Your Groundhog Removal Services questions, answered
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does groundhog removal cost near me?
Groundhog removal costs$150 to $300 on average. Fumigation, repellants, and lethal traps are the cheapest removal methods. A lethal trap costs $120 to $220 each while a live trap and relocation service costs $200 to $350 per groundhog.
Groundhogs are considered a "nuisance wildlife" that is legal to hunt and dispose of in some states, depending on if they have overpopulated the area or not.
How do you know if you have a groundhog problem?
Signs that you have a groundhog problem include:
Large holes in your yard from 10" to 12" wide, next to mounds of dirt
Disappearance of plants and vegetables in your garden
Damage to structures like fences or sheds
A foundation that appears to be sinking near the holes in your yard
To determine if groundhogs are still occupying a hole, place a few sticks at the entrance and check within a day or two to see if the sticks have moved.
Should I remove groundhogs myself?
Don't remove groundhogs yourself without professional assistance. Groundhogs may become dangerous if they feel threatened, and various laws dictate how they must be treated. Professionals have the expertise to catch them in ways that neither harm the animals nor cause property damage.
Simply filling in the hole won't eliminate a groundhog problem, as they are capable of digging a new tunnel around any blocked entrance.
Do groundhogs attack humans?
Groundhogs typically don't initiate attacks toward humans. A groundhog is most likely to fear humans and will likely flee if they encounter you.
However, if a groundhog feels cornered or threatened, it may bite or scratch in self-defense, and it's worth noting that these wild animals can carry diseases. To ensure safety, keep a respectful distance.
Can a groundhog kill a dog?
A groundhog typically won't kill a dog, but it can defend itself if threatened. With sharp claws and teeth, a groundhog can cause injury. To protect your dog from potential harm or diseases that a groundhog may carry, it's wise to keep them separated.
Conversely, some hunting dogs with strong fighting instincts will kill groundhogs, so supervise your pets carefully in these situations.
Who do I call for groundhog removal?
Find someone experienced in groundhog removal by calling:
A professional wildlife removal service
Wildlife trapping specialists
Extermination companies (in cities where poisoning is legal)