Groundhogs, sometimes called woodchucks, might look like harmless, chunky little neighbors lounging in the grass, but they can cause real damage once they move onto a property. These burrowing animals thrive in open fields, gardens, and yards, creating intricate tunnel systems that extend several feet underground. They dig with determination, hollowing out large chambers that serve as nests and escape routes. While their engineering skills are impressive, those same tunnels can undermine foundations, crack sidewalks, and weaken decks or sheds.
A single groundhog can shift hundreds of pounds of soil while tunneling. That means lawns become uneven, roots lose stability, and structures above those burrows start to sag. Their constant gnawing doesn’t help either. They chew through roots, garden plants, wires, and even wooden beams. When the population grows or multiple dens appear, the destruction expands quickly. Understanding how they live and what attracts them is the first step to knowing why removal is often necessary. They’re most active during daylight hours and prefer spots where food and shelter are abundant. If a homeowner notices mounded soil, large entry holes roughly the size of a grapefruit, or low, chattering whistles near dusk, it’s time to take action before their colony deepens.
The Problems These Rodents Create
Groundhog burrows might appear like small inconveniences, but they create more complications than many realize. The biggest concern is structural weakening. Their extensive tunneling can cause patios, retaining walls, and even small outbuildings to lean or crack. In agricultural settings or large gardens, these animals destroy crops and ornamental plants by feeding on stems, roots, and vegetables. They also gnaw bark from young trees, leaving them vulnerable to disease and decay.
There’s also the matter of secondary wildlife. Empty burrows often attract other animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes that move in once the original occupant leaves temporarily. That can lead to a revolving door of pests. Groundhogs are territorial, and when one sets up a burrow, others stay nearby, forming multiple tunnel networks across a single property. The more dens that appear, the greater the chance that water drainage and soil stability will suffer. Over time, what starts as a few holes turns into a series of underground chambers that can stretch far beyond where they’re visible on the surface.
It’s not only physical damage that causes concern. Groundhogs can introduce parasites such as fleas and ticks into yards. Pets or children playing outside may carry those pests indoors, compounding the problem. While they don’t pose a direct physical threat, their digging and chewing habits disrupt the balance of outdoor areas that people work hard to maintain. Once they settle in, getting them to leave without professional help becomes a major challenge.
Why We Achieve Consistent Results
Removing a groundhog requires a careful approach because they’re clever and persistent. They can relocate quickly, memorize escape routes, and rebuild their dens in just a few days if left unchecked. Our process starts with a detailed inspection of the property to locate every entry and exit hole. Identifying the full extent of the burrow system helps determine the best control strategy. In some cases, humane trapping is used to capture and relocate them to a more suitable environment. This method ensures that the animal is handled properly while preventing it from returning to the same spot.
Beyond removal, the most important part is exclusion, making sure new groundhogs can’t come back. That often involves sealing entry points with sturdy materials such as galvanized mesh or buried fencing, at least a foot or two below the surface to stop future digging. Once the tunnels are closed, any remaining voids in the soil need to be filled and compacted to prevent collapse. It’s also helpful to clear vegetation close to foundations and eliminate food sources like fallen fruit or accessible vegetable patches, which naturally draw them in.
Long-Term Prevention And Maintenance
Once the unwanted invaders have been removed, prevention becomes the key to keeping them away for good. Routine checks for new holes around fences, sheds, and decks help catch early signs of re-entry. Even small gaps can signal the start of another burrow. Keeping grass trimmed and removing tall weeds or brush makes the area less appealing to them, as they prefer cover for protection. Installing barriers such as buried wire mesh around gardens can also reduce access to food sources.
Another overlooked aspect is habitat modification. If there’s easy access to lush vegetation or compost piles, groundhogs find plenty to eat. Managing those attractants can dramatically cut down on visits. Homeowners who keep bird feeders near the ground may also unknowingly feed them, so raising or relocating feeders often helps. Groundhogs are drawn to stability, meaning that if an area remains undisturbed, they’ll consider it ideal for nesting. Occasional activity around the yard, gardening, light maintenance, or rearranging storage items can subtly signal that the area isn’t the best long-term spot to settle in.
Groundhogs might appear charming at first glance, but they bring serious challenges once they establish themselves on a property. Effective control depends on recognizing the signs early and responding with thorough removal and prevention strategies tailored to each location. At Bug Off Exterminators, our goal is to protect your property from damage caused by these persistent burrowers through detailed inspection, professional removal, and modifications geared towards long-term prevention. If you suspect groundhogs have moved into your yard or want to take measures to discourage future intrusions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Groundhogs
Q1. Do Groundhogs Hibernate, And What Happens During That Time?
A1. Yes, groundhogs are true hibernators. When cold weather sets in, they retreat to their underground dens and lower their body temperature dramatically to conserve energy. Their heart rate slows to just a few beats per minute, and they live off stored body fat until spring. This deep sleep can last several months, depending on the region and temperature. Once the weather begins to warm, they emerge to rebuild their tunnels, search for food, and start the breeding season.
Q2. What Do Groundhogs Eat, And Why Do They Choose Certain Yards?
A2. Groundhogs are herbivores that enjoy a diet filled with grass, clover, flowers, and vegetables. They especially love tender plants like lettuce, beans, and peas, which often makes gardens their favorite dining spot. Yards with dense vegetation or easily accessible produce provide an ideal feeding ground. They also prefer areas with soft soil for digging and plenty of cover from predators. When both food and shelter are available, they see that space as perfect for nesting and raising young.
Q3. How Do Groundhogs Communicate With Each Other?
A3. Groundhogs use a mix of vocal sounds, body language, and scent marking to communicate. They whistle or chirp to alert others of danger, especially when predators are nearby. During mating season, they use low grunts and subtle movements to signal readiness or establish territory boundaries. They also leave scent trails from special glands to mark their burrows and familiar paths. These signals help them recognize each other and maintain distance when necessary, which reduces conflict within their territory.