Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are burrowing rodents that can cause extensive damage when they decide to dig their dens beneath buildings and homes. If you discover that a groundhog has tunneled under your house, it’s important to address the problem promptly before the structure is compromised. This guide will provide you with effective methods to get rid of groundhogs from your property and prevent future infestations.

Identifying a Groundhog Burrow

The first step is confirming that a groundhog has indeed dug a burrow on your land and localized it under your house. Look for these common signs that point to a groundhog den beneath your home:

• Holes with large piles of dirt around the openings dispersed around your yard. Groundhogs create deep, extensive burrows.

• Damage to garden plants, flowers, and landscaping around your foundation. Groundhogs feed on many garden vegetables and will nibble on ornamental plants.

• Droppings around the holes that resemble oblong pellets. Groundhog droppings can be up to 1⁄2 inch long.

• Visible tracks in dirt or mud around the burrow openings. Groundhog tracks can be identified by their hand-like, five-toed print.

• Noises coming from under the house or ground, such as digging, grunting, or high-pitched whistling. Groundhogs make a wide range of vocalizations.

• Sightings of a groundhog near your home’s foundation or emerging from/near a hole. These animals can grow up to 2 feet long and weigh up to 12 pounds.

Once evidence of groundhog activity is discovered, the next step is confirming the burrow is directly underneath your home using tools like a probe or camera scope.

Risks of Groundhogs Denning Under Your House

Allowing groundhogs to inhabit burrows under your home poses multiple problems and risks:

• Structural Damage - Their extensive digging can undermine your home's foundation and integrity. Collapsing tunnels can create sinkholes.

• Chewing on Wires/Pipes - Groundhogs can chew through wiring and pipes, causing electrical malfunctions, gas leaks, or plumbing issues.

• Pest Infestations - Their burrows can attract other pests like insects or snakes looking for a place to nest.

• Disease Transmission - Groundhogs can carry diseases communicable to humans including tularemia. Their droppings also pose health risks.

For these reasons, it’s critical to remove groundhogs from your property as soon as their presence is detected. The longer they reside underneath your home, the more extensive the damage is likely to be.

Methods to Effectively Remove Groundhogs

Multiple techniques exist to eradicate groundhogs from your yard and home. The best approach often involves combining several deterrents and removal methods:

1. Fill in Burrows

Collapsing their tunnels is key to discouraging groundhogs from residing on your property. Use a shovel to fill in any visible groundhog holes with dirt, packing tightly. Make sure the area is vacant before filling so you don’t trap animals inside. Monitor carefully and refill any reopened burrow entrances.

2. Install Barrier Fencing

Install a fence made of galvanized wire mesh extending at least 3 feet underground around your foundation. Curve the mesh outward and bury deeper at the bottom to prevent groundhogs from digging underneath. Ensure the fencing is specifically designed to exclude burrowing animals.

3. Apply Scent or Sound Repellents

Use smell or sound repellents formulated to drive away groundhogs. Spread them around burrow openings or near your home’s foundation. Reapply frequently for best results. Popular options include castor oil, predator urine, or ultrasonic stakes.

4. Attempt Live Trapping

You can attempt to humanely catch groundhogs in live cage traps baited with alluring foods like fruits or vegetables. Once trapped, safely release the animal at least 5 miles from your home in a rural wooded area. Check local regulations first.

5. Hire Professional Removal Services

For extensive infestations underneath your home, the most effective solution may be hiring professional exterminators or wildlife removal experts. They have specialized tools and expertise with groundhog removal.

Monitor the efficacy of removal methods and look for any reopened holes. Persistence is key to successfully evicting stubborn groundhog squatters.

Preventing Future Groundhog Invasions

Getting rid of groundhogs currently under your home is only half the battle. You also need to deter them from returning and digging new burrows. Here are some prevention tips:

• Regularly walk your property looking for fresh holes, chewing damage, or other groundhog signs. Address promptly.

• Avoid dense landscaping features close to your home’s foundation which offer groundhogs cover.

• Sprinkle repellents like castor oil around your home’s perimeter. Reapply after rain.

• Install wire mesh fencing designed to exclude burrowing animals around vulnerable areas.

• Trim tree branches extending over your roofline that could allow access.

• Make sure crawl space vents and accesses are sealed off with wire mesh.

Promptly addressing any signs of returning groundhogs is key. The sooner you act, the easier removal will be. With persistence and the right prevention strategies, you can protect your home from further groundhog invasions. Don’t resign yourself to sharing your space with these destructive burrowing rodents.