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 to your landscaping and gardens, they present a unique threat due to their tendency to burrow. 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.
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 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.
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. Call in professionals to trap and remove the animal as soon as possible. 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. After the full situation has been ascertained, you can begin to make any necessary repairs to ensure the safety of your home.
Have an Animal Problem on Your Property? Give Us a Call!
Shumaker’s Animal Control has over 25 years of experience in the animal and pest control field. Whatever your problem, we can help remedy the situation and restore your home (or yard) back to normal. Give us a call at (443) 854-8072 or contact us online today to see how we can help you! For more information on household and neighborhood pests and how to protect your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
