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Facts about groundhogs and groundhog removal.
Groundhogs typically weigh up to 13 pounds and can have a body length of up to 20 inches, with a bushy tail that can be up to 7 inches long. They have brown fur that can vary in shade, with darker feet and lighter underparts. As herbivores, groundhogs primarily feed on grasses, green plants, fruits, and the bark and buds of trees. They eat heavily in summer and early fall to accumulate fat reserves for winter hibernation. Groundhogs are diurnal, being most active during the early morning and early evening. They are solitary animals, except during the spring mating season or when a mother is raising her young.
Groundhogs are true hibernators, entering a deep sleep state during the winter months, with their body temperature and heart rate significantly decreasing. Groundhogs are known for their extensive burrowing habits, with burrows that can be up to 66 feet long and include multiple chambers for sleeping, raising young, and waste. Their burrowing activities can be a nuisance to farmers and homeowners due to the potential damage to crops and structures. Mating season begins in early spring after hibernation, with mothers giving birth to 2-6 kits. The young groundhogs stay with their mother for about two to three months before becoming independent.
Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada, celebrated on February 2nd. According to folklore, if a groundhog sees its shadow on this day, it predicts six more weeks of winter. If not, it indicates an early spring. Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog associated with this tradition, although the accuracy of his weather predictions is only about 39 percent.
Use a livetrap, which is humane and allows for safe groundhog removal. The trap should have an opening of at least 10 inches wide and about a foot tall. There are two varieties of live traps. The conventional one-door trap with a trigger system in the back, sometimes known as a “pan”. This trap works by putting food behind the pan, requiring the animal to cross over to activate the trap. The second trap is a walk-through trap. This trap features a trigger system in the middle, so there is no need to bait it. Simply position the trap over the animal’s burrow and use a cone attachment to direct them into the trap if they attempt to re-enter or leave.
Trap Placement Set the trap at the entrance to the groundhog’s burrow or in areas where they usually seek for food, such as a garden.
Baiting the Trap Groundhogs are herbivores, so use fresh vegetables or fruits as bait. Strawberries, peas, lettuce, sweetcorn, string beans, and my personal favorite Cantaloupe are effective.
Cover the trap with tarp to keep the groundhog calm during transportation.
Wear heavy gloves when handling the trap to protect yourself from bites or scratches.
Relocate the Groundhog at least 5 miles away.
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are fascinating creatures, but they can become a nuisance if they decide to make your yard their home. These animals are known for their excellent digging abilities, creating extensive burrows underground. If you suspect that groundhogs are living in your yard, it’s essential to look out for specific signs to confirm their presence. Identifying these signs early can help you take steps to address the situation before it escalates. In this context, we will explore some of the most common indicators that you have groundhogs residing in your yard.
Large tunnels in your yard, typically near a tree, fence, or building foundation, which can be up to 12 inches wide.
Groundhogs cause damage to plants in the garden and around the area by eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and weeds.
The main opening of a groundhog burrow is 10 to 12 inches wide, often with a mound of dirt in front, and may be located near a tree base, building foundation, or fence.
Groundhogs are diurnal, so you may observe them during daylight hours, especially in the early morning and early evening when they are most active.
You may hear distinct sounds such as whistling, squeals, barks, and clicks, which are forms of groundhog communication.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely that groundhogs have taken up residence in your yard.
If you notice any of these signs you may want to consider hiring a professional for groundhog removal.
It’s important to address the issue, as groundhogs can cause significant damage to gardens, landscaping, and even structures due to their burrowing habits.
Groundhogs are generally not considered dangerous to humans. They are mostly herbivorous animals that prefer to avoid human contact and are known for their burrowing habits rather than their aggressiveness. However, there are certain circumstances under which groundhogs can pose risks to humans, pets, and property. Though ground hogs themselves aren’t dangerous the real risk comes with their home. (burrows)
Groundhogs carry out extensive burrowing activities that can cause structural damage to buildings, undermine foundations, and harm agricultural areas.
Animals burrowing under structures, landscapes, and natural habitats can lead to a variety of concerns. Removing groundhogs is crucial if they burrow under the foundation. Groundhogs, known for their burrowing habits, can cause significant damage to the structure of buildings by undermining the support of foundations. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent potential structural failures and ensure the integrity of your property.
Undermining Foundations: Burrowing animals can cause long-term damage to the foundations of homes, potentially compromising structural integrity.
Damage to Concrete and Asphalt: Animals that burrow under concrete slabs, sidewalks, driveways, and roads can cause these structures to crack, shift, or collapse, leading to costly repairs.
Disruption to Agricultural Lands: Burrowing can damage irrigation systems and lead to soil erosion, negatively affecting crop yields.
Vanishing Varmints prides itself on assisting our customers to the fullest extent of our capabilities. Our team holds valid licenses and has undergone thorough training to address every situation effectively.