Groundhog Removal Service

Groundhogs, also known as Woodchucks are part of a family of mammals called Sciuridae (along with squirrels and marmots). As mentioned above, these little guys can cause problems for property owners for many reasons. They dig and burrow under structures which can be a nuisance for many, especially homeowners with decks and porches which are perfect and cozy places for groundhogs to bunk in. These burrows often serve as safe spaces for a groundhog to hibernate, breed and sleep in. With this being said, their burrows are composed of various paths and chambers dedicated to their own separate function. In fact, a section of the groundhog burrow is solely used for excretory purposes. If you suspect a groundhog’s presence, checking under property structures can be a simple way to validate it.

 

Similar to those of other mammals belonging to the Sciuridae family, groundhog fur varies in color, ranging from grey, yellow-brown to chestnut brown tones. Underneath the colored coat lies a grey layer of fur that further serves as insulation Groundhog Removalfor cold climates. Moreover, weighing up to 13 pounds as an adult and measuring roughly 17 to 24 inches in length, these animals are also the largest of the squirrel family.

 

The lifespan of most wild groundhogs range between four to five years while groundhogs held in captivity can live as long as 14 years. They begin to breed once they’ve reach their second year. Breeding season for these animals occur in the late winter months (typically mid-February), after hibernating through the icy season. Once a female groundhog is pregnant, she undergoes a gestation period of about a month. When the offspring are born (usually in the spring months), the young groundhogs are fully dependent on their mothers for guidance. Aside from feeding, the mother’s main role is to encourage the young to mimic her behavior as preparation for adulthood. Once the groundhog is independent (around August), they break apart from their caregivers to find their own shelter.

 

These furry creatures take part in an omnivorous regime, however, they do not consume as much protein compared to other Sciuridae. As a result, it is a common misconceived notion to view groundhogs as herbivores. A groundhog’s diet primarily consists of freshly grown crops and berries. It also rarely includes live protein sources such as large insects (grasshoppers and June bugs) and snails. Favorite crops to feed on include lettuce, beans, peas and carrots while blackberries and cherries remain as some of the more preferred juicy fruits; it is said that this is where a large portion of the groundhog’s water intake comes from. Similar to the traditional squirrel, groundhogs also feed on nuts but do not bury them for future use.

 

Groundhogs eat nearly a pound of vegetation daily and their eating sessions can last up to an hour long or sometimes even two! Moreover, this species feeds twice in a day – early in the morning and again in the late-afternoon. As the frosty weather approaches, groundhogs dedicate a lot of their time to bulking up for hibernation. At this time, their goal is to consume as much food as possible in order to reach their maximum weight. With this in mind, the garden damage they have the potential to cause can be very problematic for those growing plants at home. However, groundhog control methods can prevent these issues from arising before they have the chance to occur.

 

Aside from scattering about on the ground, groundhogs can be found climbing trees, on fences and swimming from one end of a stream to another. They are equipped with short and powerful limbs that allow them to both dig with ease and maneuver around swiftly. At times when they are not residing in their burrows, groundhogs can be quite active. Seeing as they like to be adventurous and explore the outdoors, this species is prone to being infected with many viruses.

 

Rabies is a dangerous virus found among wild mammals and is fatal in severe cases. Although rabies cases commonly involve wild animals, domestic animals as well as humans (though this is very unlikely) can also be at risk. The virus is spread through the saliva of the infected. Ways to come into contact with the saliva include bites, licks, scratches and exposure to broken skin. When a groundhog is infected with rabies, symptoms it may exhibit include violent behaviour, excessive salivation and full to partial paralysis.

 

Rabies affects the central nervous system of the infected and slowly makes its way towards the brain. As previously mentioned, wild animals and domestic pets are at risk of inhabiting the virus. If you have a pet at home, visiting the vet for a rabies vaccine is highly recommended.

 

Looking past their adorable looks, groundhogs are quite troublesome for homeowners. They can cause long-term property damage, they eat your plants and even pose health threats to your pets at home. There are numerous methods that help deal with groundhog control and contacting the professionals at Markham Wildlife Control ensures a safe and ethical method to handle the situation at hand!

 

If you notice signs of wildlife and pests in your house give us a call. At Markham Wildlife Removal, we provide groundhog removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results every single time. Let us help you solve your pest problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency services, and can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait, call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection, removal and prevention to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.