Groundhog / Woodchuck Control and Removal

Whether you call them groundhogs or woodchucks, they are an annoyance. Groundhogs are destructive to property and plants, and build burrows around and under houses creating dangerously uneven ground.

Habitat

As mentioned, groundhogs build large burrows underground, and they are not picky. Common locations for groundhog burrows are under decks, against your house's foundation, under wood piles or fallen trees, and in or along retaining rock walls. Groundhogs do not stray too far from home. Once they have developed their burrows, groundhogs will only travel within a couple houses of their home in urban areas. Groundhogs are often found sunbathing on decks or in the grass. 

Damage

Groundhogs love to chew. If groundhogs have established a burrow nearby you will notice your deck, deck furniture, and doors have been chewed. Landscaping will be quickly destroyed as they love to eat flowers, plants, grasses, and fruit. Your bird feeder may be enticing since they enjoy bird food as well. The chewing isn't reserved for above ground alone. Groundhogs have been known to destroy water and cable lines underground while excavating for their burrows.
Woodchuck burrow in backyard
Failed animal deck proofing

How Many Groundhogs Do I Have?

Once groundhogs come out of hibernation, their mating season begins. Fortunately, groundhogs will only produce 2-6 babies in the late spring making it possible to control and remove them.

Removal

Gasses and deterrents may cause groundhogs to move temporarily, but they will return. Once they have established their burrow, groundhogs do not move out easily. 

The most effective method for removing groundhogs from your property is through live trapping and relocation. If a groundhog is not removed far enough from your property, it is likely to find its way back. Trapping is reserved to spring, summer and fall, and dependent on their hibernation cycle.

Prevention

A homeowner's best method of protection from groundhogs damaging their property and home is prevention. A top priority should be animal proofing your deck. Wire mesh can be used to keep groundhogs out, but only if installed properly. Bury wire mesh one foot down and one foot out from the base of your deck in an "L" shape.
If you see signs of groundhogs on your property, contact Dave at Anytime Animal Control as soon as possible.

Call Dave at Anytime Animal Control LLC today (248) 895-2687