Groundhog Removal And Control

You’ve probably heard of groundhogs and woodchucks, but did you know these creatures are the same? The animal is also called a “mouse bear,” a “land-beaver,” and a “whistle-pig.” They are a type of rodent called a marmot, which is often jokingly called a “giant ground squirrel” because of its close relationship to squirrels. There are plenty of myths surrounding these interesting creatures.

There are two of those myths that likely come to mind first. One is likely, “Do woodchucks really chuck wood?” The short answer is, “No, they do not.” The name “woodchuck” doesn’t come from a habit of throwing pieces of wood. Rather, it’s because the Native Americans called the animals “Wuchaks,” and English settlers, trying to mimic that word, began referring to them as “woodchucks.” These herbivores also eat more tender plants than hard trees or stumps.

The other common myth is Groundhog Day, when America’s most famous one, Punxsutawney Phil, emerges from his hibernation on February 2nd and checks for his shadow. If he sees it, the legend is that you can expect six more weeks of winter.

As far as rodents go, groundhogs aren’t alone in their affinity to chew on wood. Mice and rats, for instance, are known for starting fires in homes and businesses because they’re constantly chewing on whatever they can find to grind down their ever-growing incisors. Groundhogs also gnaw constantly, with their teeth growing at a rate of about one-sixteenth of an inch weekly.They often experience trouble with their teeth that other rodents don’t, as their teeth can sometimes be misaligned, making them difficult to whittle down and allowing them to grow in a way that endangers the animal. 

Woodchucks are much more likely to chew wood than to throw it. They’re also known for burrowing underground, and they may toss aside plenty of dirt as they do it. Those burrows are impressive. Typically, they are 20 feet long. Some are dug as far as 50 feet out, about six feet underground, and come with several different entrances and specific rooms for the animals to hibernate in and raise their young.

Impressive as they are, the tunnels can cause major problems, too, because they can be taken over by other animals like foxes, coyotes, and chipmunks after the groundhog vacates them. That isn’t good news for everyone, though; they’re often dug directly under building foundations and can damage the stability of the building or the functionality of electrical wires and plumbing lines as they dig. Getting the animals out of their dens is no easy task; closing up one entrance can push them over to another. These animals can also tear up your garden or flower bed, and the holes they leave can cause your family or pets to trip.

Groundhogs don’t just stay underground, though. If they’re nervous that someone or something is after them, they’ll use their sharp claws to climb up trees. That may protect them, but it can damage your foliage. And since they’re also adept swimmers, you may even find them in your pools or other water bodies near your house in some cases.

SEMO Wildlife Control is a locally owned and operated company that uses humane methods to get nuisance animals off your property, then inspects the area to see if there is any cleanup and prevention work you may need going forward. If you have one on your property, it’s important to contract with an expert who knows how to handle the situation, not only getting the groundhog out of the area but also ensuring no damage has been done to your property. Contact us today for an estimate.