A Guide to Groundhog Poisons: Types, Safety Measures, Alternatives, Effectiveness and Potential Risks Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can cause significant damage to gardens, yards, and crops. To effectively control groundhog populations , many people turn to groundhog poisons. In this article, we will explore the different types of groundhog poisons, safety measures when using them, alternatives to consider, their effectiveness, and potential risks and precautions to be aware of.