Do Mothballs Keep Groundhogs Away? Groundhogs hate the smell of mothballs, but the truth is, they are just not strong enough to scare these rodents away. ... In brief, mothballs are not a strong deterrence against groundhogs, and you would be wise to use more effective methods, such as trapping or spraying ammonia.

What do groundhogs hate the most?

Their sensitive noses can't handle the pungent smell. Lavender – Try planting some lavender around the garden. While it smells lovely to us, groundhogs find it offensive and avoid the areas where it is. They also dislike the smell of these herbs: basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

What scent will keep groundhogs away?

3. Plants as deterrents. Plants with strong fragrances, such as lavender, will keep groundhogs out of your garden. The Farmers' Almanac says groundhogs also dislike the smell of these herbs: mint, sage, basil, lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, chives and oregano.