Groundhogs Out. Foundation Protected.

Our Groundhog Removal Process

We start with an inspection to locate all burrow entrances, assess proximity to foundations and structures, and determine how many groundhogs are present. Groundhog burrows typically have two to five openings, including hidden escape holes.

We set professional cage traps at active burrow entrances using targeted baiting. Traps are checked daily. Groundhogs are relocated a minimum of 25 miles away to prevent them from returning.

After removal, we assess the burrow system for structural risk. If tunnels run under a foundation, patio, or retaining wall, we recommend filling and compacting to prevent settling or collapse. We then install buried exclusion barriers around vulnerable structures to prevent new groundhogs from digging in.

All exclusion work is backed by a written guarantee. If groundhogs re-establish through any point we protected, we come back at no cost.

Biology & Behavior

The Groundhog (Marmota monax), also called a woodchuck, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the northeast. Adults weigh 8 to 14 pounds. They are true hibernators, entering deep sleep from late October through late February.

Groundhogs are diurnal and herbivorous. They are most active in early morning and late afternoon, feeding on clover, alfalfa, garden vegetables, and ornamental plants. They can consume over a pound of vegetation per day.

Their burrow systems are engineering feats. A typical system includes a main entrance with a characteristic dirt mound, one or more escape holes (usually hidden in vegetation), a nesting chamber, and a separate latrine chamber. Tunnels run 2 to 5 feet below grade and can extend 40 feet or more.

Foundation Damage, Garden Destruction & Landscape Loss

Structural undermining is the primary concern. Groundhog burrows along foundations can cause settling, cracking, and water infiltration. Burrows under patios, sidewalks, and retaining walls cause them to sink and shift. The cost of foundation repair far exceeds the cost of groundhog removal and exclusion.

Garden and landscape damage is extensive. A single groundhog will destroy a vegetable garden in days. They eat everything from tomatoes to ornamental shrubs. They also gnaw on wooden decks, fence posts, and even underground utility lines.

Groundhog burrows are also used by other animals. Skunks, opossums, and rabbits will move into abandoned burrow systems, creating secondary wildlife problems.

Active Season: March Through October

Groundhogs emerge from hibernation in late February or early March. Males immediately begin roaming for mates. Females give birth in April to litters of four to six pups. By June, the young are above ground and foraging. This is when garden damage accelerates.

By October, groundhogs begin eating heavily to build fat reserves for hibernation. They retreat underground in late October or November. The best time to trap and exclude is early spring before pups are born, or late summer after the young have dispersed.

Exclusion Barriers & Habitat Modification

Trapping alone does not solve a groundhog problem. If the habitat is attractive, a new groundhog will move in. We install buried galvanized mesh barriers around foundations, decks, sheds, and other structures. The mesh is buried 12 to 18 inches deep with an L-shaped footer to prevent digging under.

For gardens, we recommend and install buried fence systems that extend below grade. We also advise on habitat modifications that make your property less attractive to groundhogs. Learn more about our full home exclusion service.