Unmistakably, Groundhogs are the most famous rodent across the United States. Known for seeing their shadow and predicting the early arrival of Spring during their own American tradition, these critters are an unforgettable piece of our country. Though they receive their 15 minutes of fame once every February, some groundhogs would prefer to make their way into our daily lives in search of food and shelter. With well-developed teeth and a hunger for vegetation, groundhogs can be a damaging force in our yards and gardens, even though they are incredibly shy when it comes to humans. If you begin noticing nibbles missing from your vegetable garden, you may have a destructive underground pest.
What Are Groundhogs?
Groundhogs, are also known as Woodchucks and “Whistlepigs” for the high-pitched whistling noise they emit to notify others of danger. They are large ground rodents native to North America and found in the central and eastern parts of the United States. Belonging to a group of ground squirrel mammals called Marmots, groundhogs are one of 14 different Marmot species and identified by their large prominent teeth. In fact, groundhogs are the most prodigious members of the squirrel family. Though there are 14 different Marmot species, there is only one type of groundhog.
Can Groundhogs Destroy My Yard?
The short answer is: Yes. Groundhogs are primarily herbivores with a diet consisting of plants, grasses, tree bark, and fruits, making your lawn and garden a prime target. Like many rodents, though, groundhogs can be opportunistic feeders, sometimes opting to feed on insects such as June Bugs, snails, and grasshoppers. Their appetite for crops and vegetables is what makes these rodents a significant pest for farmers and gardeners, eating throughout the Spring in preparation for hibernation during the colder months. They also dig massive tunnel systems underground, where they spend most of their time. These elaborate burrows not only destroy your lawn but operate as their home and mode of travel, with some chambers being explicitly built for bathrooms!
Signs You Have A Groundhog Problem
Groundhogs are solitary creatures and usually avoid you and other animals at all costs, but there are a few signs you may have an unwelcome woodchuck in your midst. Known as one of nature’s greatest engineers, groundhog burrows require some serious digging. Holes in your yard, dirt mounds, and unstable ground when walking are common, as groundhogs are known to displace up to 700 pounds of dirt to create their shelter.
Don’t Give Up On Your Garden Just Yet
As solitary creatures, seeing your marmot can be a rare occasion, and without knowing how to identify the signs of a groundhog or your treatment options, you may suffer through months of damage without pinpointing the cause. If you believe you may have a groundhog, hiring a wildlife control expert can help create an effective and cost-efficient treatment plan while humanely removing your groundhog. Veteran’s Pride Wildlife Control is veteran-owned, and family operated, with over 25 years of trapping experience. Offering 24-hour service, Veteran’s Pride can ensure your property is groundhog-free.