Visible activity
Watch for large burrow entrances with soil piles. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Wildlife Control
Groundhogs / Woodchucks
Control.
Humane groundhog and woodchuck control for burrows near foundations, sheds, decks, and gardens.
Quick answer
What should you know about groundhogs / woodchucks?
Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, dig extensive burrows that may run beneath porches, sheds, slabs, landscaping, and other structures. Their feeding can also damage gardens and ornamental plants. Bowers begins with identification and inspection, then matches control, removal, or exclusion to the species, structure, season, and conditions found.
Understanding the problem
A careful look comes first.
Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, dig extensive burrows that may run beneath porches, sheds, slabs, landscaping, and other structures. Their feeding can also damage gardens and ornamental plants.
Open soil, dense cover, garden plants, and protected spaces beneath structures can support groundhog activity.
IdentifyConfirm the source
ResolveUse the right method
PreventReduce repeat activity
What to watch for
Common signs of
groundhogs / woodchucks.
One sign may not confirm the problem. An inspection combines evidence, location, timing, and property conditions.
Tracks or evidence
Watch for worn paths through vegetation. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Structural clues
Watch for feeding damage in gardens. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Repeated patterns
Watch for movement near decks or outbuildings. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
The Bowers approach
From evidence
to a clear plan.
The exact method depends on the species, activity, structure, season, and conditions found during inspection.
- 01
Identify
Confirm that the activity is from a groundhog, locate dens or travel routes, and check for young or protected nesting conditions.
- 02
Resolve
We confirm active burrows, evaluate nearby structures, select an appropriate removal plan, and identify practical exclusion or habitat changes.
- 03
Exclude
Close or reinforce access after the animals are safely out, then address food, shelter, or habitat conditions that support return activity.
Prevention priorities
Make the property
less inviting.
Prevention recommendations should reflect the actual access points and conditions at your property.
Limit access
Protect garden edges. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Reduce attractants
Close access beneath sheds and decks. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Maintain the property
Remove dense cover near burrows. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Respond early
Confirm burrows are empty before closure. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Straight answers
Groundhogs / Woodchucks
FAQs.
Common questions about identification, control, removal, and prevention.
What are common signs of groundhogs / woodchucks?
Common evidence includes large burrow entrances with soil piles, worn paths through vegetation, feeding damage in gardens, movement near decks or outbuildings. An inspection helps connect those signs to the actual source.
Why are groundhogs / woodchucks around my property?
Open soil, dense cover, garden plants, and protected spaces beneath structures can support groundhog activity.
How does Bowers handle groundhogs / woodchucks?
We confirm active burrows, evaluate nearby structures, select an appropriate removal plan, and identify practical exclusion or habitat changes.
Can I prevent groundhogs / woodchucks from returning?
Prevention may include protect garden edges, close access beneath sheds and decks, remove dense cover near burrows, confirm burrows are empty before closure. The best priorities depend on the property and active source.
When should I call about groundhogs / woodchucks?
Call when activity is repeated, inside occupied areas, causing damage, creating a sting or exposure concern, or involving an opening you should not seal without confirming it is clear.
Need help with groundhogs / woodchucks?
Tell us what you are seeing and we will help determine the right next step.