Woodchuck

Woodchucks, relatives of squirrels, are a common occurrence in Westland. They don't typically get into homes, but the damage they cause to your landscape can be costly.

KEEPING GROUNDHOGS OUT

Groundhog dens are deep, large, and can contain dozens of feet of tunnels. They will create subterranean chamber that can serve as waste collection or nursing areas. The dry gravelly earth found in open grasslands, meadows, farm fields, edges of forest clearings, and grassy roadsides are ideal. Groundhogs stay within 150 feet of their burrows, and when they are startled will let out a shrill whistle and scurry back to their den for safety.

Groundhog Problems

Groundhogs have no reason to enter homes, and very rarely do. However, their diets will bring them onto your property and into farmers fields, gardens, and more!

• Groundhogs rarely attack against humans— so rare that if it happens it must be treated as an indication of rabies. Furthermore, groundhogs damages are limited to properties like farms, orchards, gardens, and lawns. The rodents are responsible for a significant loss of crops, including soybeans, peas, carrots, lettuce, alfalfa, apples, and flowers. Burrowing habits create problems for foundations, roads, driveways, lawns, and embankments.
• Farm equipment and livestock can also become damaged or injured by obscured burrow holes.
• Wire mesh fences can be used to effectively keep groundhogs away from gardens and lawns. Fences should be buried at least a foot underground and have outward-facing overhangs at the top to prevent the animals from burrowing underneath or climbing over. In some cases, it may become necessary to run electrified wire around the perimeter of fences.

Full Service Groundhog Removal

Since groundhog burrows have multiple entrances and exits, traps should only be set by trained professionals. Woodchucks don't usually initiate attacks against humans, but they may scratch or bite when cornered or threatened, and residents should never attempt to handle the animals. Critter Control of Westland wildlife experts are trained to safely deal with nuisance groundhogs and fully equipped to handle trapping, removal, and control operations within the confines of the law. We can help you get rid of woodchuck problems! Call our Westland office today!