Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large rodents common across North America and are classified as significant agricultural and residential pests. Their burrowing habits cause extensive damage to property structures and cultivated landscapes. Groundhogs are considered a nuisance by homeowners and gardeners due to the threat they pose to safety and property value. Controlling an infestation requires a multi-pronged strategy involving exclusion, removal, and adherence to local wildlife regulations.
Specific Property Damage Caused by Groundhogs
The most serious property damage stems from the groundhog’s extensive, subterranean burrow systems. A single burrow can range from 25 to 100 feet in length and typically reaches depths of three to six feet below the surface. When tunnels are excavated beneath structures like porches, sheds, driveways, or foundations, they compromise the soil integrity. This erosion can lead to settling, water intrusion, cracked concrete, and, in severe cases, structural failure.
Beyond structures, open burrow entrances are a safety concern, creating tripping hazards for people and livestock. Groundhogs are voracious herbivores, capable of consuming up to 1.5 pounds of vegetation daily, making them a menace to gardens. They are particularly fond of sweet fruits and young greens, including cantaloupe, peas, beans, lettuce, and corn. They may also gnaw on the bark of fruit trees, causing girdling damage that threatens the life of the tree.
Exclusion and Prevention Techniques
The most effective long-term strategy is preventing groundhogs from accessing gardens or establishing burrows near foundations. Physical barriers are the primary defense, as standard fences are insufficient because groundhogs are skilled climbers and persistent diggers. Exclusion fencing must be at least three feet high to deter climbing, with the top foot bent outward at a 90-degree angle to prevent scaling.
To counteract burrowing, the fence must incorporate an L-footing, or L-apron, at the base. This involves burying the bottom of the wire mesh 12 to 18 inches deep and bending it outward for at least one foot. A heavy-duty wire mesh with openings no larger than one inch by one inch or three-quarters of an inch is recommended to ensure the animal cannot squeeze through. Modifying the habitat by removing dense vegetation, brush piles, and fallen fruit near structures makes the area less appealing as a den site or food source.
Humane Removal Methods
For groundhogs that have established a den, direct removal is necessary, with live trapping being the safest method near buildings. A medium-to-large cage trap should be placed directly in the path to the main burrow entrance and baited with preferred food like cantaloupe, apple slices, or fresh clover. To ensure humane treatment, the trap must be checked at least once daily, as required by local regulations.
Alternative humane methods include installing a one-way door over the burrow entrance, which allows the groundhog to exit but prevents reentry. Once the animal is confirmed gone, the burrow should be permanently collapsed and filled with rock or concrete to deter other wildlife. In cases where the burrow is unoccupied, some jurisdictions permit the use of smoke or gas cartridges for fumigation. This method requires extreme caution and must only be used where permitted by law.
Legal Status and Regulations for Control
Groundhogs fall under the category of nuisance wildlife, and control methods vary considerably by state and local municipality. The regulatory framework is overseen by state Fish and Wildlife agencies. Homeowners must confirm the rules before initiating a trapping program. A common restriction is the prohibition of relocating trapped animals, which is often illegal because it risks spreading diseases or moving the problem to a neighboring property.
In many jurisdictions, any live-trapped nuisance animal must be either euthanized or released immediately on the property where it was captured. Traps often require the user to have a registered trap number or identification tag affixed to the device. Residents are responsible for adhering to all local ordinances regarding trap types, placement, and the disposal or release of the captured animal.