You might not notice you have a groundhog chewing away at your garden until it’s too late.
Groundhogs, otherwise known as woodchucks, don’t actually eat any wood at all. They’re like every other herbivore we interact with within Maryland’s ecosystem–groundhogs thrive off of green stuff. They hibernate, too; you might not notice you have a groundhog chewing away at your garden until it’s too late, and the little guy has eaten all of your prized carrots. Groundhogs can do a surprising amount of damage–read on to find out just how much.
Burrows
Groundhogs burrow under the ground for several reasons. A main factor is that they tend to hibernate here over the winter. They can also create complicated burrow tunnels that can span your entire yard. This can cause major structural issues. The many holes that litter your property can cause safety hazards, but can also cause damage to lawn care equipment or farming equipment. For the most part, once a groundhog is humanely removed from the property, the burrows can be boarded up and will eventually fill in with sediment.
Health Risks
Rabies is no stranger to groundhogs, as is the same with many other animals that live within your property. However, because groundhogs can stay in the same burrow for years, their permanence may affect how likely you are to be exposed to the deadly disease. When rabid, groundhogs will attack, and could potentially harm pets if they are out and about on their own.
Dangers
Groundhogs are also very territorial. They tend to protect their burrows with their life, and will not be afraid to attack if they feel a burrow is threatened. They have two large incisors, and sharp front claws; they can’t cause any serious injury, but no one wants to be mauled by a gopher. To children or pets, these guys can end up doing real harm. And because the burrows will be everywhere around your property, they’re hard to avoid trespassing upon.
Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Home from Groundhogs
Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Home from Groundhogs
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be a nuisance to homeowners. They can damage gardens, burrow under patios, and even chew through wires. Here are five effective ways to protect your home and property from these pesky rodents.
1. Physical Barriers
- Fencing: Install a sturdy fence around your property, especially near gardens and vegetable patches. Opt for buried fencing to prevent groundhogs from digging underneath.
- Hardware Cloth: Bury hardware cloth around the base of your home and any outbuildings to deter groundhogs from digging burrows.
- Repellents: Use commercial repellents or homemade solutions, such as castor oil, to deter groundhogs from your property.
2. Habitat Modification
- Remove Food Sources: Eliminate potential food sources, such as bird feeders, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens, that may attract groundhogs.
- Clear Debris: Remove any piles of wood, rocks, or other debris that can provide hiding places for groundhogs.
- Mow Your Lawn Regularly: A well-maintained lawn with short grass can make it less appealing to groundhogs.
3. Trapping and Relocation
- Humane Trapping: Use humane traps to capture groundhogs and relocate them to a suitable habitat, preferably far from your property.
- Follow Local Laws: Ensure that you follow local laws and regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife.
4. Professional Pest Control
- Consult a Professional: If groundhogs are causing significant damage or you are unable to control the problem on your own, consider contacting a professional pest control company.
5. Prevention and Maintenance
- Regular Inspections: Inspect your property regularly for signs of groundhog activity, such as burrows or chewed-through wires.
- Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any signs of groundhog activity, take immediate steps to address the problem before it becomes more severe.
- Preventative Measures: Implement preventative measures, such as fencing and habitat modification, to discourage groundhogs from establishing themselves on your property.
Call Shumaker’s Animal Control today so you can get that groundhog problem fixed.
If you aren’t sure where to start with your groundhog invasion, and you want them humanely removed and relocated, contact us. We’re sure to get those groundhogs off of your property without any hassle, and you won’t be required to do a thing.
Shumaker’s Animal Control is a twenty-five-year veteran of the animal and pest control profession. We are the Kingsville rodent control experts and can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home. If you have any questions about mouse removal or other rodent control, contact Shumaker’s Animal Control by calling (443) 854-8072 or click here today!
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