Groundhogs: Cute But Destructive – What Homeowners Need to Know

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, may look harmless as they waddle through your yard, but don’t let their cute appearance fool you. These burrowing rodents can wreak havoc on your property, causing structural damage, destroying gardens, and creating safety hazards. If left unchecked, a groundhog infestation can lead to costly repairs and ongoing headaches for homeowners.

Understanding Groundhog Behavior

Groundhogs are skilled diggers that create complex underground burrow systems. These burrows, often stretching up to 30 feet long, serve as their homes and hibernation dens. While groundhogs are primarily solitary, they reproduce quickly, and their young may establish additional burrows nearby.

Signs of a Groundhog Infestation

Homeowners should be on the lookout for these warning signs:

✔ Large Burrow Openings – Typically found near decks, sheds, garages, or home foundations.
✔ Mounds of Dirt – Fresh soil near burrow entrances signals recent digging activity.
✔ Destroyed Gardens – Groundhogs are voracious eaters, feasting on vegetables, flowers, and plants.
✔ Chewed Wood or Wiring – They gnaw on materials to wear down their ever-growing teeth.
✔ Weakened Structures – Underground tunnels can destabilize foundations, patios, and driveways.

The Dangers of Groundhog Infestations

1. Structural Damage to Homes and Sheds

Groundhog burrows near foundations, decks, and sheds can compromise structural integrity. Their tunnels weaken the ground, increasing the risk of sinking or collapsing areas around your home.

2. Garden and Crop Destruction

A single groundhog can consume an entire vegetable garden in a matter of days. They target lettuce, tomatoes, beans, carrots, and flowers, making them a major nuisance for gardeners and homeowners alike.

3. Landscape and Yard Damage

Burrowing activity creates tripping hazards in lawns, making outdoor spaces unsafe for pets and children. These holes can also damage mowers and landscaping equipment.

4. Attracting Other Pests

Abandoned groundhog burrows often become homes for skunks, snakes, and other rodents, escalating the problem.

Preventing and Removing Groundhogs

✅ Secure Your Property – Install fencing at least 12 inches underground to prevent burrowing near foundations and gardens.
✅ Eliminate Food Sources – Remove fallen fruit, birdseed, and accessible vegetation.
✅ Use Humane Exclusion Techniques – Professional wildlife removal experts can safely evict groundhogs without harming them.
✅ Seal Abandoned Burrows – Once a groundhog is removed, filling the burrow with gravel or soil prevents re-entry.

Professional Groundhog Removal Is the Best Solution

DIY groundhog removal can be dangerous and ineffective. These animals are aggressive when threatened and protected by wildlife laws in some areas. Hiring professionals ensures:

🔹 Safe & Humane Removal – Experts use exclusion methods that comply with legal guidelines.
🔹 Burrow Prevention – Techniques to keep groundhogs from returning.
🔹 Property Protection – Solutions to safeguard gardens, yards, and structures.

Take Action Before the Damage Gets Worse

Groundhogs may seem harmless, but their burrowing and eating habits can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare. If you’ve noticed signs of groundhog activity, don’t wait until the damage escalates—contact a professional wildlife removal service today!