
While Punxsutawney Phil gets all the glory on Groundhog Day, the reality is that most groundhogs are more pests than prognosticators. These burrowing rodents can wreak havoc on your yard and even damage your home’s foundation. As they emerge from hibernation and begin breeding season, it’s time to learn how to identify, understand, and, most importantly, deter these digging dynamos.
Understanding Groundhog Behavior: More Than Just Shadow-Seers
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are true hibernators. They enter a deep sleep in late fall, drastically reducing their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing to conserve energy throughout the winter. Unlike some other “hibernating” animals, groundhogs won’t rouse easily, even if disturbed. They typically begin to stir in February, emerging to assess the weather and find mates. Breeding occurs in late February to early March, with young (called pups) born in April.
Identifying a Groundhog Burrow: Look for the Mound
Groundhog burrows are easily identified by their large main entrance (6-12 inches in diameter) marked by a distinctive mound of excavated dirt. They also create multiple smaller escape entrances, so keep an eye out for these as well.
Tricky Tunnels: The Complexity of a Groundhog Burrow
Don’t underestimate the engineering skills of a groundhog! Their burrows are surprisingly complex, extending up to 65 feet long with multiple chambers and tunnels. These underground homes feature:
- Hibernation Chamber: Lined with grass for a cozy winter sleep.
- Nursery Chamber: Where pups are raised.
- Waste Chamber: A designated area for, well, you know…
- Turning Chamber: A larger space that allows them to turn around within the tunnels.
- Escape Routes: Extra chambers and tunnels to confuse predators.
To create these elaborate burrows, groundhogs are powerful diggers. They use their strong front legs and mouths to remove an average of 275 pounds of soil and rocks!
The Destructive Side of Digging: How Groundhogs Can Damage Your Property
Groundhogs often build their dens near structures like fences, foundations, sheds, and porches, seeking added protection. This is where the trouble begins:
- Foundation Damage: Their extensive tunneling can weaken the ground beneath foundations, leading to warping, sagging, and erosion.
- Utility Damage: Groundhogs have been known to chew on underground utility wires and pipes while digging.
- Garden Damage: They are notorious for raiding gardens, devouring produce and damaging plants.
Evicting Unwanted Tenants: How to Get Rid of Groundhogs
Dealing with groundhogs requires a multi-pronged approach. Here’s how to reclaim your yard:
- Remove Hiding Spots: Groundhogs love cover. Eliminate brush piles, tall grass, and lawn debris to make your yard less appealing.
- Harvest Promptly: Pick your fruits and vegetables as soon as they ripen to avoid attracting hungry groundhogs.
- Repel with Scents: Groundhogs dislike strong smells. Try castor oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, or herbs like catnip, lavender, mint and oregano around your garden and burrow entrances. While generally effective, success with repellents can vary, and they need to be reapplied regularly.
- Predator Deterrents: Predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine (available at garden supply stores), can be effective deterrents. Apply it around burrow entrances and areas you want to protect. Reapply regularly, especially after rain. Note: Effectiveness can vary, and some products may be more effective than others.
- Fencing: A sturdy woven wire fence can deter groundhogs, but it must be at least 3 feet tall and buried 1 foot deep to prevent them from digging underneath. You can also bend the top portion of the fence outward, away from the area you are protecting, to make it harder for them to climb over.
- Trapping: Live trapping is often the most effective way to remove groundhogs. However, it requires proper baiting (using things like cantaloupe, sweet corn, or lettuce), trap placement (near burrow entrances), and knowledge of local regulations. Some areas may require permits for trapping, and there may be specific rules about releasing trapped animals.
Groundhogs can be stubborn and challenging to remove, especially if an extensive burrow system is present. If DIY methods fail, or if you’re dealing with a large or persistent infestation, consider calling Modern Pest Services. We have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively trap and remove groundhogs, as well as advise you on long-term prevention strategies. Don’t let groundhogs undermine your home and garden.