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Posts Tagged ‘Alexandria KY Groundhog Problem’

Happy Groundhog Day – A Good Time of Year to Start Trapping Groundhogs

February 2nd, 2018

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year in the United States and Canada on February 2nd. The Lure states that if a groundhog sees its shadow upon exiting their burrow that it will retreat back to their burrow and there will be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog on the other hand does not see its shadow spring will arrive early.

If you have a groundhog problem or have had one in the past, now is the time to begin trapping and removing them. Groundhogs often establish burrows along grassy strips of land in fields and on the edge of wooded areas. It is when groundhogs infiltrate your yard that they become a big problem. Not only can they destroy your landscaping, but they often like to burrow and den under porches and decks. Groundhogs become a nuisance when they excavate next to foundations or under buildings. Their eating habits do not typically conflict with humans; however, gnawing on underground power cables or electric lines causes power outages. Tunnels and burrow systems are typically only 2-3 feet below the surface, however, they have been known to burrow under foundations and basements which if left untreated could lead to serious structural issues. Smaller groundhogs can easily fit through holes as small as 3 – 4 inches in diameter, while the typical entrance is closer to 10 inches and accompanied by a pile of dirt. They usually have one main entrance and up to three secondary entries. The only way homeowners can discourage groundhogs from digging in their yard is to trap and remove all groundhogs in the area.

Groundhogs are diurnal, being most active in the morning and evening before sunset. They can often be found sunning themselves in an open field, or on a wall or fence. February and March are the best times to begin trapping groundhogs as they come out to sun themselves on unseasonably warm mornings and evenings. This time of year, allows a trapper to easily entice a hungry groundhog into a trap, because food is scarce for a herbivore, that usually dines on readily-available food from gardens, flowerbeds, and fields.

In addition to being easier to catch this time of year, it is important to control the population of groundhogs in your area for cost saving reasons. A single den is typically occupied by one male and two females that usually breeds between March and April. Litters are typically born about a month after mating and consist of 4-6 young. Most juveniles depart the den by mid-summer to establish their own territory, however females occasionally stay in the family den for a little less than a year, when a new litter is set to arrive.

If you have a nuisance groundhog infiltrating your yard give Tri-State Wildlife a call today! 859-635-0037

Alexandria, KY Groundhog Removal (41001)

March 22nd, 2016

Are groundhogs digging in your yard or eating from your garden? For groundhog removal and exclusion, call Tri-State Wildlife Management at (859) 635-0037.

Tri-State Wildlife Management – Protecting You, Your Property, and Your Investment

Groundhog - Tri-State Wildlife Management

Alexandria, KY Groundhog Removal (41001): If you have a groundhog problem or have had one in the past year, now is the time to trap groundhogs and remove them. March, followed closely by April, is the best month out of the year to trap groundhogs. Their food supply is limited, they are coming out to sun themselves after a long winter, and their young have not been born. Groundhogs breed in March and April, with a gestation period of 32 days. Young are weaned by late June or early July.

Although pastures and open fields are favorite areas for groundhogs to den, it is not uncommon for them to burrow in urban areas under or alongside the foundation of houses and buildings.  The main entrance to their burrow is evident by the pile of soft, powdery dirt next to the entrance. Secondary entrances are sometimes difficult to locate because they lack this pile of dirt. Each opening is about 10 inches in diameter. The groundhog’s range is surprisingly close, averaging 50-150 feet from its den.  However, males may travel long distances while looking for a mate, and these males have even been seen traveling at night.

Groundhogs become a nuisance when they excavate next to foundations or under buildings.  Their eating habits do not typically conflict with humans; however, gnawing on underground power cables or electric lines causes power outages.  The only way homeowners can discourage groundhogs from digging in their yard is to trap and remove all groundhogs in the area.

Groundhogs are found throughout much of the eastern portion of the United States, most of Canada and into Alaska.  They enjoy activity during the day, especially warm, sunny afternoons in the spring and fall.  They can often be found sunning themselves in an open field, or on a wall or fence.  The groundhog has a solid, stocky body and very strong legs.  Its front feet have long claws suited for digging burrows.  Its fur is very coarse, and mostly brown in color.  The groundhog is a member of the squirrel family; however, unlike squirrels, groundhogs fall into a deep state of hibernation during the winter months. Because groundhogs’ eyes, ears, and nose are located toward the top of their head, they can check for danger while remaining in their burrow. Groundhogs are herbivores and favorite foods are grasses (especially alfalfa and clover), vegetables and fruit. They enjoy feeding in the early morning and late afternoon.

Tri-State Wildlife Management is fully insured, and we stand behind all of our work.

Call Tri-State Wildlife Management at (859) 635-0037 for removal and control of groundhogs, moles, skunks, snakes, chipmunks, mice, bats, and more.


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