Woodchucks, more commonly known as groundhogs, are a common sight in many backyards across Tennessee. These large, squirrel-like rodents can cause damage to lawns, gardens, decking, and similar yard features if left unchecked, so it’s important to be able to identify them quickly and accurately.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to identify a groundhog living in your backyard and what steps you should take for effective groundhog control. We will also provide some tips on how to keep these critters away from your property in the future. With this information, you’ll be well-equipped with everything you need to know about woodchucks!
Scroll down to get started!
What You Need to Know About Woodchucks
Woodchuck Classification
The groundhog, or woodchuck, is scientifically known as Marmota monax. They are a rodent from the family of Sciuridae, and they belong to the group of large ground squirrels called marmots. So yes, woodchucks are indeed a type of rodent.
Woodchuck Features
Woodchucks are easily recognizable due to their stout and heavy body, short legs, and black-tipped ears. They range from 16-20 inches in length and typically weigh between 4-15 pounds when fully grown. They’re usually brown or gray in color with white patches on their throat and chest area.
Woodchuck Damage
Another way to identify groundhogs is by the type of damage they cause. These critters love to dig burrows near properties and are notorious for damaging fences, flower beds, gardens, and even foundations! If you find any suspicious tunnels around your yard or property, it’s a sure sign that woodchucks have taken up residence there.
Woodchuck Removal and Control
For woodchuck control, the best thing to do is to remove them from your property, as woodchucks can cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. Trapping and relocation are the most effective methods for groundhog control. However, it’s important to be aware that groundhogs are protected in some states and trapping without a valid permit may result in legal consequences.
Animal Proofing
Finally, there are certain prevention measures you can take to help keep woodchucks away from your backyard. Properly maintaining fences and walls around properties can help discourage groundhogs from taking up residency on your land. Additionally, removing woodpiles or fallen trees near the perimeter of your property will make it much less attractive to groundhogs looking for shelter and food sources.
Critter Control for Groundhogs
Identifying groundhogs and understanding the steps for woodchuck control can help you keep your backyard safe from their threats. With these critter control tips in mind, you’ll be able to recognize woodchucks quickly and efficiently, as well as take the necessary steps to keep them away from your property for good!
Hopefully this blog post has helped provide useful information on groundhog identification and groundhog control methods. If you have any questions or concerns related to groundhogs in your area, contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for woodchucks and more.
Related Posts:
Are Woodchucks and Groundhogs the Same Species?
What You Need to Know About Beaver Dam Removal
What You Need to Do to Get Rid of Muskrats on Your Property