundhogs. Instead of putting yourself at risk, let the professionals help free you of any potential danger associated with controlling groundhogs.