Wood Chucks

Wood Chuck Facts

• The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as woodchuck, land beaver or whistlepig, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. It is widely distributed in North America and common in the northeastern and central United States. Groundhogs are found as far north as Alaska, with their habitat extending southeast to Alabama.
• The groundhog is the largest sciurid in its geographical range, typically measuring 40 to 65 cm (17 to 26 in) long (including a 15 cm tail) and weighing 2 to 4 kg (4.5 to 9 pounds). In areas with fewer natural predators and large quantities of alfalfa, groundhogs can grow to 80 cm (32 in) and 14 kg (30 lb).
• Suited to their temperate habitat, groundhogs are covered with two coats of fur: a dense grey undercoat and a longer coat of banded guard hairs that gives the groundhog its distinctive “frosted” appearance.

How Wood Chucks Damage Your Lawn

Wood chucks rarely – if ever – burrow into a home or attack humans. However, they do become a nuisance when they dig deep tunnels in your yard. Their tunnel networks can be up to 25-30’, and include dedicated chambers for eating and hibernating. While wood chucks don’t create as many mounds above the ground as gophers, most wood chuck habitats include at least two larger mounds. These mounds are used for every day access and escaping when the wood chuck feels in danger. The tunnels are also used for mating, sleeping, and hiding.

DIY Wood Chuck Removal Methods

Unfortunately, many people take it upon themselves to eliminate their wood chuck problem. They may shoot a wood chuck on sight, or they may attempt to poison the wood chuck by placing bait in or around the tunnels. Not only is this inhumane, but it can be dangerous to children and pets who may come into contact with the poison. Most wood chucks can be safely trapped and removed by a pest control professional with experience in humanely and effectively removing them from a yard.

Contact a Wood Chuck Removal Service Today

If you’ve seen mounds in your yard, or parts of your yard feel soft as though the area beneath it has been dug out, you may have a wood chuck problem. Many homeowners may actually see the wood chuck burrowing in the tunnels or scurrying about the yard looking for food.

At Freedom Pest Control, we can help you eradicate a wood chuck infestation in your yard without harming your family or the wood chucks. We can also help you determine the best ways to prevent wood chucks from coming back.