Released July 13, 2007

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Ralph called. It seems a groundhog had discovered his cantaloupe patch. He was wondering how to go about eliminating the problem.

It doesn't matter if you know it as a groundhog, woodchuck, marmot or whistle pig, we're still talking about a solitary dwelling mammal that happens to be the largest member of the squirrel family. Groundhogs are often spotted during an early morning or evening drive as they waddle along the roadside in search of lush vegetation.

As Ralph can attest, groundhogs enjoy any of the various fruits and vegetables produced in gardens. Never straying too far from home, a garden or other food source growing near a brushy habitat where burrows are located can be considered at risk. Groundhogs are pretty smart, which Ralph learned on numerous occasions as this particular one circumvented the various devices employed to deter his appetite.

Cooperative Extension Service groundhog control fact sheets often refer to ‘camouflage traps' and ‘keen sense of smell and hearing' to note various reasons why this large rodent continues to remain a nuisance in many urban, suburban and rural areas.

If you happen to catch a groundhog, they have been noted as being tasty fare.

Ralph and I discussed the recommended options: fencing, poison baits, trapping and repellents, but it seems he has tried every suggestion at least once. I found it interesting to note that Ralph had become captivated by this rodent's uncanny ability to outwit him at every turn.

I finally asked, "Ralph, have you tried salt? Assuming that I was onto something, he asked, "Do you mean I should just sprinkle it on the ground?" "No" I replied. "Just set a saltshaker out by the melon patch. This groundhog is going to get your melons anyway, so he might as well enjoy them!"

For more information about ridding your property of pests, contact your county extension agent. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/july2007/0713seay.htm

By Robert Seay, Benton County Extension Agent

Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207, ljames@uaex.edu