Groundhogs

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a large member of the squirrel family. Unlike the famous legend, groundhogs cannot predict an early spring. Their skillset mostly focuses on digging burrows, foraging for plants, and hibernating but they can also climb and swim pretty well. Being adamant homebodies, groundhogs are semi-fossorial and live most of their lives underground. When they're not in their extensive burrows, they might be causing problems in and around gardens, crop fields, and even human structures. Before they get the chance, call Critter Control of Dayton. We're here to help!

937.854.5761

Groundhog/Woodchuck Problems

Preferring to live in the open to see potential predators, they sometimes make their homes in farmlands. This causes at least two problems. Groundhogs forage very closely to their burrows. If one decides to establish itself near a crop intended to be harvested, it can create heavy losses to the yield. Secondly, the burrows they make can be up to 100ft long and up to 6ft deep. A farmer could drive their tractor over a burrow and collapse it. This could not only cause damage to the tractor but could seriously injure the farmer him/herself. 

Groundhogs rarely attack humans but since they are mammals they can contract rabies. It is highly advised to avoid close contact with groundhogs. 

Groundhog Removal Services

Critter Control of Dayton's expert technicians can safely deal with groundhogs in a humane and effective way. We can make sure the problem stays away with our wildlife exclusion. We deal with problems at the root, not just at the surface. 

We can help you get rid of groundhog problems and keep groundhogs away for good. Call today or contact us now!

Groundhog Behavior and Diet

Groundhogs are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. This is when you’re most likely to see them foraging for food or basking in the sun.

Groundhogs are true hibernators. They enter a deep sleep during the winter months, usually from October to March or April, depending on the climate. During hibernation, their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate drop significantly to conserve energy.

Groundhogs typically forage close to their burrows, rarely venturing far from the safety of their underground homes. Their diet consists mainly of a variety of vegetation, including grasses, clover, alfalfa, and dandelions. They are also known to eat garden crops, and can consume significant amounts of vegetation, which is why they are often seen as pests by gardeners and farmers.

The mating season for groundhogs occurs shortly after they emerge from hibernation, usually in early spring. After a gestation period of about a month, the female gives birth to a litter of 1-7 pups. The young are weaned and ready to leave the burrow at around six weeks old.

Groundhogs are generally solitary animals, except during the mating season and when a mother is raising her young. They are territorial and will defend their burrow against other groundhogs.

Despite their territorial nature, groundhogs communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, squeals, and grunts. The most well-known sound is a high-pitched whistle, which they use to alert others of danger, earning them the nickname “whistle-pig.” These calls are used to alert other nearby groundhogs to potential threats.

Their burrowing activities can undermine the integrity of structures such as sheds, decks, and even building foundations. The extensive network of tunnels can cause ground instability, leading to potential structural damage. Groundhogs often prefer human-centered environments, as we tend to create areas with good soil for burrowing and scare away their natural predators.

Diet

Groundhogs are primarily herbivores, but like most animals, will eat whatever is available to them depending on their needs. Here is a list of items that might feature in a groundhog's diet, as well as some foods that they might eat less commonly.

• Alfalfa
• Clover
• Sorrel
• Dandelion
• Grasses
• Bark
• Insects
• Leaves
• Bird Eggs