Vegetables Groundhogs Love to Eat
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are rodents commonly found burrowing in gardens and yards. They are popularly known for their habit of eating fruits and vegetables, and are a major pest that damages crops. But what types of veggies do they prefer? Let’s take a look.
Carrots
Groundhogs are known to feed on tender carrots right out of the ground, especially in areas that have sandy soil. Before harvesting your carrots, check for little dirt mounds and holes in your garden to determine if there’s a groundhog in the vicinity.
Beans:
Groundhogs love eating green beans that are typically found in vineyards and fields. If you’re growing climbing beans such as French beans, it is important to check the plants and ensure they are not snacking on them regularly.
Fruits:
In addition to vegetables, groundhogs also eat various types of fruits, including pears, apples, cherries and huckleberries. These animals love feeding on sweet, ripe fruits and search for them in orchards, home gardens and wild areas.
Mushrooms:
Groundhogs typically prefer white or brown mushrooms that thrive in shady, damp locations. Some of the mushrooms they commonly eat include oyster and puffball mushrooms.
Other than the above, groundhogs also feed on clover and grass. To avoid groundhog damage to your gardens and crops, it is important to install fences around your gardens and check for burrows and mounds of dirt in search of groundhogs.
Precautions When Dealing with Groundhogs:
- Do not approach or try to catch a groundhog, as they can become defensive and may bite.
- Avoid using chemical pesticides or traps to deal with a groundhog infestation.
- To prevent groundhogs from entering your garden, create a fence that is at least three feet deep and two feet high.
- Install exclusion materials such as wooden boards, heavy plastic sheets and adjustable barriers.
By taking these precautions, you can protect your fruits and vegetables from groundhogs and help avoid unnecessary damage to your garden.
