Wildlife Removal Company

Groundhogs: The Hidden Threats to Homeowners

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, may seem like harmless creatures, but these burrowing rodents can pose serious risks to homeowners. While they tend to stay outside, their presence around your property can lead to significant damage, safety hazards, and even health concerns. Let’s take a closer look at why groundhogs should be taken seriously and how they can affect your home.

Property Damage and Structural Risks

One of the most common problems groundhogs cause is damage to property. These rodents are skilled diggers and can create extensive burrow systems beneath your home, driveway, or foundation. Their burrows can weaken structural integrity, leading to foundation instability or cracked driveways and walkways. These burrows, if left unchecked, can also lead to erosion, especially if they’re located near hillsides or sloped areas.

Additionally, groundhogs often chew on plants, trees, and shrubs. If they make a home on your property, they might not only destroy your garden or landscaping but also damage the roots of trees—which can eventually kill the plants. This is especially concerning for homeowners who invest time and money into maintaining their outdoor spaces.

Increased Risk of Accidents

Groundhog burrows are deep and wide, making them a tripping hazard for people and animals. If the holes are located in areas frequently walked through, such as the yard, garden, or near your home, the risk of injury increases significantly. The burrows can also be dangerous for pets, especially dogs, who might fall into them while running around.

In addition to physical injuries caused by tripping, groundhogs may inadvertently damage landscaping and fences. When they tunnel close to fences, they can destabilize the structure, which might lead to larger security issues.

Health Risks from Groundhogs

Groundhogs are more than just an inconvenience—they can carry diseases that pose risks to humans and pets. Rabies is one of the most well-known diseases groundhogs can carry, though it’s less common. They can also transmit lyme disease, which is carried by ticks, and tularemia, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through handling infected animals or their droppings.

Furthermore, groundhogs can spread parasites, such as fleas and ticks, which could easily make their way into your home or onto your pets. These pests not only cause irritation but also pose further health risks by transmitting various diseases.

Agricultural Damage

If you live on a farm or have extensive gardens, groundhogs can wreak havoc on your crops. These rodents are voracious eaters and will happily munch on vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Corn, tomatoes, and beans are just a few of their favorite foods. A groundhog infestation can lead to significant crop loss, impacting both the aesthetic and financial aspects of your property.

How to Manage Groundhog Infestations

If you suspect that groundhogs are on your property, it’s crucial to act quickly. Their burrowing and chewing habits can lead to escalating damage, and once they’re established, it can be challenging to get rid of them. Here are some steps to manage or prevent groundhog infestations:

1. Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service: A trained wildlife control expert will assess the situation, set humane traps, and relocate the animals away from your property. This approach avoids potential harm to the animals while protecting your home.

2. Seal Potential Entry Points: It’s vital to make sure groundhogs cannot access the underside of your home, garage, or other structures. Installing mesh or barriers around vulnerable areas can keep them out.

3. Eliminate Food Sources: Groundhogs are attracted to easily accessible food sources. Keeping your garden and yard clear of food scraps and controlling overgrown vegetation can deter them from nesting nearby.

4. Use Repellents: There are various natural repellents available that groundhogs dislike, such as predator urine or strong-smelling herbs like garlic or hot pepper. These can be used around the perimeter of your property to keep them away.

5. Set Traps or Call for Help: Groundhog traps can be purchased or rented, but it’s often safer to enlist the help of professionals to handle the removal and relocation process.

Conclusion

While groundhogs may seem like quaint creatures in the wild, their presence near your home can lead to significant issues, from structural damage to health risks. If you’re dealing with a groundhog infestation, it’s important to take action quickly and work with a professional wildlife removal service to mitigate the risks. By addressing the problem early, you can protect your home, your property, and your family from the hidden dangers groundhogs pose.