Groundhog Damage to Your Home or Foundation Groundhogs like to burrow. They can create a network of tunnels below your home that are 45 feet long and five feet deep. These holes can cause significant damage. The problems start with water damage. Groundhog tunnels can cause water to flow directly underneath your home.
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Are groundhogs destructive to property?
The short answer is YES, you should. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage.
Can groundhogs dig into your house?
Even though groundhogs seem to be cute and comical critters, they can actually do considerable damage in yards and in houses when they build dens under residential properties. A groundhog will not only ransack your garden and dig up your lawn, the creature may also burrow under your house.
How do I get rid of a groundhog under my house?
Mix together some ammonia and water, using one part ammonia to every three parts water. Next, add a few drops of non-bleach dish detergent. Then, you simply pour the mixture into the groundhog burrow entrances. The smell of the ammonia should drive the groundhogs away.
Can groundhogs damage concrete?
Groundhog Tunneling Cracks Concrete. From raiding gardens to making ugly holes, groundhogs are a common nuisance animal for many homeowners in the Akron, Canton, and Kent area. Sometimes though, groundhog tunnels can go beyond annoyance and become downright destructive and costly.
How do you get a groundhog to leave?
Epsom salts can be sprinkled around the perimeter of gardens to repel groundhogs. You can also sprinkle the salts near the burrow. 3 Ammonia-soaked rags strewn along the garden perimeter form a stinky barrier, but rain washes away both these smells, necessitating reapplication.
What do groundhogs hate the most?
Groundhogs hate the smell of garlic and pepper. To deter them from ever returning to your garden, crush some garlic and pepper and throw it into their burrows. Do this day after day until they flee. You can also make a garlic and pepper spray to spray your vegetables.
What time of day are groundhogs most active?
Activity: Groundhogs are diurnal (active during the day) from spring to fall. Most activity occurs during the early morning and early evening hours, at which groundhogs emerge from their burrows to gather food.
How do you get rid of groundhogs fast?
Sprinkle blood meal, ground black pepper, dried blood, or talcum powder around the perimeter of your garden. You can try using hair clippings as well. Puree and strain hot peppers and garlic, mix them with water and enough liquid soap to make it stick, and spray it liberally around the garden.
Where does the dirt go when a groundhog dig a hole?
One of these areas is used exclusively as a latrine. The groundhog is a very clean animal and will deposit all its waste in this latrine area. After the latrine is full, the area is sealed off and another latrine area is dug. At times, the groundhog will remove the dried excrement and bury it outside the burrow.
Can groundhogs dig under your foundation?
Groundhog Damage to Your Home or Foundation Groundhogs like to burrow. They can create a network of tunnels below your home that are 45 feet long and five feet deep. These holes can cause significant damage. The problems start with water damage.
How deep is a groundhog hole?
6 feetThey dig burrows that can be 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep, and 20 feet (6 m) wide. These underground homes can also have two to a dozen entrances, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Does Irish Spring soap keep groundhogs away?
Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Groundhogs Away? Irish Spring soap is a great groundhog repellent. It is recommended that you keep the soap in the packaging but drill holes in it so the rain and other elements don't wash away the soap so easily.
Where does the dirt go when a groundhog dig a hole?
One of these areas is used exclusively as a latrine. The groundhog is a very clean animal and will deposit all its waste in this latrine area. After the latrine is full, the area is sealed off and another latrine area is dug. At times, the groundhog will remove the dried excrement and bury it outside the burrow.
How deep is a groundhog hole?
6 feetThey dig burrows that can be 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep, and 20 feet (6 m) wide. These underground homes can also have two to a dozen entrances, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Do groundhogs come out at night?
Do groundhogs ever come out at night? Groundhogs sleep at night and are active during the day because they are diurnal. While they are diurnal animals and the large majority of activity is in the day, they may rarely be seen after dark. So it isn't totally unheard of to see a groundhog out at night, just not common.
How far can groundhogs tunnel?
The burrows can reach up to 50 feet in length but tend to be no deeper than 6 feet. When a groundhog starts building its burrow, it digs inward for several feet, and then it inclines the tunnel upward for a few more feet. After that, it will continue digging horizontally for another 15 to 25 feet.
How many entrances does a groundhog have?
The den of a groundhog can be extremely extensive with up to five main entrances. All of these entrances are about a foot long in diameter, with piles of dirt surrounding the opening. If you are not careful or not looking where you are walking, you might step into a den entrance and injury yourself.
Do groundhogs burrow in fences?
Groundhogs are smart creatures, which means they will commonly burrow near fences and fields . By creating an entrance nearby, the groundhog will have access to any and all plants on your property at any time.
What are the dangers of groundhogs?
How Groundhogs Present A Threat. One of the risks of groundhogs is that they like to burrow under existing structures for added stability and safety. But, with their extensive tunnels, this can threaten the stability of your home’s foundation. If the entrance allows water to seep in, or if the tunnels collapse your foundation may wear away ...
What to do if you spot a groundhog?
What To Do. If you spot groundhogs near your home you should keep a vigilant eye out for evidence of tunnels; one sign will be piles of dirt and holes in your yard. Even if the hole appears to be far from your home, there is a reason to be suspicious.
How do you know if you have a groundhog in your yard?
If you spot groundhogs near your home you should keep a vigilant eye out for evidence of tunnels; one sign will be piles of dirt and holes in your yard. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, may look harmless but these burrowing relatives of the squirrel can actually cause severe damage to your home. Along with the damage they can do ...
How deep are groundhog tunnels?
The tunnels and burrows of groundhogs can reach five feet deep and may total up to 45 feet in length, with as many as five entrances. As you might imagine, if you notice one of these industrious diggers taking up spots near your home you have cause to worry.
Why do you need to inspect your foundation after a groundhog is removed?
Because of the potential for damage, it’s critical that you address the problem as soon as you become aware of it. Once you have the groundhog removed, you will want to call in a professional to inspect your foundation for any damage or risks. This step is critical for preventing further issues.
Can a water tunnel go undetected?
If the entrance allows water to seep in, or if the tunnels collapse your foundation may wear away and begin to crumble causing expensive and dangerous damage. This is all the more troubling as sometimes the tunnels can go undetected for years before they are found, at which point the damage may already be extensive.
Why did groundhogs burrow down against the foundation?
It went unaddressed for sometime; the groundhog – perhaps multiple groundhogs – were allowed to come and go for years. Because the hole opened up against the foundation, this allowed water to seep in.
What happened to the groundhog burrow?
One day, the entire groundhog burrow collapsed. It was only then that the homeowner realized how extensive this burrow was and learned of the degradation to the foundation block. The foundation had actually been undermined and the integrity of the home damaged.
What is a groundhog's burrow?
Groundhogs are known for their large, distinctive burrows. A groundhog burrow can usually be identified by the wide, round opening, usually about the size of a melon. They often have large piles of dirt thrown out around them.
Where do groundhogs dig?
Groundhogs prefer to dig their burrows against structures that provide overhead stability; in Michigan, this usually means around foundations, under sheds and decks, under brick pavers, patios and anything with a concrete slab.
Can a groundhog burrow near a foundation?
The point is, a groundhog burrowing near your foundation is not something to ignore. If you have groundhog problems, especially against your foundation or patio, call Creature Control at 800-441-1519 today. Post navigation. Chronic Wasting Disease Hits Michigan Deer.
How to prevent groundhogs from destroying my lawn?
To reduce the chances of attracting groundhogs, make depriving them of areas with tall grass, tall weeds such as Japanese knotweed, overgrown shrubs, and brush piles part of your landscape maintenance. These will only serve as hideouts for groundhogs.
How to keep groundhogs away from my lawn?
These will only serve as hideouts for groundhogs. Better yet, clear such areas altogether and start a new garden. Groundhogs eat dandelions and clover, so keeping your grass free of these common lawn weeds reduces your chances of attracting groundhogs.
What Exactly Are Groundhogs and How Do They Live?
Groundhogs, or "woodchucks" ( Marmota monax) are rodents indigenous to the eastern U.S. and are most often found where a wooded area meets a clearing.
How to repel groundhogs from woodchucks?
Granular repellents are based on smell: Pour them right into woodchuck burrows and all around the openings. Liquid repellents drive groundhogs away with their taste, instead. Apply them around the garden but not directly onto something that you will be eating, because you won't like the taste, either.
How to get rid of groundhog smell?
If trapping in summer, when groundhogs can afford to be choosier about bait, purchase a product called "woodchuck lure.". Sprinkle drops of it in a path from the burrow to the trap, enticing the pest in. Apply additional drops of the lure to the bait itself.
What to bait a groundhog trap with?
Groundhogs will be more desperate for food. Your bait will be more irresistible than in June when there's plenty of food. Bait your trap with lettuce, peas, etc.
What do groundhogs eat?
Better yet, clear such areas altogether and start a new garden. Groundhogs eat dandelions and clover, so keeping your grass free of these common lawn weeds reduces your chances of attracting groundhogs. Fill in any old tunnels with crushed stone; otherwise, you're rolling out the welcome mat for new pests.
What happens if you dig up groundhogs?
Even worse, their digging may result in significant and costly destruction to structures on your property.
What will happen to the groundhogs in 2021?
2021. General Pest Removal. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can damage your yard. They’re known for digging burrows, but they can also wreak havoc in other ways. It may be clear that you have one or more groundhogs in your yard, but sometimes it’s not so easy to figure out what type of animal is causing destruction.
Can woodchucks get hurt?
In addition, a person or pet who steps in a hole can get injured. If you have a garden on your property, woodchucks may help themselves with your vegetables. If you have fruit trees in your yard, groundhogs may climb the trees to eat the fruit. They may also eat grass and chew on wood.
Can you catch a groundhog?
Don’t try to catch a groundhog yourself. With any type of wild animal, there is a danger that you may get bitten or scratched. It’s best to leave the task of capturing woodchucks to professionals.
Can a groundhog be free rein?
Don’t wait to act. Every day that a groundhog continues to have free rein on your property, it can cause more damage. Contact Anderson Wildlife Control today to get an estimate for groundhog removal services.
Do groundhogs dig holes?
Groundhogs dig burrows where they live. The digging that they do can create numerous problems for homeowners. A long burrow can cause damage to your house’s foundation, a shed, or the driveway. That can lead to costly repair bills if your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover the damage.
Why is it important to remove groundhogs from your property?
Due to the damage they cause, it’s important to remove groundhogs from your property as soon as you notice any signs of their activity . Contact Westchester Wildlife today and let us help rid you of groundhog problems efficiently and safely.
How Do I Tell If You Have a Groundhog Active In Your Yard?
Common signs of damage that indicate groundhogs are active in your yard include:
What Attracts Groundhogs To The Yard?
As expected, the main thing that attracts groundhogs to your yard is food. These animals are herbivores and mainly feed on plant matter.
What Month Do Groundhogs Come Out?
Groundhogs are typically most active during early spring. This is because the weather is usually ideal for them during this time.
How deep do groundhogs dig?
How Do Groundhogs Dig Holes In The Ground? Groundhogs spend most of their time in underground burrows which can be as long as 6 feet deep. These underground burrows usually have dozens of entrances and exits. That is why it is very difficult to trap a groundhog if you lack the necessary knowledge and experience.
Why do groundhogs eat?
Groundhogs feed a lot to gain enough weight that will sustain them during hibernation. Therefore, when they invade, they will eat anything that they come across in order to gain enough weight that will sustain them during the winter season, and in the process, they will leave a lot of damage. That is why you need to be worried when you spot them in your backyard.
What is a groundhog?
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing.
What to do if you get a groundhog in your shed?
After getting the groundhog out from under your shed or porch, you need to take measures that ensure they never get back in there. Besides, you need to repair any damage that may have been caused by the groundhog to the porch; you should probably call in an expert to help assess the extent of this damage and repair the shed or porch. They would also set up preventive checks to forestall a return of the rodents by building fence. Chicken wire fencing is commonly used for this purpose as it is quite economical to build.
How Can You Remove Groundhog's From Your Shed?
Groundhogs and the extensive damage they can cause with their digging habit is a concern for many farmers and homeowners. They are known to be perfect burrowers and they are perpetually digging for grubs.
How to get a groundhog to come to your house faster?
After the groundhog has been caught, transport the cage at least 10 miles away from your house and release the groundhog in a suitable location where it would thrive.
How to catch a groundhog in a porch?
Place the trap on level ground close to the mouth of an identified burrow under your porch and disguise it as much as possible with dirt, twigs, and leaves. Bait it with banana, apple, or vegetables to lure the groundhog in.
How to lure a groundhog in a trap?
Place the trap on level ground close to the opening of an identified burrow near your porch and disguise it as much as you can with dirt, twigs, and leaves. Bait the trap with banana, apple, or vegetables to lure the groundhog in.
What repellents scare groundhogs away?
What repellents do is to scare the groundhog away with an unpleasant taste or smell. Common repellents like mothballs, epsom salt, ammonia, predator urine and so on have been used to evict groundhogs by many people with little success.
Why do groundhogs burrow under the shed?
Read the guide What is the Groundhog's Natural Habitat? They particularly like to burrow under your shed or porch because of shade, relative warmth and a secure roof covering. They also feel safe and out of reach for the predators.
