Groundhogs might look harmless with their round bodies and calm expressions, but when they take up residence around homes or businesses, the damage they cause can be extensive. These burrowing rodents, also called woodchucks, are notorious for their digging habits, creating intricate tunnel systems that can extend several feet underground. What might start as a small hole near a shed or deck often expands into an elaborate network that weakens soil and disrupts the stability of structures, fences, patios, and even foundations. Their activity is not limited to one season either, as groundhogs stay active from early spring until late fall, steadily enlarging their burrows throughout those months.
In addition to their digging, groundhogs have a healthy appetite for gardens and landscaping. They feed on vegetables, flowers, and young plants, often reducing weeks of effort to a single afternoon of destruction. For property owners who value their gardens or rely on them for produce, this can be both frustrating and costly. They also chew through wood and other materials while maintaining their teeth, which can lead to damage on decks, siding, and sheds. What’s more, they’re territorial animals. Once one of these critters finds a comfortable spot to live, it’s not likely to leave on its own. Because of these challenges, dealing with an infestation takes more than a quick fix. It requires strategy, precision, and an understanding of the animal’s behavior.
Identification And Understanding
Before any removal can take place, identifying whether groundhogs are truly the problem is an important first step. The easiest signs to notice are the large burrow openings, typically 8 to 12 inches wide, often surrounded by mounds of freshly dug soil. You might also spot worn paths in the grass that connect feeding areas to their burrow entrances. Groundhogs prefer open spaces near wooded areas or thick brush, giving them both food sources and nearby cover. They’re most active during the daytime, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, which helps distinguish them from nocturnal pests.
Their social behavior is fairly solitary, which means each burrow usually belongs to a single animal. However, one female can produce multiple offspring every year, and within a short time, an entire family can occupy and expand the system of tunnels. Over time, this increases the risk of ground collapse and further damage. Understanding how groundhogs behave, when they emerge, what attracts them, and where they prefer to dig is essential to addressing the issue effectively. Without careful evaluation, attempts to remove or deter them may fail, leading to repeated damage and even larger colonies forming underground.
Our Removal Process
Dealing with wild animals is not something that should be approached with guesswork. Our team begins by inspecting the affected area thoroughly, identifying active burrows and determining the scale of the issue. We use proven methods designed to remove the animals efficiently while preventing them from returning. Every property is different, so we assess the location, surrounding conditions, and possible attractants before deciding how to proceed.
Groundhogs are intelligent creatures and can become wary of human activity. Because of this, each situation requires patience and expertise. Our professionals understand the habits that drive their movements and use that knowledge to implement solutions tailored to each property’s unique setup. Once the animals are removed, we focus on prevention. That often includes repairing entry points, reinforcing weak areas around sheds or decks, and offering guidance on reducing conditions that appeal to the intrusive creatures in the first place. These might include managing vegetation, sealing potential denning sites, or modifying landscapes to make them less appealing for burrowing.
Unlike some pests that live indoors, groundhogs operate at ground level and below it, meaning removal can’t stop at surface inspection. The process involves careful observation over time and ensuring no animals remain underground before closing up tunnels. When done correctly, this helps protect lawns, foundations, and other structural areas from future disturbances.
Prevention And Long-Term Protection
Removing the problematic creatures resolves the immediate problem, however, preventing them from returning requires ongoing attention. One of the most effective strategies involves limiting access to areas where they like to dig. Installing barriers along the base of decks or sheds, especially those buried several inches into the soil, can make a major difference. Trimming vegetation and maintaining clear spaces near structures discourages the unwanted rodents from setting up new burrows. It’s also useful to monitor for new signs of activity, especially during spring when they begin emerging from hibernation.
Our professionals emphasize the importance of understanding how groundhogs adapt. They can find new opportunities quickly if favorable conditions remain, so long-term protection often means combining property modifications with continued observation. We’ve found that consistent maintenance, like repairing holes or gaps in fences and keeping food sources out of reach, goes a long way in reducing their interest. Each of these steps adds up to a more durable solution, ensuring the effort put into removal lasts far beyond a single season.
Groundhog infestations can become a serious concern when left unchecked, leading to damage that spreads gradually but significantly over time. Addressing the problem demands experience and attention to detail, along with a solid understanding of how these animals behave. At S&S Professional Wildlife Control Services, our goal is to provide thorough and effective removal while helping property owners safeguard their land from future issues. If you’re dealing with groundhogs or suspect they’ve made a home on your property, don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about how we can help get the animals causing you headaches away from your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Groundhogs
Q1. What Attracts Groundhogs To A Property In The First Place?
A1. Groundhogs are drawn to places that offer both food and shelter. Lush gardens, vegetable patches, and areas with tall grass or thick brush provide easy meals and cover from predators. They also prefer loose soil that’s easy to dig into for building burrows. Properties near wooded areas or open fields are especially appealing since they offer feeding grounds close to safe hiding spots. Eliminating these attractants by maintaining trimmed lawns, securing garden beds, and reducing clutter around structures can make your property less inviting to them.
Q2. Can Groundhogs Cause Serious Damage To Buildings Or Yards?
A2. Yes, groundhogs can cause a surprising amount of structural and landscape damage over time. Their burrows may stretch several feet underground, undermining decks, sheds, and even concrete foundations. In gardens, they can quickly strip plants, chew through stems, and dig up roots. The entrances to their tunnels can also create hazards for people, pets, or lawn equipment. Because of their extensive digging habits, even a single groundhog can compromise soil stability in sensitive areas, making it important to address their presence early.
Q3. Do Groundhogs Hibernate, And When Do They Usually Become Active Again?
A3. Groundhogs hibernate through the coldest part of winter, retreating deep into their burrows where they lower their body temperature and slow their metabolism to conserve energy. As the weather begins to warm in late winter or early spring, they emerge to search for food and reestablish their territory. This is often when new activity becomes most noticeable, with fresh soil near burrow openings or increased sightings during daylight hours. Understanding this seasonal pattern helps determine the best time for prevention and management before populations grow.