DIY Groundhog Control
by Pest Expert Matthew S. Hess 07/08/2024
It’s a task that requires patience and perseverance, but DIY groundhog control trapping can be a rewarding experience. There’s a certain satisfaction in reconnecting with our primal instincts, much like our ancestors did. Let’s delve into the groundhog’s nature, habitat, diet, and more as we learn how to successfully trap a groundhog, just like the early American explorers did (well, maybe not exactly).
Be Sure It’s a Groundhog
Many people in KY, TN, and VA often mistake groundhogs for raccoons, leading to confusion and misidentifications. Despite their dissimilarity in appearance, it would be unreasonable to expect an untrained homeowner, who may have never encountered either before, to discern the difference. However, with the right knowledge and observation, one can confidently identify a groundhog before attempting any trapping measures.
Identifying the Groundhog
The groundhog, also known as the woodchuck, typically grows to around 22 inches in length with an additional 6-inch-long tail. Weighing between 5 and 13 pounds, these creatures have reddish-brown mixed fur with yellow-tipped gray guard hairs, making them resemble small dogs in size. Adapted for burrowing, they have short, muscular limbs that enable them to dig effectively and keep them close to the ground as they move. Groundhogs are the largest member of the squirrel family.
Woodchucks are active primarily from early morning to late afternoon and again at dusk. They emerge from their burrows to forage for food and are often seen displaying the characteristic behavior of standing upright on their hind legs, as they survey their surroundings for potential threats.
Groundhog Behaviors
The ability to dig large burrows is a well-known behavior of the groundhog. These burrows can reach up to 12 inches in diameter and extend to lengths of 100 feet or more. They typically consist of multiple entrances and chambers, including designated areas for bathroom use, nesting, hibernation, and rearing young. It’s interesting to note that groundhogs are usually spotted within a radius of 50-150 feet from the entrance of their burrows.
The presence of groundhogs can pose significant challenges to human settlements and agricultural activities. These creatures, through their burrowing activities, can inflict damage upon the foundation of structures, potentially leading to their collapse. Furthermore, their foraging behavior can result in the destruction of cultivated landscapes, including crops and gardens. The extensive burrow systems created by groundhogs not only compromise the stability of structures but also present hazards to livestock and farm machinery in agricultural settings. Notably, a single groundhog can excavate substantial amounts of earth, removing as much as 700 pounds or more within only a few short hours.
Mating
During the months of March and April, groundhogs engage in their mating ritual, a pivotal period in their natural life cycle. Male groundhogs, driven by the instinct to reproduce, embark on journeys to seek out potential mates. Meanwhile, female groundhogs, typically reaching maturity at around 2 years of age, are primed for mating and can produce litters comprising 4 to 6 offspring. Following the completion of mating, the male groundhog disengages from the reproductive process, and the onus of nurturing the offspring falls upon the female. Approximately four weeks after birth, the young groundhogs, or kits, will open their eyes, and within an additional two weeks, they will become weaned. By the onset of the fall season, the kits will have developed sufficiently to venture out from their maternal burrow in pursuit of their own territories.
Diet
Woodchucks are primarily herbivores and consume a diverse array of plant matter. Their diet consists of a variety of green plants, vegetables, fruits, and leaves. Among their preferred plant foods are clover, alfalfa, soybeans, dandelions, peas, broccoli, and lettuce. Additionally, woodchucks may include fruits such as cherries, apples, berries, melons, pears, and peaches, as well as vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes in their diet. While their primary diet is plant-based, woodchucks have also been observed consuming insects and, on occasion, small animals, birds, or bird eggs. This dietary versatility allows the woodchuck to adapt to a range of food sources based on availability and environmental factors.
Unlike many other animals, the groundhog has a rather unique approach to water intake. This rodent species can obtain its daily water intake by feeding on dewy plants and leaves early in the morning. They are rarely observed drinking from standing bodies of water.
DIY Groundhog Trapping
“Once you’ve confirmed that groundhogs are causing damage on your property, you may need to start trapping them. Before getting started, there are a few important things to consider. First, check with your local wildlife or forestry department to make sure you’re allowed to trap them on your property. You may also need to follow specific rules and regulations, such as obtaining necessary permits. It’s important to avoid illegally trapping groundhogs, as it can lead to serious consequences.”
Selecting a Groundhog Trap
After confirming that you are allowed to proceed with trapping and have obtained any required permits, it’s time to choose the appropriate trapping device. For most homeowners, it’s best to avoid leg-hold traps as they can harm pets, children, and non-target animals. Using a live trap is a safer option.
There are various types of live traps available, and the choice typically depends on personal preference, price, and functionality. It’s becoming increasingly challenging to purchase traps locally, so you may need to search online. Regardless, you should select a trap that is large enough for groundhogs but not too large. A standard 32-inch-long trap is likely the most suitable for trapping groundhogs. Many trap brands will specify what each trap is best suited for.
The Perfect Lure
Consider the habits and diet of the groundhog you’re trying to trap to determine the best lure to use. Be sure to keep the lure fresh each day until the groundhog is trapped. Regardless of the lure you choose, always wear gloves to minimize your scent on the lure or trap. Once you’ve selected the appropriate lure, position it in the designated baiting area of the trap, usually just behind the trigger plate.
The Best Location
Of course, you will need to place the trap near where the groundhog activity is present. However, careful attention must be paid to details. Groundhogs often avoid shiny objects, especially when they appear suddenly. Camouflaging the trap with twigs, leaves, and other similar items from the surrounding environment can make the trap less deterring.
It is best to place the trap near a known active burrow entrance to increase the likelihood of a groundhog finding the lure. Once this spot is located, position the trap so that it is close to the burrow on solid, stable ground. Line the pathway from the burrow to the trap with limbs, bricks, rocks, or similar materials on either side to create a small barrier. The groundhog will naturally stay within the opposing barriers and end up right in your trap!
Removing the Groundhog
Once you have successfully trapped your nuisance groundhog, your heart may begin to soften as you peer into its small, adorable eyes and imagine Gopher, from Winnie the Pooh, whistling as he spoke to Pooh, “S-S-Say, you ought to do s-s-something about that s-s-speech impediment, s-s-sonny!” Now what are you going to do? It’s best to have this planned out before you begin.
Besides the laws of your state or district, there are other restrictions that may prohibit releasing your newly trapped friend. Keep in mind that you CANNOT release the animal onto private land without prior approval of the landowner and the State. In many cases, you may be forced to euthanize ol’ Gopher… and just how do you expect to explain that to Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, or Christopher Robin, himself?
All jokes aside, before you start trapping, be sure you are ready for the complete follow-through, whatever that may be. Have a plan in place and do it quickly to reduce unnecessary stress and suffering to the trapped animal.
What If I Just Can’t Do It?
You can always call a pro. We’re not here to judge you – we’re here to get rid of pests! We understand that not everyone is capable of doing what must be done to eliminate a nuisance groundhog. That’s why we’re here! We have the proper equipment, all the best lures, the knowledge and experience, and we aren’t afraid to tell Pooh that his old buddy, Gopher, has a new friend – the Grim Reaper!
You can trust Four Seasons Pest Solutions to protect your property from any pest in any season. We’re always the best solution!
