Have you spotted a groundhog running around your property? This chubby invader probably didn’t raise a red flag. However, you should know groundhogs are far more dangerous than they let on – they could significantly damage your property if left to their own devices.
Contrary to popular belief, groundhogs are some of the most frustrating pests you can find around your White Plains property. These hardy, adaptable pests do anything they can to survive, which means they won’t have much remorse about destroying your lawn and garden. They can also cause significant damage to your building’s foundation, leading to extensive repairs and an expensive price tag.
Groundhog control in White Plains is critical if you want to keep pests from invading your space. However, this isn’t always easy to do, especially without the help of professionals.
This guide takes a closer look at the dangers of groundhog infestations, including the damage they cause and what to expect from their activity. We also cover identification tips for spotting an infestation. Need some help getting rid of a problem? Mike's Pest, Termite, and Wildlife Control can help.
Groundhogs 101: Biology, Behaviors, And Factors That Attract Them
Groundhogs can cause considerable problems for your property, and knowing their biology and behavior can help you better understand what you’re up against.
Here are the basics you should know about groundhogs:
- They’re related to squirrels. Though much larger, groundhogs are close cousins to backyard squirrels.
- They’re large. Adult groundhogs can weigh up to 12 pounds.
- They are long-lived. Living up to six years, groundhogs can remain around your house for several years at a time.
- They are burrowing animals. Groundhogs live in underground burrows and can cause considerable damage to your lawn and landscaping.
- They are omnivorous. Groundhogs dine on many different foods, including vegetables, twigs, blossoms, and bark. They also feed on grubs and insects.
- Groundhogs are diurnal. Being diurnal means that groundhogs are the most active during the day, returning to their burrows at night.
- Groundhogs hibernate. Mostly active during the spring and summer, groundhogs usually hibernate in their burrows starting the month of October.
- Groundhogs are strong breeders. Adult females can have up to four offspring per litter, which allows groundhog infestations to grow large quickly.
Unless you start with groundhog pest control or prevention, these industrious pests can quickly take over your yard. They can also wreak havoc on your landscaping, sidewalks, and foundation.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.
Damage Groundhogs Can Cause To Lawns And Landscaping
Groundhogs can cause major damage to lawns, especially when it comes to grass and cover plants. Since these pests live in burrows and dig large holes in the ground, they can leave considerable damage as they expand their tunnel networks.
Groundhogs have a passion for delicious backyard vegetables, and can completely destroy a garden in a short period of time. Groundhogs also feed on other greenery and can strip the leaves off sensitive plants.
Groundhogs also stay in places offering plenty of food, water, and shelter, which may include the side of your home. They may burrow under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, which can lead to erosion and potential collapse.
Ready to learn more about how to get rid of groundhogs in White Plains? It starts with identification.
Here are some ways you can identify a groundhog infestation around your home.
How To Tell If Groundhogs Have Found Your White Plains Home
One of the best ways to prevent groundhogs from causing major damage is to identify their infestations early.
Here are some ways that you can tell if groundhogs have come to visit:
- Damage to your greenery: Look for signs of feeding or chew marks to see if groundhogs are nearby.
- Mounds: Groundhogs tend to pile dirt outside their burrows, making small, identifiable mounds.
- Deep holes: Groundhogs dig deep, complex burrows, usually with large entry holes leading inside.
- The culprits themselves: Because groundhogs are active during the day, you may be able to spot their activity.
As soon as you discover an infestation, you should start looking for professional groundhog removal immediately. Failure to do so may allow them to cause even more damage to your property.
If groundhogs have come to visit, you can get in touch with Mike's Pest, Termite, and Wildlife Control. We use the latest, safest, science-based methods and techniques to get groundhogs out of your property for good.
Here’s how we get rid of groundhogs around White Plains.
Your Solution For Groundhogs And Other Wildlife In White Plains
If groundhogs have made their way onto your White Plains property, you can be sure they will stay if they find it appealing. Thankfully, Mike's Pest, Termite, and Wildlife Control can help with fast-acting treatments designed for local properties.
Our process for groundhog removal in White Plains is effective, simple, and straightforward. First, we exclude and trap active pests to get them out of your yard. Then, we use sanitation if necessary to remove hazardous waste. We also provide direct capture methods, repellants, one-way doors, and more.
Give us a call to learn more about our solutions for groundhogs in White Plains.