Groundhogs may look cute and harmless, but trust us, they’re not. Other than making a mess out of your yard, groundhogs can also carry rabies and other diseases that are harmful to humans. So if you see one on your property, don’t approach it or try to catch it.
AAAC Wildlife Removal of Cincinnati’s competent and experienced staff will safely and humanely trap and remove the groundhog from your property so it won’t bother you or your family anymore. We will also clean up the mess it made and repair any damage it may have caused. So if you’re experiencing a groundhog problem, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re here to help.
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What’s a Groundhog?
A groundhog is a large rodent that is also known as a woodchuck, land beaver, and whistle pig. Groundhogs are a member of the squirrel family and are usually the size of a small dog measuring between 16 and 20 inches long and weighing around 13 pounds. They have brown fur and a white chest. Groundhogs are good swimmers and can hold their breath for up to five minutes underwater.
Groundhogs are generally shy animals and will try to avoid humans. However, if you frighten groundhogs and they feel threatened, they will not hesitate to attack. They have sharp incisors that can do serious injury. Groundhogs are also known to carry rabies and other diseases that can be transmitted to humans so it’s best to just leave them alone and call a professional if you see one on your property.
Groundhogs hibernate during the winter and will not be active from October to April. However, they can become a nuisance during other times of the year. They are mainly active during the day, but can also be active at night. They live in burrows which they dig themselves and can stay underground for up to six months during the winter.
Problems Caused by Groundhogs
Groundhogs can look innocent and harmless to us, but they can actually cause a lot of problems for people. Not only are they capable of doing serious damage to your property, but they can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans.
Some of the problems caused by groundhogs include:
- Digging unsightly holes in your yard
- Creating trip hazards
- Carrying rabies and other diseases
- Eating your plants and flowers
- Digging up your garden
- Making a mess with their droppings and urine
- Compromise the foundation of your home
Groundhogs Dig unsightly holes in your yard
Groundhogs are burrowers and they will dig holes in your yard. Groundhog burrows are used to raise their young, store food, and hibernate. Groundhog holes can be unsightly and can make your yard look like a minefield.
Trip hazard
The holes dug by groundhogs can also be a trip hazard. This is especially dangerous if you have young children who are running around your yard.
They carry rabies and other diseases
Groundhogs are known to carry rabies as well as other serious diseases such as tularemia and leptospirosis. These diseases can be transmitted to humans through contact with the animal’s saliva, blood, or urine.
Groundhogs eat your plants and flowers
Another problem that groundhogs can cause is eating your plants. They are mainly herbivores and their diet consists of grass, weeds, fruits, and vegetables.
They destroy your garden
Groundhogs will also dig up your garden in search of food. This can destroy all the hard work you put into growing and caring for your plants.
They make a mess with their droppings and urine
They leave their droppings and urine all over the place which can be a health hazard. The droppings can also contain parasites and other diseases that can infect humans.
Compromise the foundation of your home
When groundhogs burrow under a home, they can compromise its foundation and make it structurally unstable. This can be very costly to fix.
Getting Rid of Groundhogs
Trapping is the most common way to get rid of groundhogs. There are a number of different traps available on the market, but the most effective one is the live trap. It’s important to use a trap that is big enough for the animal and make sure you bait it properly.
Groundhog removal requires knowledge of their habits and behavior. The traps need to be set in the areas where the animals are seen or suspected of being. You also need to check the traps regularly and release any caught animals as soon as possible.
If you’re not comfortable trapping groundhogs, you can always call a professional wildlife removal company to take care of it for you.
Prevent Groundhogs
There are a few things you can do to help prevent groundhogs from coming onto your property in the first place. Here are some tips to deter groundhogs:
Remove food sources
Groundhogs are attracted to yards with a lot of vegetation. If you have a garden, make sure it’s fenced in. Trim back any overgrown areas of your yard.
Eliminate hiding spots
Remove piles of wood, rocks, and other debris from your property. These animals usually feel safer when they have a place to hide.
Install a fence
If you’re really want to keep groundhogs off your property, install a fence. The fence should be at least six feet high and is at least a foot below the ground to prevent them from digging underneath it.
Groundhog Repellents
There are a few repellents on the market that can be used to keep groundhogs away, they usually involve using strong smells or tastes that the animals don’t like. There are also predator urine products that can be used.
Predator urine
An effective groundhog repellent, predator urine can be purchased online or at a garden store. You can also make your own groundhog repellent by mixing one part coyote urine with nine parts water.
Kitty litter can also have a deterrent effect on groundhogs. Spread a layer of kitty litter around the areas where you don’t want them to go. The scent will make them stay away.
Get professional help
If you have a groundhog problem and you’re not sure how to deal with it, you can always call a professional wildlife removal company like AAAC Wildlife Removal of Cincinnati to take care of it for you.
Groundhog Removal Near Me
In the Cincinnati area, the best company to call for groundhog removal is AAAC Wildlife Removal. We have been removing groundhogs for over a decade and have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right. We use only humane methods of removal and will take care of the animal in a safe and responsible manner.
All our wildlife trappers are licensed and insured. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our wild animal removal jobs and ensure that other groundhogs will not take their place.
We will clean up the mess left behind by the groundhogs and repair any damage they may have caused.
Frequently Asked Questions About Groundhog Removal
Q: Is Relocating Groundhogs Allowed in Ohio?
A: Trapped groundhog can be relocated with permission from the owner of the property where they will be released. Otherwise, they can be released on the same property they were caught on or get euthanized.
Q: Can You Use Groundhog Poison in Ohio?
A: Groundhogs that are posing health hazards or causing damage to property can be killed by any means in Ohio. This isn’t the best method though, as it can be inhumane and cause suffering.
Q: Can You Kill a Groundhog in Ohio?
A: Nuisance groundhogs in Ohio can be removed by any means, including lethal methods.
Q: Who gets rid of groundhogs in Ohio?
A: In Ohio, wildlife removal companies, like AAAC Wildlife Removal, are the ones who typically deal with groundhogs. We use humane methods to remove groundhogs and will take care of the animal in a safe and responsible manner.
