Groundhog Removal & Control
Stop digging damage before it ruins your foundation. We provide humane trapping and permanent exclusion barriers.
Get A Free QuoteThe Silent Foundation Killer
Groundhogs (also known as Woodchucks or Whistle Pigs) are essentially small bulldozers. They don't just live in your yard—they excavate it.
Structural Risk
A single groundhog den can displace 700 pounds of dirt. When they dig under:
- • Concrete Patios & Slabs
- • HVAC Pads
- • Deck Footings
- • Pool Decks
...they remove the supporting earth, causing concrete to crack, sink, or collapse.
Identification Guide
- The Hole: 10-12 inches wide with a large "porch" of fresh dirt. Usually located right against a structure or under brush.
- The Animal: Chunky body, grizzled brown fur, short tail. Often seen sunning on rocks or decks during the day.
- The Garden: "Clean cut" damage to vegetables. They eat the best parts of your plants, unlike bugs that leave holes.
Permanent Groundhog Solutions
1. Targeted Trapping
We place traps directly over the active hole ("positive set"). This guarantees we catch the target animal and not your neighbor's cat.
2. The "L-Footer" Trench
We dig 12 inches down and 12 inches out, installing a steel mesh barrier. When the groundhog tries to dig under, they hit the steel and give up.
3. Deck & Shed Sealing
We secure new lattice or solid skirting to hide the exclusion wire, keeping your property looking great while staying secure.
Why Trapping Alone Fails
Removing the groundhog solves the immediate problem, but it leaves behind a vacant, move-in ready den.
The "Vacuum Effect"
Groundhog dens are valuable real estate. If you don't seal the entry (under the shed or deck), a new groundhog—or worse, a skunk—will smell the den and move in within weeks.
This is why we strongly recommend our exclusion trenching service for a permanent fix.
Groundhog Removal Costs
Trapping Program (Flat Fee)
We charge a setup fee to come out, identify active burrows, and set traps. This includes return visits to check traps and remove animals.
Exclusion Trenching (Per Foot)
Permanent prevention is construction work. We price this by the linear foot (how big is your shed/deck?) and the difficulty of digging (roots, rocks, concrete). We give free quotes for this part.
Groundhog FAQ
Can I flood them out with a hose?
No. Groundhog tunnels are complex, with multiple chambers and drainage slopes. Flooding them rarely works and can actually wash away more soil from under your foundation, increasing the damage.
Do they have more than one hole?
Yes. A den typically has a main entrance (with the dirt mound) and 2-4 "spy holes" or escape routes hidden nearby in grass or brush. We must locate all of them.
Are they dangerous to pets?
Generally, groundhogs want to flee. However, if cornered by a dog, they have large incisors and sharp claws and will defend themselves fiercely. It is best to keep pets away.
Protect Your Foundation Today
Don't let groundhogs undermine your home. Call for a trenching quote.