In light of the recent annual occasion of Groundhog’s Day, and although he didn’t see his shadow this year, let us still discuss this common nuisance animal endured by thousands of Hoosiers all across the state. Most people go years before realizing they have a groundhog problem on their property. This is likely due to the prospect that many people are not even sure what a groundhog is or what they look like. Well, it is time to clear up the confusion, and show you the best way to solve your woodchuck problem once and for all!
Continue reading to learn what you should know about groundhogs, and how to get rid of them if they become a problem for you.
Groundhogs are Also Called Woodchucks
Groundhogs do not really have an appealing name; do they? When you put “ground” and “hog” together, you don’t really paint an attractive visual image. The truth is, they are part of the rodent family, so this particular mental image is probably not too far off. As children, many of us remember the riddle, “how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” Well, groundhogs are woodchucks!
Groundhogs are the largest members of the Sciuridae family, which is reserved for medium-sized rodents like squirrels. Adults are an average of 16 to 20 inches long, and weigh between 5 to 12 pounds. They have brownish tan fur, sharp claws, and long tails, usually 6 inches in length. In the wild, they can live up to 10 years, but generally have lifespans that average between 3 and 6 years. As herbivores, groundhogs can eat roughly one-third of their body weight in vegetation each day; however, they are known to eat insects at times.
Groundhogs are Known as an “Edge Species”
Known as edge species, groundhogs like to linger in transitional areas where forest meets a well-vegetated open field or meadow. As a diurnal species, they are active during the day, and spend most of their time underground in complex burrow systems. Dry soil in good condition is a prime target area for groundhogs because it makes for the best burrowing. It is common to find groundhog burrows near fence lines, houses, hedgerows, and lined trees. Their digging can be quite destructive to residential and commercial lawns, making them quite to nuisance to many.
What to Do About Nuisance Groundhogs
Common signs of a groundhog problem include more than just mounds of soil and visible lawn burrowing. You may also notice chewing on garden vegetables, damaged crops, chewed irrigation lines, and paw prints in soil. If you see signs of groundhog burrowing or activity, your first step is to contact a local and trusted Indianapolis wildlife control company for a full-property inspection. They retain the proper permits, training, and technologies to accurately identify a woodchuck infestation, and recommended the best course of action to get rid of them, safely and humanely.
Professional Indianapolis Groundhog Removal Services at the Right Price
Whether you call them groundhogs or woodchucks, these nuisance animals are highly destructive and should be abated as soon as possible. Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for groundhog removal and control service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our Indianapolis wildlife control operators are standing by, waiting to help you get rid of groundhogs at a price you can afford, and in a time frame that is convenient for you. Contact us to request a free estimate or free advice, anytime. We also offer dead animal removal and emergency after-hours animal removal services.
