If you’ve spotted large holes in your yard, near your shed, or along your foundation, there’s a good chance a groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) has taken up residence on your property. While these furry creatures might look harmless, their digging habits can cause serious problems for your lawn, garden, and even your home’s structure.
At K.P. Wildlife Control, we specialize in humane groundhog removal and prevention throughout Maryland. Here’s how to identify groundhog activity, understand the risks they pose, and take the right steps to reclaim your yard safely.
How to Identify Groundhog Holes
Groundhogs are skilled diggers that create extensive burrow systems underground. A single burrow can stretch up to 30 feet long with multiple chambers and entrances.
You can identify a groundhog hole by these common signs:
- Large openings: Typically 8–12 inches in diameter—big enough for a small cat or rabbit to fit through.
- Fresh dirt piles: Mounds of loose soil outside the hole, usually fan-shaped.
- Chewed vegetation: Groundhogs feed on grass, garden plants, and crops.
- Multiple holes: One main entrance and several smaller “escape” holes nearby.
Their burrows are often found near fences, decks, sheds, and garden beds—areas that provide cover and easy access to food sources.
Why Groundhog Burrows Are a Problem
While a groundhog might seem like a cute backyard visitor, their digging habits can cause a variety of costly and dangerous issues:
- Lawn and garden damage: Groundhogs can destroy gardens, eat crops, and uproot plants.
- Soil instability: Burrows weaken the ground around patios, sheds, or driveways, creating tripping hazards and erosion.
- Foundation risks: Burrows dug too close to your home can compromise structural integrity over time.
- Injuries to pets or livestock: Animals can step into hidden burrows and injure their legs.
- Attracting predators: Groundhog activity can attract foxes, coyotes, or snakes looking for easy prey.
Ignoring a groundhog problem can allow their tunnels to expand, creating a much bigger challenge later.
Groundhog Behavior and Why They Dig
Groundhogs dig for two main reasons: shelter and food.
They build complex burrows that serve multiple purposes—sleeping, nesting, and hibernating. During summer and early fall, groundhogs are especially active as they prepare for hibernation, which typically begins in late October or November.
Their diet mainly consists of vegetation, including:
- Garden vegetables (lettuce, carrots, beans)
- Grass and weeds
- Clover, dandelions, and wildflowers
Because they’re active during daylight hours, you may even see them in the early morning or late afternoon, munching near their burrow entrance.
Why DIY Groundhog Removal Can Be Risky
When homeowners discover groundhog holes, their first instinct is often to try filling them in or trapping the animal themselves. Unfortunately, that rarely works—and can sometimes make things worse.
Here’s why:
- Groundhogs often dig new holes nearby if their burrows are filled.
- Sealing an active burrow may trap the animal inside, leading to odor and sanitation issues.
- Handling wildlife without proper training or permits can be dangerous and illegal in Maryland.
- Groundhogs can be aggressive if cornered, especially females protecting young.
The safest and most effective solution is to call a licensed wildlife removal specialist who can humanely remove the groundhog and prevent it from returning.
How K.P. Wildlife Removes Groundhogs Safely
At K.P. Wildlife Control, we use humane, effective techniques to remove groundhogs and restore your property. Our process typically includes:
- Inspection: We locate all active burrows, feeding sites, and potential entry points.
- Humane trapping: Our team uses safe, state-approved traps to capture groundhogs without harm.
- Relocation: The captured animal is relocated to an appropriate natural environment.
- Exclusion and repair: We fill and seal burrows, reinforce vulnerable areas, and install deterrents to prevent future digging.
We also provide preventive guidance to help you avoid future infestations, like removing attractants, securing gardens, and maintaining clear ground near structures.
Protect Your Property with K.P. Wildlife
Groundhogs may be part of Maryland’s natural landscape, but they don’t belong under your porch or in your garden. With the right approach, you can safely and effectively remove them—without harming the animal or your property.
At K.P. Wildlife Control, we provide humane groundhog removal, exclusion, and prevention services to keep your yard safe and secure all year long. If you’ve noticed groundhog holes or other signs of digging on your property, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Call K.P. Wildlife today at (443) 282-5035 or contact us online to schedule a professional inspection.
