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Groundhog Removal
Groundhog removal in Springfield is a common problem for homeowners. Call us at 413-454-2711 for help with groundhogs. Groundhogs are herbivores and love to destroy and dig up your lawn and garden. They are a burrowing animal. Groundhogs digging in the yard or garden is a very common call in Hampden County, Massachusetts.
Groundhogs dig burrows for sleeping, rearing their young, and hibernating. A groundhog tunnel can become quite large. It is common for them to dig tunnels as long as 45 feet. Groundhogs also love to eat plants; so your yard and garden are a perfect food source for them.
Trapping Groundhogs
Trapping groundhogs in Springfield is the best way to remove this pest from your yard or home. We can safely bait, trap and remove groundhogs. Groundhogs digging in the yard can quickly destroy the plant life around your home.
Groundhogs are one of the more elusive creatures that us wildlife trappers try to manage. They are herbivores. We choose the type of bait used to trap these creatures carefully. Groundhogs are not tempted by regular food baits that are used to lure other wildlife. We know the proper placement and baiting of groundhog traps.
Groundhog Damage Repairs
Some of the damage caused by groundhogs in Springfield include the damage to shrubs, flowers and other grasses that are loved by homeowners, the groundhog is also responsible for damage to foundations of homes and buildings due to their excessive digging in or around a foundation of homes and buildings. The actual digging is not what causes the damage to your foundation, once a groundhog opens a hole in he ground, this gives a place for water runoff and rain to seep into, this act of erosion is what causes the foundation damage that is caused by groundhogs.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2253″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
How To Get A Groundhog Out From Under A Porch
Every animal needs a place to call home, and groundhogs are no exception. Groundhogs – also known as woodchucks – are avid borrowers. In the wild, they form intricate underground tunnels. And if given the chance, they would not hesitate to burrow under the porch, shed, or deck because of the added safety and comfort they provide. However, having underground tunnels under the porch is problematic for several reasons. Most notably, it compromises the structural integrity of the foundation, especially when water seeps into the tunnels during heavy rainfalls. That’s why it’s important to resolve any groundhog infestation under the porch as soon as possible. At Nuisance Wildlife Pros, our wildlife removal experts have helped numerous clients with that. And in this post, we share the removal options available and their level of effectiveness.
Let’s dive right into it.
Trapping and Relocation
This is one of the most straightforward ways of dealing with a groundhog infestation. However, you first need to confirm with your local wildlife authority that the trapping and relocation of groundhogs are legally permissible in your district.
So, how do you go about it?
First off, you need to get a live trap. Thereafter, locate one of the main entrances and set up the trap 10 feet away from the selected spot. But why shouldn’t you set the trap closer to the entrance? Simply because the groundhog may get super suspicious of the trap and avoid it. When using a live trap, you need to choose the appropriate bait. Fresh fruits (especially cantaloupe) or vegetables will do. Put the bait at the far end of the trap so the animal doesn’t get injured when the trap door closes. After placing the trap, you’ll want to camouflage it. Add some twigs, branches, and leaves around the trap. Also, place a brick or heavy object, so the animal is unable to rattle the trap. Now, here comes the part where you need to wait. Ensure you check at least twice daily. Why? Because you want to avoid a situation where the groundhog will remain stuck in the trap for too long as this is inhumane.
After catching the groundhog, take a large blanket and cover the trap to calm the animal. Then put on thick gloves and pick up the trap, holding it away from your body into your vehicle. You should then take the animal to at least 10 miles away from your current location and release it.
Repellents
There are several kinds of repellents – both commercial and DIY – but you should note that in most cases, they are only effective in the short term. Here are some that we’ve seen our clients use before our professionals at Nuisance Wildlife Pros stepped in:
- Sonic groundhog repeller
This device transmits sound waves through the ground. These waves produce underground noise and vibration that make the groundhog uncomfortable. With time, it then leaves.
- Ammonia
Groundhogs (as well as several other wildlife) are known to dislike the strong smell of ammonia. Mix one part of ammonia with three parts of water and pour the mixture into the burrow entrances. The strong smell should drive the animal away. However, note that the mixture has to be reapplied after it wears off to remain effective.
- Pepper and garlic
As it turns out, pepper and garlic mess with the sensitive noses of groundhogs. Sprinkling cayenne pepper or mashed garlic near burrow entrances can help drive them away.
- Dogs
Having a big dog guard your porch will make life difficult for any groundhog living there. Once the groundhog comes out of its burrow to find food, the dog will chase and probably catch it. Even if it doesn’t, it will scare the animal away.
Other popular repellents include mothballs, spicy spray, hair and urine of predators, and talcum powder.
Lethal Trapping
While wildlife is generally protected under law, protection is removed if the animal is damaging your property. In most districts, you can kill a groundhog if it causes severe damage, like digging at your home’s foundation. In rural areas, pellet guns are commonly used to kill groundhogs. However, shooting might be impractical where you live. The issue with lethal trapping is that it is inhumane. More often than not, it leaves the animal badly injured before it eventually dies. That’s why, at Nuisance Wildlife Pros, we advocate against the use of lethal traps.
How to Prevent Groundhogs from Getting Under The Porch
After you’ve gotten rid of that groundhog from under your porch, then you need to put measures in place to prevent their return. Here are some tips to bear in mind:
- Keep your yard clean and eliminate potential hiding spots
- Remove all food sources from your yard.
- Install a fence around your porch if you can afford it.
Let’s talk a bit more about fencing. Installing a mesh wire fence around your porch is an effective long-term strategy to keep them out for good. But most importantly, make sure it extends at least 3 feet above and below the ground level. This will prevent them from jumping over or digging under. But if the groundhog is still under the porch, install an exclusion device on the fence so it can get outside. Once it leaves, you can then remove the device and seal up the hole.
Contact Nuisance Wildlife Pros today if you need professional help getting that nuisance groundhog under your porch for good.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]