What to Do If You Discover a Tunnel Beneath Your Garden Shed
A Hidden Tunnel Can Signal a Bigger Problem
Spotting a hole or tunnel beneath your garden shed can be surprising—and sometimes concerning. What looks like a small opening may actually be the entrance to a much larger underground network created by burrowing animals.
Besides wondering what creature might be living there, homeowners often worry about possible structural damage. Tunnels can weaken the soil under a concrete slab, which may eventually cause cracks, shifting, or uneven sinking.
Addressing the issue early is the best way to avoid larger and more expensive problems later. By identifying the animal responsible and taking steps to stop further digging, you can protect both your shed and your yard.
Step 1: Identify the Animal
The first step is figuring out what animal created the tunnel. Several species dig underground homes, but groundhogs (also called woodchucks) are one of the most common animals found near sheds and outdoor structures.
Groundhog burrow entrances are usually 6–12 inches wide and often have a mound of freshly dug soil nearby. Their tracks may also be visible around the opening. Groundhog footprints typically measure 2–3 inches wide and show five toes.
However, groundhogs aren’t the only animals that dig tunnels. Skunks, raccoons, and armadillos may also create burrows beneath buildings.
If you’re unsure what’s living there, placing a motion-activated trail camera near the entrance can help reveal nighttime activity and identify the animal safely.
Step 2: Understand Why Animals Choose Sheds
Garden sheds provide several features that burrowing animals find attractive.
The concrete base and walls offer protection from predators and harsh weather. The soil beneath the structure usually stays dry, making it a comfortable place for animals to build tunnels.
Nearby gardens, grass, and plants also provide an easy food supply. With shelter and food in one location, the area becomes an ideal habitat.
Groundhog burrows can be surprisingly complex, often including multiple chambers used for resting, raising young, and storing waste.
Understanding why animals choose these locations can help you prevent future problems.
Step 3: Check for Structural Risks
Even a small hole could lead to a larger tunnel system underground. Groundhog burrows, for example, can extend 8 to 60 feet long and reach depths of up to five feet.
As animals remove soil while digging, the ground supporting the shed may weaken. Over time this could cause:
Cracks in the concrete slab
Uneven flooring
Doors that suddenly stick or won’t close properly
Gaps between the shed base and surrounding soil
Spotting these warning signs early allows repairs before serious structural damage occurs.
Step 4: Use Temporary Barriers
Once you locate the tunnel entrance, taking quick action can help limit further digging while you decide on a long-term solution.
Some temporary methods include:
Placing large rocks or paving stones over the hole
Covering the opening with heavy-duty wire mesh (hardware cloth)
Burying mesh at least 12 inches deep around the entrance
These barriers won’t remove the animal immediately, but they can discourage further excavation and reduce damage.
Step 5: Encourage the Animal to Move On
Burrowing animals prefer calm, undisturbed environments. Making the area less comfortable may encourage them to relocate naturally.
Possible deterrents include:
Motion-activated sprinklers that startle animals when they approach
Predator scent repellents
Wind chimes or vibration stakes near the burrow entrance
These humane methods focus on making the location less appealing rather than harming wildlife.
Step 6: Consider Live Trapping
If deterrents don’t work, live trapping may be necessary.
Traps designed for medium-sized animals—roughly 12 × 12 × 32 inches—are often used for groundhogs. Place the trap close to the main burrow entrance and bait it with foods like:
Continue reading on the next page…