Groundhog invasions - Ask Extension
I have a groundhog that has dug a tunnel under my garage. I know that I can live trap it, and I know I can purchase a trap. So I have 2 questions:
...
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Groundhog invasions #869289
Asked May 20, 2024, 2:43 PM EDT
I have a groundhog that has dug a tunnel under my garage. I know that I can live trap it, and I know I can purchase a trap. So I have 2 questions:
How much damage could it do tunneling under my garage?
How can I obtain a trap that I'm going to use one time (hopefully) without paying an outrageous price for it?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can cause significant damage to structures by tunneling underneath them. Their burrows can undermine the stability of foundations, potentially leading to uneven floors, cracked walls, or even structural collapses. The tunnels can also cause water to flow directly underneath your home, disrupting the existing water balance of your foundation and causing erosion of the soil structure. It’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent any serious damage.
To obtain a trap for one-time use, you might consider contacting local wildlife control agencies or checking with nearby universities with agricultural or wildlife management programs. You can also check with your local extension (Oakland County) at<personal data hidden> to see if they have traps you can use for groundhogs.
Remember to check your local regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife, as there may be specific requirements or restrictions. Contacting a professional if you’re unsure how to proceed safely and legally is also a good idea. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has added more nuisance animals to the list of critters property owners can kill without obtaining a permit. Previously, only woodchucks, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes that were doing or about to do damage could be killed on private property without a written permit.
Here is the information from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Groundhogs/Woodchucks
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. Groundhogs hibernate in their dens during the winter months.
Groundhogs dig large holes and long underground tunnels that can cause structural damage, crop/ garden damage, or damage to farm equipment or livestock.
Prevention and control tips:
Place fencing around gardens to keep groundhogs out. The fencing should be at least 3 feet tall and made of thick wire. To keep groundhogs from digging under the fence, you should also bury them about 12 inches deep under the ground.
Groundhogs can climb nurseries, orchards, or ornamental trees to access fruits. Place metal flashing or tree guards around the trees, at least 3 feet high.
Place fencing under decks and porches to keep woodchucks from tunneling underneath.
If a woodchuck den exists on your property, place an ammonia-soaked towel in it. Used cat litter may also be effective, as it smells strongly of ammonia. Mothballs cannot be placed in the den, as they are considered insecticides.
Removal tips:
Groundhogs can be live-trapped and released on the landowner’s property or be humanely euthanized. Groundhogs may NOT be relocated off the property where they were trapped. Remember that live traps must always be labeled with the trapper’s name and address.
If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license.
If you live in an area where firearms are allowed, groundhogs may be taken year-round on private property without a hunting license when doing or about to do damage.
In areas where hunting and trapping is not allowed, you may contact a nuisance animal control company at this link:
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/nuisance-wildlife/nuisance-animal-control-directory
I hope this helps!
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can cause significant damage to structures by tunneling underneath them. Their burrows can undermine the stability of foundations, potentially leading to uneven floors, cracked walls, or even structural collapses. The tunnels can also cause water to flow directly underneath your home, disrupting the existing water balance of your foundation and causing erosion of the soil structure. It’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent any serious damage.
To obtain a trap for one-time use, you might consider contacting local wildlife control agencies or checking with nearby universities with agricultural or wildlife management programs. You can also check with your local extension (Oakland County) at<personal data hidden> to see if they have traps you can use for groundhogs.
Remember to check your local regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife, as there may be specific requirements or restrictions. Contacting a professional if you’re unsure how to proceed safely and legally is also a good idea. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has added more nuisance animals to the list of critters property owners can kill without obtaining a permit. Previously, only woodchucks, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes that were doing or about to do damage could be killed on private property without a written permit.
Here is the information from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Groundhogs/Woodchucks
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. Groundhogs hibernate in their dens during the winter months.
Groundhogs dig large holes and long underground tunnels that can cause structural damage, crop/ garden damage, or damage to farm equipment or livestock.
Prevention and control tips:
Place fencing around gardens to keep groundhogs out. The fencing should be at least 3 feet tall and made of thick wire. To keep groundhogs from digging under the fence, you should also bury them about 12 inches deep under the ground.
Groundhogs can climb nurseries, orchards, or ornamental trees to access fruits. Place metal flashing or tree guards around the trees, at least 3 feet high.
Place fencing under decks and porches to keep woodchucks from tunneling underneath.
If a woodchuck den exists on your property, place an ammonia-soaked towel in it. Used cat litter may also be effective, as it smells strongly of ammonia. Mothballs cannot be placed in the den, as they are considered insecticides.
Removal tips:
Groundhogs can be live-trapped and released on the landowner’s property or be humanely euthanized. Groundhogs may NOT be relocated off the property where they were trapped. Remember that live traps must always be labeled with the trapper’s name and address.
If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license.
If you live in an area where firearms are allowed, groundhogs may be taken year-round on private property without a hunting license when doing or about to do damage.
In areas where hunting and trapping is not allowed, you may contact a nuisance animal control company at this link:
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/nuisance-wildlife/nuisance-animal-control-directory
I hope this helps!
