How to Find and Safely Fill Groundhog Burrows

Direct answer

Groundhog burrows should only be filled after you confirm they are inactive. The safest approach is to locate all entrances, verify activity has stopped, then fill the tunnels in layers using compacted soil and gravel. Filling too early often leads to odors, collapse, or new exit holes.

Quick reference

• Active burrow: do not fill yet
• Inactive burrow: fill and compact in layers
• Near structures: consider professional help

Why groundhog burrows are tricky to fill

Groundhog burrow systems are larger than most people expect. A single entrance can connect to multiple tunnels, chambers, and emergency exits. If even one entrance is missed, the burrow often reopens.

Burrows near foundations, decks, or sheds are especially risky because collapse or settling can affect structures.

What to do (safe order)

1. Locate all entrances: walk the area and look for large holes (10��12 inches wide).
2. Check for activity: smooth soil and monitor for 24��48 hours.
3. Remove or exclude first: confirm the animal is gone before filling.
4. Fill in layers: alternate soil and gravel, compacting each layer.
5. Finish the surface: grade soil to shed water and reseed if needed.

Common mistakes

• Filling an active burrow with the animal inside.
• Using loose dirt without compaction.
• Missing secondary or hidden entrances.
• Ignoring drainage, which causes soil to wash out.

FAQ

How long should I wait before filling a burrow?

Wait until there is no fresh digging for at least 48 hours. Longer may be needed if multiple entrances exist.

Should I use concrete to fill the hole?

Concrete is usually unnecessary and can interfere with drainage. Compacted soil and gravel are usually sufficient.

Why does the hole keep coming back?

Either the groundhog is still present, not all entrances were found, or the fill was not compacted properly.

Related pages

• How to Find and Safely Fill Groundhog Burrows
  Learn how to locate all groundhog burrow entrances, confirm activity, and fill tunnels correctly to prevent collapse, odors, and repeat digging.
• Do mothballs, ammonia, or ultrasonic repellents work for groundhogs?
  Do mothballs, ammonia, and ultrasonic devices actually work for groundhogs? Learn why these repellents usually fail, what can be risky, and what works instead (exclusion + proper backfill).
• How deep are groundhog burrows and what damage can they cause?
  Learn typical groundhog burrow depth and tunnel layout, the kinds of damage they cause near decks/sheds/foundations, and the safest order to fix the problem.
• How to deter groundhogs and get rid of them safely
  A practical, step-by-step guide to deterring groundhogs, preventing burrows, and knowing when removal or a pro is the best option.
• How to install an L-footer hardware cloth barrier to stop groundhogs
  A step-by-step guide to installing an L-footer (buried hardware cloth) to prevent groundhogs from digging under decks, sheds, and fences—plus common mistakes to avoid.

Sources and assumptions

• General wildlife control best practices: confirm inactivity before sealing burrows.
• Compaction and drainage are critical to prevent collapse and repeat digging.
• Informational only; not a substitute for professional wildlife or structural advice.