Who do groundhogs cause a lot of problems for? These lovable creatures can decimate entire vegetable gardens, pumpkins, and even farmers’ Halloween sales. Though they may look cute, these creatures aren’t very tame and are capable of vast damage to property. Luckily, there are several methods for dealing with groundhogs. Read on to learn more about these creatures.
First of all, remember that groundhogs are aggressive and dangerous animals. One woman was allegedly chased by a groundhog in her office building’s parking lot and was forced to take help from her co-workers. This groundhog is likely carrying rabies, which makes it even more dangerous. A groundhog’s icon is in the shape of a lightning bolt, and it can be quite a nuisance.
When disturbed, groundhog burrows can damage crops, weaken the foundations of buildings, and destroy farm equipment. There are even instances when groundhogs dig up bones in a cemetery. Luckily, the majority of people only encounter groundhogs denning under porches or under a roof. Other groundhog problems include damaging gardens and trees. Groundhog burrows may also be built next to buildings, which can cause structural damage.
While it is possible to eradicate groundhogs through trapping, prevention is the best option. In mid-late summer, groundhogs spend most of the day in their burrows, only emerging from their burrows at dusk. The best time to exclusion is mid-late summer, but it is always a good idea to close burrows to prevent groundhogs from returning.
To prevent groundhogs from living near your yard, use visual and auditory scare tactics. Try putting up used kitty litter, gym socks, and dog hair in areas where groundhogs are common. These tactics will scare the groundhogs away and discourage them from digging. You can also place a groundhog trap near their burrow entrance. If you capture a groundhog, make sure to release it as far away from populated areas as possible.
Groundhogs are herbivorous and can destroy entire gardens. Their burrows can be 45 feet long and have five entrances. They also carry fleas and ticks, which can transmit diseases to people. These animals can be quite a nuisance, so it is important to get rid of them. You can prevent further damage by taking action today. So, if you’re worried about a groundhog infestation, do not wait! Contact a local pest control company today.
A fence that deters groundhogs can be installed around the perimeter of your property. Make sure to stake the fence at least a foot into the ground. You can also place chicken wire around your garden as well, but this can be a major project and not the prettiest look on your property. Another effective method is placing wind chimes near the burrow. These contraptions should be sprinkled around the perimeter of the garden. Make sure to use these repellents on a regular basis, and you should be good to go.
Using a fence that protects your property is another effective way to prevent groundhogs from digging up your yard. Groundhogs are excellent climbers and diggers, so make sure your fence is at least three feet high and buried a foot underground. Adding metal flashing and installing tree guards can help you protect your landscape from this pest. The best way to prevent groundhogs from ruining your landscape is to build an in-ground fence.
When should I get rid of groundhogs?
Groundhogs enter into deep hibernation in the winter, at which time they are underground and inactive. Because of this, groundhog control efforts will only be effective in warmer months. The best time to try to get rid of groundhogs is early in the spring, before mating season.
What do groundhogs hate the most?
Lavender and other plants with strong odors can keep groundhogs away. Groundhogs dislike the smell of herbs such as mint, sage, basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, and oregano.
What will keep groundhogs away?
Ammonia: A rag soaked with ammonia placed near the entrance of a groundhog’s hole acts as a giant “Keep Away” sign. Other strong scents groundhogs don’t like include talcum powder and garlic.
What are the benefits of having a groundhog in your yard?
Soil Aeration ‘ When groundhogs dig their burrows, they expose deep, compacted soil to the atmosphere, feeding them oxygen that sustains roots. As long as the tunnels remain, oxygen will keep coming into the soil and helping plants.
Are groundhogs good to have around?
A groundhog will help itself to anything and everything you have planted. They are vegetarians and are partial to leaves, flowers and grasses. They especially like certain garden crops like carrots, beans and peas. They will even climb trees to eat apples and pears.O
Should you remove groundhogs?
Before deciding to get rid of groundhogs, understand that unless they’re causing a problem, they should be left alone. Groundhogs play an important role in our ecological system. Their abandoned burrows can become homes for other wildlife, such as foxes, skunks, and rabbits.
Do groundhogs tear up yards?
Groundhogs may not tunnel or dig repeatedly like moles and voles, but they do create rather large burrows. Groundhog burrows can be 8 to 66 feet long, with winding chambers and multiple levels. These burrows can damage the surrounding plant life or even compromise the ground around them.M
Should groundhogs be removed?
Are there benefits to groundhogs? Before deciding to get rid of groundhogs, understand that unless they’re causing a problem, they should be left alone. Groundhogs play an important role in our ecological system. Their abandoned burrows can become homes for other wildlife, such as foxes, skunks, and rabbits.
Are groundhogs good to have on your property?
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing.J
Should you get rid of groundhogs?
Before deciding to get rid of groundhogs, understand that unless they’re causing a problem, they should be left alone. Groundhogs play an important role in our ecological system. Their abandoned burrows can become homes for other wildlife, such as foxes, skunks, and rabbits.
Can groundhogs destroy your property?
Groundhog Damage to Your Home or Foundation Groundhogs like to burrow. They can create a network of tunnels below your home that are 45 feet long and five feet deep. These holes can cause significant damage. The problems start with water damage.
How do you get rid of a groundhog?
– Epsom Salts. Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. … – Human Hair Clippings. Clippings from your local barber or hairdresser can also work well because they dislike the scent of humans. … – Soiled Kitty Litter. … – Offensive Scents.
Are groundhogs good for anything?
Soil Aeration When digging, groundhogs help aerate soil. Roots, like all other parts of the plant, have to respire, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon dioxide. In unturned soil, roots deplete their limited oxygen while CO2accumulates, making it hard for them to ‘breathe.
What problems do groundhogs cause?
If not properly controlled, groundhogs can cause serious structural damage when burrowing. Their tunnels break apart building foundations, and they will often chew through electrical wires and irrigation systems that may be in their way. For best results, use multiple groundhog control products at once.
Do groundhogs destroy property?
If not properly controlled, groundhogs can cause serious structural damage when burrowing. Their tunnels break apart building foundations, and they will often chew through electrical wires and irrigation systems that may be in their way. For best results, use multiple groundhog control products at once.
