Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it. Refer to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia.
It's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog. It typically takes no more than two hours, and if you have the time, it is seriously worth going out of your way. When you notice the same groundhog in your yard every day, you should not let him dig there for long.
If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened.
Can I relocate a trapped groundhog? Usually, nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be relocated. It could be released on private property with the property owner's permission — or on game lands. Domestic animals such as cats, or captive-bred or captive-raised animals may not be relocated on game lands.
Their burrows, where groundhogs spend most of their time, can be 50 feet long. A woodchuck burrow often has one main entrance and one emergency escape entrance or "spy hole" where the groundhog can check its surroundings. The burrow's architecture is the biggest reason why groundhogs are so hard to get rid of.
Average groundhog extermination costs
The average price to remove a groundhog ranges from $150 to over $200 but the cost can vary depending on several factors, including how many animals you're dealing with and where you live.
Once they have established their burrow, groundhogs do not move out easily. The most effective method for removing groundhogs from your property is through live trapping and relocation. If a groundhog is not removed far enough from your property, it is likely to find its way back.
Groundhog removal costs from $150 to $300. Most homeowners spend around $200 on an inspection, trap placement, and removal of a single groundhog. On the low end of the scale, costs for a single inspection and application of groundhog repellent cost approximately $100.
Groundhogs can damage your property if they burrow under it or gnaw on it. They are typically harmless, but homeowners need to be aware of the damage they can do over time. If you have a groundhog living in your yard, you should consider removing it as soon as possible to prevent them from doing any unnecessary damage.
Garlic and Pepper – Groundhogs hate the smell of garlic and pepper, crush some up and sprinkle in their holes and around your garden to prevent them from entering. You can even mix some up in a spray bottle with water and spray it on your flowers or vegetables.
Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it.
When digging, groundhogs help aerate soil. Roots, like all other parts of the plant, have to respire, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon dioxide. In unturned soil, roots deplete their limited oxygen while CO2accumulates, making it hard for them to 'breathe.
Once you have trapped the groundhog it is important to relocate it to a new home in a field, meadow or wooded area that is at least 20 miles away from your home so they don't find their way back. You can call the local wildlife and game office to offer some suggestions on where to take them.
yes they have a homing instinct. I have had a bit of experience relocating them. Groundhogs too... yep paint it and see if it comes back, had one that we relocated and it crossed RT80 and Rt46 in NJ to get back home to Lodi....
If your state law says you can trap and kill the groundhog on your own property, most of your problems will be solved soon. However, if your state law says you cannot trap and kill the animal, it is strongly advised that you adhere to the law. A small groundhog is not worth a hefty fine. Just call the professionals.
Block them out. Surround your garden or yard with wire fencing that is at least 3 feet tall and goes at least 12 inches underground. Groundhogs won't be able to climb it, and if they run into it underground, they'll be forced to stop tunneling and to go elsewhere to set up camp.
Males are typically larger than females. The average lifespan of a groundhog is 3 years.
For the species known scientifically as Marmota monax, and whose common names include woodchuck and whistle pig, burrow digging is a solo effort. For a greater part of the year, burrow occupancy is limited to one groundhog per unit.
Even though groundhogs favor forested areas, they are very adaptable and will keep coming back to places where they are able to find plenty of food and a suitable shelter.
Multiple Burrows
A groundhog hole may have an adult groundhog one day and be empty the next. Or, it may be home to an entirely different species another day like an opossum, raccoon, or skunk.
Once the woodchuck is captured in the live trap, you may dispose of it in any humane manner. If you choose to relocate, it is suggested that the animal be taken at least five miles away and out-of-town.
Given the speed at which it digs and the amount of dirt it can excavate, the groundhog can do tremendous damage to the underside of a house by loosening the ground on which the structure is built. This type of pest behavior is most concerning in areas where homes are commonly built on slab foundations.
Property owners should never risk trapping and removing groundhogs without the help of a trained wildlife professional, as the pest could be diseased or evasive. Wildlife specialists from Critter Control have the knowledge, training, and tools necessary for humane and efficient woodchuck removal.