North East Wildlife Management

Groundhog Removal Service

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Groundhog Removal in Boston, MA

Northeast Wildlife Management offers the best groundhog removal services in the Boston, MA area. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large, brown rodents that are infamous for the burrows they dig, which can hollow out the ground in your yard and underneath your home’s foundation, leading to potential structural issues. In addition to their burrowing habits, groundhogs are also a significant garden pest, as they will eat your fresh vegetable crops and disrupt your plant’s root system with their burrowing.
Groundhogs can become aggressive when they feel cornered, so always leave groundhog trapping and removal to the experts at Northeast Wildlife Management. Our team of wildlife control operators has years of experience dealing with groundhogs in New England, so you can rest assured that we will solve your groundhog issue quickly and effectively. Contact our team today to get started with a FREE estimate at 781-562-9659!

ground hog standing up in grass

Signs of a Groundhog Issue

When you have a nuisance animal causing destruction on your property, it’s imperative that you identify the culprit as soon as possible, so we can safely trap and remove it. Some obvious signs of a groundhog issue include:                   

  • Large burrow entrance holes 
  • Piles of kicked up dirt 
  • Areas of the ground that feel soft or weak 
  • Machinery or small structures (sheds) sinking into the ground       
  • Damage to vegetable crops or ornamental plants (flowers) 
  • Spotting the groundhogs themselves 

If you’ve started seeing the signs, then call a professional like Northeast Wildlife Management right away. 

Diseases Spread by Groundhogs

Groundhogs prefer to stay in their underground burrows and stay out of the way of humans, but in direct contact, groundhogs can spread several diseases and parasites, including: 

If bitten or scratched by a groundhog, you should treat this as a potential rabies exposure and seek medical care immediately.

Groundhog Burrow Damage

While groundhogs can spread diseases in some cases, most of the conflict between groundhogs and humans arise from the groundhog’s incessant burrowing activities. Groundhogs use their powerful front claws to dig extensive burrows alongside fences, foundations, and trees. These burrow systems have multiple chambers for hibernating, raising their young, and urinating/defecating. Groundhog burrows can be 25-50 feet long and  3-6 feet deep in the ground. Because groundhogs are literally hollowing out the ground as they excavate your yard, it can result in significant structural damage for anything they are digging underneath. Groundhog burrows can lead to decks, porches, sheds, and patios sinking into the earth, and they can also lead to your home’s foundation cracking, settling, and becoming structurally unstable. Groundhog burrows can also lead to lawn equipment or farm machinery sinking into the ground, and can even create hazardous conditions for you, your family, and your pets. 

Groundhog burrows can also disrupt the roots of trees and garden plants, killing them off and ruining your landscaping choices. Groundhogs often raid gardens for fresh vegetables as well, ruining all the hard work done by farmers or homeowners with a green thumb.   

Humane Groundhog Removal Service

Groundhogs are extremely clever animals, and are not easy to catch. Groundhogs can easily outwit untrained trappers, and DIY trapping might accidentally make the problem worse by making the groundhog aware of trapping methods. Never attempt to trap groundhogs by yourself, always leave groundhog trapping and removal services to the wildlife removal experts at Northeast Wildlife Management. Our team has the experience, tools, and training necessary to safely and humanely remove groundhogs from your property, keeping them safe while minimizing the damage done to your yard. Contact our team to get started today with a FREE estimate at 781-562-9659!

Groundhog Prevention

Northeast Wildlife Management can also help you prevent groundhogs from damaging your property in the first place. Our team offers wildlife fencing to prevent these destructive rodents from getting into your yard or garden. We can install this mesh fencing deep into the ground at a curved angle so the animal can’t dig underneath it. Wildlife fencing is typically used around the perimeter of crucial structures like decks, porches, sheds, and home foundations. Wildlife fencing can also be used to protect gardens, and this fencing can also be installed around the perimeter of your entire yard.

groundhog face close up
entrance to groundhog burrow
groundhog emerging from burrow

Cost of Groundhog Removal

The cost of groundhog removal is variable, based on several factors including the size and location of the property, the severity of the groundhog damage, how many groundhogs are infesting your property, and whether or not you need wildlife fencing. 

That’s why Northeast Wildlife Management offers FREE estimates! One of our wildlife control operators will come out to carefully inspect your property before providing you with an estimate for trapping and removal. Contact us today to get started with a FREE estimate at 781-562-9659!

Best Groundhog Trapping Near Me

Groundhogs are a very destructive nuisance animal, known for their very destructive burrowing habits that can hollow out the ground in your yard and damage your porch, deck, shed, patio, and even your home’s foundation. Groundhogs will also raid your garden for fresh vegetable crops and disrupt the root systems of your plants and trees with their digging. Don’t let groundhogs ruin your beautiful lawn, contact the experts at Northeast Wildlife Management for the best groundhog trapping and removal services in Boston, MA at 781-562-9559!

Frequently Asked Questions

Groundhogs will prefer to flee from most human encounters, however if they are trapped or cornered, they may become aggressive, lashing out with their claws and teeth.  Additionally, they may host parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets and humans. While opossums are not typically a direct threat, their presence can lead to structural damage on your property. It’s important to handle groundhog concerns with care and to seek professional assistance to ensure safe removal.

Animal control services may step in to remove an groundhog if the animal is injured, sick, or poses an immediate threat to public safety. For example, if a groundhog is acting aggressively or showing signs of rabies, local animal control may intervene. However, for typical nuisance situations, such as an groundhog living under your deck or eating your garden vegetables, animal control often does not handle these cases. In such instances, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal company like Northeast Wildlife Management.

First and foremost, dealing with nuisance wildlife like groundhogs can pose significant health risks. Groundhogs can carry diseases such as rabies, and these critters can become aggressive when cornered. Additionally, they often harbor parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites that can spread to humans and pets. Attempting to handle wildlife on your own can lead to injury, ineffective removal, and recurring issues. Trusting professionals ensures the job is done right, safeguarding your health and property.

Contact us to get a free estimate in Boston and the surrounding areas.