Do you fill in the groundhog burrows after removal?

Yes. Removing the animal is only half the battle. We offer burrow filling and compaction services to prevent other animals from moving into the empty tunnels. For burrows under foundations, we may recommend installing an L-shaped exclusion barrier (trenching and screening) to permanently prevent re-entry.

How do I stop groundhogs from eating my garden?

Groundhogs are excellent climbers and diggers, so standard fences rarely work. We recommend installing a specialized garden fence that is buried 12 inches underground and has a 'floppy top' design that prevents them from climbing over. We can also trap and remove the specific groundhogs targeting your garden.

Can groundhogs damage my home's foundation?

Absolutely. Groundhogs move massive amounts of dirt (up to 700 lbs for a single burrow system). When they dig next to or under your foundation, they create voids that can lead to concrete cracking, settling, and water drainage issues. Immediate removal is recommended to protect your property's structure.

Professional Groundhog Removal in Louisville

Expert groundhog (woodchuck) removal and burrow elimination services throughout Louisville and surrounding counties.

Groundhog Removal: Quick Facts

Inspection

100% Free No-Obligation Quote

Primary Damage

Foundation & Landscape Burrows

Removal Method

Live Trapping & Burrow Filling

Prevention

Exclusion Barriers Installed

Groundhog Problems in Louisville Properties

Groundhogs (also called woodchucks or whistle pigs) are common in Louisville's suburban and rural areas, particularly in Oldham, Shelby, and surrounding counties. These large rodents create extensive burrow systems that damage foundations, landscaping, and agricultural areas. Groundhog removal requires understanding their behavior and using effective trapping techniques.

Common Groundhog Problems

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Extensive Burrow Systems:
Create burrows 20-30 feet long with multiple entrances, undermining foundations, driveways, and patios.
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Garden Destruction:
Devastate vegetable gardens, eating plants down to the ground and destroying entire crops.
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Structural Damage:
Burrows under sheds, decks, and foundations can cause settling and structural instability.
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Landscape Damage:
Large dirt mounds at burrow entrances ruin lawns and landscaping aesthetics.
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Equipment Hazards:
Burrow holes create dangerous tripping hazards and can damage lawn mowing equipment.

Is It a Groundhog? Diagnostic Guide

Identifying the animal correctly is crucial for safe removal. Use this table to compare signs of groundhogs versus other common burrowers.

Feature	Groundhog	Skunk	Mole
Burrow Size	Large (10-12 inches). Big dirt mound.	Medium (4-6 inches). Often under structures.	Small (2 inches). Volcano-shaped mounds.
Activity Time	Diurnal (Daytime).	Nocturnal (Night).	Anytime (Underground).
Diet	Herbivore: Gardens, clover, grass.	Omnivore: Grubs, insects, garbage.	Insectivore: Worms, grubs.
Damage Type	Foundation undermining, eaten crops.	Small cone holes in lawn (grubbing).	Raised surface tunnels in sod.

Common Questions About Groundhog Removal

Our Groundhog Removal Process

1.
Burrow System Assessment:
Locate all burrow entrances and assess the extent of the tunnel system and property damage.
2.
Strategic Trap Placement:
Position live traps at active burrow entrances using proper bait and placement techniques.
3.
Daily Monitoring:
Check traps daily to ensure humane capture and minimize stress on trapped animals.
4.
Relocation:
Remove and relocate groundhogs following Kentucky wildlife regulations.
5.
Burrow Elimination:
Fill and compact burrow systems to prevent reuse by other groundhogs or animals.
6.
Exclusion Barriers:
Install barriers around vulnerable areas to prevent future groundhog activity.

Groundhog Behavior & Habits

Understanding groundhog behavior is key to effective removal:

• Diurnal Activity: Active during daylight hours, especially morning and late afternoon
• Hibernation: Hibernate from October to March, emerging in early spring
• Territorial: Solitary animals that defend territories, typically one groundhog per burrow system
• Breeding Season: Mate in early spring (March-April), producing 2-6 young in May
• Herbivores: Eat grasses, clover, vegetables, and garden plants exclusively
• Excellent Diggers: Can move 700 pounds of dirt creating a single burrow system

Groundhog Exclusion & Prevention

Garden Protection

Install buried fencing around gardens: 3-4 feet high with 12 inches buried and bent outward underground to prevent digging.

Foundation Barriers

Install L-shaped barriers around building foundations to prevent groundhogs from burrowing underneath structures.

Habitat Modification

Remove brush piles, rock piles, and tall grass that provide cover for groundhogs near structures.

Burrow Monitoring

Regular property inspections to identify new burrow activity before extensive systems develop.

Best Time for Groundhog Removal

• Early Spring (March-April): Before breeding season, when only adults are present
• Late Summer (August-September): After young are independent but before hibernation
• Avoid May-July: Young groundhogs present; removal may orphan babies
• Year-Round Service: We provide removal services whenever groundhogs are active and causing damage

Need Groundhog Removal Services?

Professional groundhog removal and burrow elimination. Protect your property today.

Call 502-754-3025 Now