How to install an L-footer hardware cloth barrier to stop groundhogs

Updated 2026-02-09

Direct answer

The most reliable DIY way to stop groundhogs digging under a deck, shed, or fence is an L-footer barrier: attach sturdy wire mesh (hardware cloth or heavy welded wire) vertically to block access, then bury a horizontal mesh “apron” extending outward. Groundhogs typically dig at the edge—when they hit the hidden apron, they can’t tunnel under and usually move on.

Quick reference

Situation	Best move	Why
Digging under deck/shed edge	L-footer barrier around perimeter	Stops “dig-under” at the exact attack point
Digging under a fence	Mesh attached to fence + outward apron	Prevents tunneling under without needing extreme depth
Suspected active burrow nearby	Confirm activity / resolve animal issue first	Sealing too early can trap an animal or create new exits
Soft spots / settlement near structures	Exclusion first, then backfill/compact repairs	Fixing soil before exclusion often leads to repeat digging

What’s going on

Groundhogs and similar digging animals usually start at the edge—right where the structure meets the soil—because that’s the easiest spot to widen into a tunnel. Simply burying mesh straight down can still fail if the animal backs up and digs farther out. The L-footer works because it blocks both the entrance and the “dig-under” path.

Vertical section: blocks access under the edge.
Horizontal apron: stops tunneling underneath even if they dig at the base.
Fasteners matter: if the mesh isn’t secured, animals can push or pull it loose.

What to do (safe order)

Confirm you’re not sealing an active burrow. If a burrow is active, handle removal/exclusion first—don’t trap an animal inside.
Pick the mesh. Use sturdy galvanized hardware cloth or heavy welded wire. Avoid thin chicken wire for digging animals.
Plan your layout. You’re creating an “L” shape: a vertical face plus an outward underground apron.
Dig a narrow trench along the edge. Aim for a trench roughly 10–12 inches deep where practical, and wide enough to lay an outward apron (commonly 12–24 inches).
Attach the vertical section first. Fasten mesh to the deck skirt, shed base, or fence with appropriate screws/washers or staples (depending on material). Overlap seams and fasten them together.
Lay the apron outward. Bend the mesh at a right angle and lay the horizontal portion outward away from the structure.
Backfill and compact. Add soil in layers and tamp it so it doesn’t settle into a trough that becomes a “dig here” cue.
Close off gaps and corners. Corners are weak points—use extra overlap and secure them tightly.
Monitor for a week. Look for new digging attempts along the edge; reinforce any spots that show activity.

Common mistakes

Sealing while active: can trap an animal or force a new exit somewhere else.
Using chicken wire: it’s often too weak and can be pushed open.
No outward apron: digging animals may simply tunnel under a vertical-only barrier.
Loose seams/corners: gaps and corners are where animals exploit weak points.
Backfilling without compaction: settling creates a trench-like edge that invites digging.

FAQ

What is an L-footer and why does it work for groundhogs?

An L-footer is buried wire mesh laid in an “L” shape: a vertical section blocks entry, and a horizontal apron extends outward underground. When a groundhog tries to dig at the base, it hits the mesh and usually gives up or moves on.

How deep should hardware cloth be buried for groundhogs?

A common DIY target is roughly 10–12 inches deep for the vertical section, with an outward apron extending about 12–24 inches. The key is the outward apron: it defeats the “dig-under” behavior better than depth alone.

What mesh size should I use for groundhog exclusion?

Use heavy-gauge galvanized hardware cloth (often 1/2-inch mesh) or similar sturdy welded wire. Thin chicken wire is easy to deform and is not reliable for digging animals.

Should I seal under a deck or shed if a burrow is active?

No. Don’t seal an active burrow or you can trap an animal inside or force it to create a new exit. Confirm inactivity or resolve removal/exclusion first, then install the barrier.

Can I do an L-footer along a fence line?

Yes. It’s one of the best ways to stop digging under fences. Secure the mesh firmly to the fence and add an outward apron on the ground side where digging occurs.

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.
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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).
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Sources and assumptions

General wildlife-control best practices: durable prevention is primarily physical exclusion (mesh/fencing) plus reducing attractants.
This page assumes typical residential conditions; adapt depth/width based on soil, obstacles, and local code/structure constraints.
Informational only; follow local rules and use humane/legal methods.