Wildlife Removal Company

Groundhogs and the Problems They Cause for Homeowners

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, may seem like harmless creatures as they scurry across yards, but these burrowing animals can cause significant damage to homes and properties. As expert diggers, they create extensive tunnel systems that threaten structural stability, destroy landscaping, and invite other pests into your yard. If left unchecked, a groundhog infestation can lead to costly repairs and ongoing problems for homeowners.

Common Issues Caused by Groundhogs

1. Structural Damage from Burrowing

Groundhogs are known for their complex burrow systems, which can extend up to 30 feet in length and reach depths of five feet. When these tunnels are dug beneath foundations, decks, sheds, or patios, they weaken the ground’s stability and cause structural shifting or collapse over time.

Some of the most common signs of groundhog-related structural damage include:

• Cracks in foundations and sidewalks
• Unstable porches, decks, or sheds
• Sinking or uneven ground near burrow entrances

If a groundhog burrows too close to a home’s foundation, it can create voids in the soil, leading to costly repairs to stabilize the structure.

2. Damage to Lawns and Gardens

Homeowners who take pride in their landscaping often find groundhogs to be a major nuisance. These animals are herbivores with an appetite for fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Their feeding habits can quickly destroy a well-maintained garden, while their burrowing leaves unsightly mounds of dirt throughout the yard.

Signs of groundhog damage in gardens and lawns include:

• Chewed-up plants, flowers, and vegetables
• Large holes and dirt piles scattered across the yard
• Destroyed shrubs and tree roots from gnawing

3. Increased Risk of Flooding and Erosion

Groundhog tunnels disrupt the natural flow of water in a yard. Their burrows can redirect water runoff, leading to erosion, standing water, or even basement flooding if they dig too close to a home’s foundation. This can create long-term drainage issues that require professional intervention.

4. Attracting Other Pests

Groundhog burrows don’t just serve as a home for the animals themselves—they also provide shelter for other pests. Abandoned burrows can become a nesting ground for:

• Skunks
• Raccoons
• Opossums
• Snakes

These animals can introduce new problems, such as spreading disease, damaging property, and further digging into a yard.

5. Risk of Biting and Disease Transmission

Although groundhogs are generally shy and avoid human interaction, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. If cornered or handled improperly, a groundhog may bite or scratch in self-defense.

Additionally, groundhogs can carry diseases such as:

• Rabies – Although rare, groundhogs can transmit rabies through bites or scratches.
• Ticks and Fleas – Their burrows often become infested with parasites that can spread to pets and humans.
• Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or soil.

How to Prevent Groundhog Damage

1. Seal Off Entry Points

If a groundhog is burrowing near your home, sealing off access points can prevent them from digging under foundations, decks, and sheds. Installing L-shaped barriers made of mesh or hardware cloth around vulnerable areas can help keep them out.

2. Modify the Landscape

Removing groundhog attractants from your yard can deter them from settling on your property. This includes:

• Keeping grass and vegetation trimmed
• Removing woodpiles, brush, and debris
• Installing gravel or concrete around structures to make digging difficult

3. Use Humane Trapping and Removal

If a groundhog is already living on your property, professional wildlife removal services can safely trap and relocate the animal in compliance with local laws. Groundhogs are protected in some areas, so it’s important to follow proper removal procedures.

4. Install Fencing

A well-built fence can help keep groundhogs out of gardens and yards. The fence should:

• Be at least 3 feet high
• Extend 12 inches underground to prevent burrowing
• Have an outward-angled top to prevent climbing

5. Use Deterrents

Motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, and natural deterrents (such as garlic, castor oil, or predator urine) can discourage groundhogs from settling in an area.

When to Call a Professional

If groundhogs have already caused damage or continue to return despite prevention efforts, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. Experts can:

• Safely and humanely remove groundhogs
• Identify and seal off burrowing sites
• Provide long-term exclusion solutions to prevent re-entry