Groundhogs in Your Yard? Freeman Nuisance Can Help with Safe and Effective Removal
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, may seem harmless at first, but these burrowing creatures can quickly turn into a major nuisance when they decide to make your yard their home. Known for their ability to dig complex burrow systems, groundhogs can cause significant damage to landscaping, gardens, and even the foundation of your property. If you’ve discovered a groundhog or two digging up your yard, it’s time to call in the experts at Freeman Nuisance for safe, humane, and efficient groundhog removal services.
Why Do Groundhogs Choose Your Yard?
Groundhogs are primarily herbivores, and your garden or yard provides an abundant food source. They’re attracted to areas with lush vegetation, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and grasses. These critters are excellent diggers, and they build extensive burrow systems beneath the ground for shelter and safety. If your property has soft, fertile soil or an inviting vegetable patch, it’s more likely to attract a groundhog seeking a place to settle.
Additionally, groundhogs often dig near structures like foundations, retaining walls, or gardens, which provides them with a stable environment to build their burrows. This can lead to both visible and hidden damage to your property, including risk to the structural integrity of buildings.
Common Problems Caused by Groundhogs
- Damage to Landscaping and Gardens
Groundhogs love to feast on the plants in your yard, and their appetite for fresh greens can devastate gardens and flower beds. They may strip leaves from shrubs, eat flowers, or uproot vegetables. This damage can not only cost you money but also disrupt the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. - Burrowing and Structural Damage
Groundhogs are known for digging complex burrow systems that can extend up to 30 feet underground. These burrows often have multiple entrances and can cause serious damage to your lawn and property. As groundhogs dig, their tunnels may destabilize the ground, leading to erosion, uneven surfaces, or even damage to foundation walls and driveways. If burrows are near the foundation of your home, the shifting of soil can potentially compromise your property’s structural integrity. - Pest Attraction
Groundhog burrows can become havens for other pests, including insects, rodents, and even snakes. These critters may follow the scent of a groundhog’s burrow and settle in, increasing the likelihood of other unwanted animals invading your yard or home. - Health Risks
Groundhogs can carry a variety of diseases that pose risks to humans and pets, including rabies and Lyme disease. Their droppings and urine can contaminate your yard, potentially attracting other wildlife or spreading harmful bacteria. Additionally, the parasites carried by groundhogs—such as fleas and ticks—can easily spread to other animals and humans. - Tripping Hazards
The holes and tunnels created by groundhogs in your yard can be hazardous, especially for children, pets, and even adults. These unexpected holes can cause trips, falls, and injuries, particularly in areas of the yard where you might not expect them.
Why Choose Freeman Nuisance for Groundhog Removal?
- Expertise and Experience
At Freeman Nuisance, we have years of experience in handling groundhog infestations and the damage they cause. Our experts are trained to identify the signs of a groundhog presence, assess the extent of the damage, and implement safe, effective, and humane removal strategies. - Humane and Safe Removal
We prioritize humane removal methods to ensure that groundhogs are safely captured and relocated. Our team follows wildlife protection regulations to ensure that the animals are removed without harm. We understand the importance of working within ethical guidelines while solving your wildlife problems. - Thorough Property Assessment and Prevention
Freeman Nuisance doesn’t just remove the groundhogs; we also conduct a thorough inspection of your property to locate and seal potential entry points. Our team will ensure that any openings in your yard, like holes, cracks, or weak spots in fences, are secured to prevent future infestations. We take the time to offer preventative measures, so you don’t face recurring issues. - Comprehensive Cleanup and Repair
Groundhog burrows can leave behind significant damage to your lawn and property. Our team doesn’t just remove the animals; we clean up the area and repair any damage caused by the burrowing. Whether it’s filling in holes or reinforcing foundations, we provide a full range of repair services to restore the integrity of your yard. - Long-Term Solutions
Freeman Nuisance believes in providing lasting solutions. After the removal, we will offer advice on how to make your property less inviting to groundhogs in the future. This may include recommendations for landscaping changes, fencing solutions, or other wildlife deterrents.
Signs of a Groundhog Infestation
Groundhogs are often easy to spot, but sometimes their burrowing habits can go unnoticed until significant damage is done. Watch for the following signs that may indicate a groundhog infestation:
- Visible holes or burrow entrances in your yard, typically around garden areas, fences, or near structures.
- Damaged plants, including chewed leaves, flowers, or vegetables.
- Holes in your lawn or raised mounds of dirt from burrowing activity.
- Groundhog sightings during daylight hours (groundhogs are typically active during the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon).
- Tracks or droppings near burrow entrances or along pathways.
What to Do If You Have Groundhogs in Your Yard
If you’ve noticed signs of a groundhog infestation, it’s essential to take action quickly. The longer the animals stay in your yard, the more damage they can cause. Don’t attempt to handle the situation yourself; groundhogs can be unpredictable and may become aggressive if they feel threatened. Contact Freeman Nuisance today to schedule an inspection and begin the removal process.
Prevention Barriers
After Groundhog trapping and removal, Freeman Nuisance offers permanent preventative barriers. These barriers (pictured above) are guaranteed to prevent nuisance wildlife from burrowing underneath the previous problem areas. We frequently install these barriers for customers with groundhog and skunk issues around homes, sheds, decks, barns and fences.
Conclusion
Groundhogs may appear harmless, but their burrowing and eating habits can lead to significant damage to your property and landscaping. If you’ve discovered a groundhog or burrow on your property, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Freeman Nuisance offers expert groundhog removal services that are safe, humane, and effective. Our team will ensure that your yard is free of these destructive pests, while also providing you with long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.
For fast, reliable, and professional groundhog removal, trust Freeman Nuisance to get the job done right. Contact us today to protect your property from groundhogs and other wildlife nuisances!