See more
How can you tell a groundhog burrow?
Seek out any groundhog burrows on your property - you can identify these by locating their entrances/exits. Burrows generally contain 2-5 entrance holes, each about 6-8 inches in diameter. Groundhogs often hide these holes by digging them underneath vegetation and/or loosely covering them up with leaves and sticks.
How do I know if I have a groundhog in my yard?
Signs of a Groundhog Infestation To be exact, they can burrow tunnels that are up to 12 inches wide. A sign of a groundhog infestation is large tunnels in your yard, typically near a tree, fence, or building foundation. Sizeable mounds of soil will also accompany these tunnels.
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 does a groundhog dig a 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. Typically, they have a burrow in the woods for the winter and a burrow in grassy areas for the warmer months.
What will keep groundhogs away?
Garlic – Crush some garlic cloves and spread the paste around areas of the garden you want groundhogs to avoid. Their sensitive noses can't handle the pungent smell. Lavender – Try planting some lavender around the garden. While it smells lovely to us, groundhogs find it offensive and avoid the areas where it is.
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 do groundhogs come out?
The groundhog is set to come out at approximately 7:20 a.m., CBS News reported. Fans can start watching his habitat much earlier, as the livestream starts in the pre-dawn hours.
How many groundhogs can live in a burrow?
They live alone separately in each of their burrows. Whenever a young groundhog has grown mature, it digs a burrow for itself. Only during mating do two adult groundhogs live together in a burrow.
What month do groundhogs have babies?
The breeding season for groundhogs extends from early March to mid- or late April, after hibernation. A mated pair remains in the same den throughout the 31–32 day gestation period. As birth of the young approaches in April or May, the male leaves the den.
Can you fill a groundhog hole with water?
You simply need to pour the expanding tunnel fill into the groundhog holes around your property and add water: the tunnel fill will expand to fill the opening.
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.
Are groundhogs good to have around?
Soil Aeration. When digging, groundhogs help aerate soil. Roots, like all other parts of the plant, have to respire, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon dioxide. In unturned soil, roots deplete their limited oxygen while CO2accumulates, making it hard for them to 'breathe.
What do you do if you have a groundhog in your yard?
So, how do you get rid of groundhogs? You can use natural repellents, traps, scare tactics, gas cartridges, or your gun to get these furry, hole-digging lovers of vegetables and flowers off your land. Then, take steps (in-ground fencing, for example) to keep them away.
Are groundhogs good to have around?
Soil Aeration. When digging, groundhogs help aerate soil. Roots, like all other parts of the plant, have to respire, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon dioxide. In unturned soil, roots deplete their limited oxygen while CO2accumulates, making it hard for them to 'breathe.
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.
Do I have a groundhog or mole?
Moles do have eyes but they are hidden under their fur. They have no external ears and a short, hairless tail. Groundhogs are much larger with a head and body averaging 16 to 20 inches long and a furry tail that is 4 to 7 inches in length.
How big are groundhog burrows?
Their burrows feature one main entrance hole and up to four other exits, usually located near trees, walls, or fences. Each opening is between 10 and 12 inches in diameter.
Why do groundhogs have holes in their lawn?
Additionally, the presence of woodchuck holes makes lawn care challenging. Expensive equipment may be destroyed, and people working in the yard may be injured. Furthermore, groundhogs feed on plants and garden crops, stunting their growth.
How high should a fence be buried?
Erecting fences can be effective as long as the fence is buried at least 12 inches into and rises about four feet above the ground. If these preventative measures don't work and groundhog holes are still found in the lawn, contact a professional wildlife removal service.
How deep do groundhogs burrow?
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 far do groundhogs move?
It is rare that a groundhog will move more than 0.5 miles from its burrow.
Can Groundhogs Damage Your Property?
Groundhogs are definitely something that homeowners need to worry about. Their tunneling systems might lead to significant damage to your property.
How many entrances do groundhogs have?
All groundhog burrows are laid out in practically the same way. Typically, these burrows will have one and sometimes two main entrances with up to six exits. These entrances look like large crescent-shaped mounds of excavated soil and dirt that’s placed right outside the entrance hole. A groundhog hole will appear roughly ten to twelve inches in diameter. The burrow also has one up to four secondary entrances.
Why are groundhogs called underground architects?
Groundhogs have muscular bodies, powerful short legs, and sharp claws which enables them to dig deep burrows. They accomplish building their burrows extremely well, and this is why they are sometimes called the “underground architects”.
How does urbanization affect groundhogs?
However, as urbanization is affecting the natural habitats of wildlife, including groundhogs, these animals made our towns and cities their home. They are getting more adapted to urban settings, are less and less frightened of humans and keep burrowing even when humans are around.
Are Groundhogs Problematic?
Just like other rodents, the groundhog’s te eth never stop growing. Their two chisel-shaped, long incisors can grow up to 1/16th of an inch per week. To keep these teeth at a reasonable length, groundhogs need to consume a large volume of food to wear their teeth down.
How big are groundhogs?
Adult groundhogs range anywhere from 16 to 22 inches in length and weigh anywhere between five and 13 pounds. Their bodies are compact and chunky, and covered in brownish gray fur with a short tail. Groundhogs have four legs and their front feet also have long, curved claws for digging burrows.
What are Groundhogs?
Groundhogs are also referred to as woodchucks or whistle pigs. They are a member of the squirrel family. There are six species of woodchucks and marmots that occur in the United States. These animals commonly invade cropland and vegetable gardens, eating or destroying vegetables and landscape plants. Although groundhogs are slow runners, they scurry quickly to their dens when they sense danger. The primary predators of groundhogs are hawks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, dogs and humans. However, motorized vehicles kill many groundhogs each year. Keep reading for more groundhog/woodchuck facts, and to learn how to get rid of groundhogs.
Why are groundhogs considered a nuisance pest?
Groundhogs are considered a nuisance pest because they can cause extensive damage to home gardens, farms, orchards and field crops as a result of their feeding and burrowing habits. When burrowing, they have been known to destroy building foundations, create unwanted holes on lawns and cause electrical outages from gnawing on underground wires.
What are the predators of groundhogs?
The primary predators of groundhogs are hawks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, dogs and humans . However, motorized vehicles kill many groundhogs each year. Keep reading for more groundhog/woodchuck facts, and to learn how to get rid of groundhogs. Groundhog Identification Groundhog Prevention Groundhog Education.
Where do woodchucks live?
The most commonly-known woodchuck species, the Marmota monax or groundhog, mainly lives in the eastern part of North America but also extends into the Northwest. The other five species, however, are all located in the West, and have the common name “marmot.” Groundhogs are generally found in open and closed forests and bushy areas. In agricultural areas, they live along creeks, pastures and wooded areas where they can create extensive burrow systems.
When do groundhogs hibernate?
Groundhogs are among the few mammals that enter into true hibernation, which generally starts in late fall near the end of October and continues until late February. Every year on February 2, people around the country celebrate Groundhog Day, a tradition that centers around the idea of a groundhog emerging from its hibernation to "predict" the weather. If the groundhog sees its shadow and returns to its burrow, there will be six more weeks of winter. But, if the animal does not see its shadow, then spring is right around the corner. The Groundhog Day ceremony featuring Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania is the most popular.
Is there a difference between a woodchuck and a groundhog?
There is no difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck. In fact, the terms woodchuck and groundhog are interchangeable.
How much does a groundhog weigh?
Adult groundhogs may weigh as much as 14 pounds, but usually weigh between 11 and 12 pounds. The weight attained by a groundhog at the time it starts hibernation is critical to ensure survival through spring. The minimum weight before hibernation for juvenile males is about seven pounds; for juvenile females six pounds.
How do groundhogs live?
Groundhogs spend most of their time in their underground burrows, which have one main entrance that can be identified by a large mountain of excavated soil immediately outside the entrance hole. The burrow also has one to four auxiliary entrances. All groundhog burrows are basically laid out in the same way. When digging a burrow, the groundhog starts digging inward for several feet, then inclines the tunnel upward for a few feet. After that, digging will proceed horizontally for 15-25 feet. This architectural design will prevent the tunnel from flooding. From the main tunnel, two to three side tunnels are dug, leading to separate areas. 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. The other areas are used as actual dens, used for raising the kits, sleeping and hibernating.
How old are groundhogs when they start to follow their mother?
When they are about twenty-eight days old, their eyes open. At about six weeks of age, the kits are about ten inches long and weigh around eight ounces. They become very active and start to follow their mother. The groundhog mother first emerges from the burrow to check the area carefully for enemies.
Why do groundhogs climb trees?
Occasionally a groundhog will climb a tree to sun itself or to escape a predator, and it is quite funny to observe the groundhog climbing a tree and stretching out on a large branch to enjoy the safety and sun. However, most groundhogs are observed along highways, in grassy areas, meadows, and median strips, eating and always on alert. As more and more habitat is destroyed, these sightings become more unusual. Enjoy nature’s architect while he is still around, enhancing our landscape.
How many groundhogs are born in April?
That is why the breeding season is so short. Thirty to thirty-two days after conception, three to six groundhog kits are born. The one-ounce babies are blind, naked, and completely helpless.
What is the greatest enemy of a groundhog?
As usual, man is the groundhog’s greatest enemy. Most injured groundhogs received by rehabilitators have been injured by dogs, which are their greatest threat. At times, a fox or bobcat may take a groundhog and juveniles are sometimes snatched by a large hawk or owl. A.
When do groundhogs go into hibernation?
In September, ten days to two weeks before going underground for hibernation, the groundhog stops eating and slowly enters hibernation. By mid October, they will be asleep in their burrows and will hibernate through January or early February, when the next cycle begins. Groundhogs truly hibernate.
How big are groundhogs?
Adult groundhogs range in size from 7 to 11lb (3.2 to 5 kg).
What is the main chamber of a groundhog?
The main chamber, the nest chamber, is lined with soft bedding made from dead vegetation. They also have an excrement chamber – basically an underground latrine – and a separate chamber for hibernation. A groundhog den will have at least two entrances so that the residents have a way to escape from predators.
What Do Groundhogs Eat?
Groundhogs mainly eat flowers, berries, and herbs like wild lettuce. When they’re fattening up for hibernation, they can eat as much as 20% of their body weight in a single day. For a human, that would be like eating a large pizza every hour from sunrise to sunset.
Why do groundhogs whistle?
A groundhog will whistle to alert other groundhogs of danger. Photo by: Marumari at the English-language Wikipedia, (cropped / resized by ActiveWild.com) CC BY-SA 3.0
What is the same animal as a woodchuck?
Woodchuck, whistlepig, and moonack are all common names for the same animal: the groundhog ( Marmota monax ).
What are some animals that are related to groundhogs?
Animals Related To The Groundhog. Groundhogs’ closest relatives are their fellow marmots (genus Marmota ). North America has several other marmot species, such as the Olympic marmot and Vancouver Island marmot of the Pacific Northwest, the Alaska Marmot of Alaska, and the yellow-bellied marmot of the Rocky Mountains.
Why are groundhogs so common?
That may be one reason why groundhogs are so common in suburbs and agricultural areas: living near humans keeps them safe from predators. There is one major predator, though, that’s just as comfortable around humans as the groundhog: the coyote.
How to get rid of groundhogs in the ground?
Place the mixture in a garden hose sprayer attachment and spray it in the holes or the areas where you want to deter groundhogs. Applying the spray at least two or three times after a light rain will likely yield the best and most effective results possible.
How to keep groundhogs away from my plants?
Make it a habit to trim back plant that groundhogs may eat or use for cover. As a good rule of thumb, just go ahead and trim back all your plants. This will not only ensure that you eliminate your groundhog problem, but it might just prevent other intruders as well.
What to do if you don't want a groundhog?
Some ways to do this are to get rid of the beans, peas, and melons. These are some of the groundhog’s favorite foods and will draw them in every time.
Can you fill groundhog holes with gravel?
After this, you can start filling those holes with gravel and you’ll be well on your way to completely dealing with your groundhog problem without the assistance of a professional.
Does lavender drive groundhogs crazy?
The best part about lavender is that the smell probably won’t be offensive to you. In fact, you’ll probably like the way it smells, but the groundhog certainly will not.
Do groundhogs have a problem?
Groundhogs are no doubt an important part of nature. There is also no denying that they seem like cute and cuddly creatures, but get one burrowing in your garden or yard and you’ll change your mind right away. Lucky, this is a problem that you can handle on your own with the information above.
Do groundhogs burrow in my yard?
Along with this, groundhogs tend to burrow in places that provide sufficient cover. If you have areas with piles of debris, rocks, and wood, you’ll want to get that cleaned up right away.
