Groundhog Control & Humane Removal

Every February 2nd, groundhogs steal the spotlight on Groundhog Day, when tradition says these furry forecasters predict whether we’ll endure six more weeks of winter. But here in Suffolk County & Nassau County, groundhogs make headlines year-round.

At Suburban Exterminating, we know that groundhog infestations are a serious concern for homeowners throughout our area. The abundant green spaces and suburban landscapes that make Suffolk County & Nassau County beautiful also create ideal habitats for groundhogs to thrive and potentially wreak havoc on your property.

Homeowners often feel frustrated and helpless when they discover their carefully tended gardens and lawns have been ravaged by these persistent burrowing creatures. The extensive damage can be both unsightly and costly to repair. DIY methods like store-bought repellents or makeshift fencing rarely deliver lasting results against determined groundhogs. 

That’s where our professional groundhog control service comes in. We offer expert knowledge, humane groundhog removal techniques, and preventative measures for long-lasting protection.

Our Proven Groundhog Removal Process

At Suburban Exterminating, our rodent extermination team uses a proven process to remove groundhogs and prevent future infestations:

1. Property Inspection: Our trained professionals begin every groundhog pest removal service with a thorough inspection and assessment of your property. We can quickly identify the specific pest causing the damage so we can target our approach effectively.
2. Removal: Once we’ve identified a groundhog infestation, we develop a tailored removal plan for your unique situation. Our humane groundhog removal methods include strategic trapping, exclusion, and habit modification.
3. Long-Term Prevention: Our team also implements preventative measures to discourage future groundhog activity, giving you peace of mind that your property will stay protected season after season.

Why Do Groundhog Infestations Require Professionals?

These burrowing rodents (also known as woodchucks) are part of the squirrel family and are found throughout the eastern United States, across Canada, and into Alaska. Here in Suffolk County & Nassau County, groundhogs typically weigh between five and ten pounds (much smaller than the famous Punxsutawney Phil at 20 pounds). 

They’re diurnal creatures, meaning they’re active during the day when they can cause the most visible damage to your property. Groundhogs hibernate from mid-September through late February, but once spring arrives, they emerge hungry and ready to mate, which is when most homeowners notice signs of a groundhog infestation.

Costs of Groundhog Damage to Your Property

These industrious diggers create extensive tunnel systems that can stretch over 60 feet long and several feet deep. Each burrow features multiple entrances (typically 10-12 inches wide), along with separate “rooms” for nesting and other purposes. They can cause major structural damage and garden and landscape destruction.

Groundhog tunnel systems can undermine home foundations, patios, decks, driveways, walkways, sheds, outbuildings, and retaining walls.

While groundhogs primarily eat grasses and plants, they won’t hesitate to feast on your vegetable gardens, fruit trees, berry bushes, ornamental plants and flowers, and tree bark (which can kill young trees).

10 Groundhog Facts

1. Groundhogs live on Long Island and throughout much of the eastern United States, across Canada, and into Alaska. 
2. They are also known as woodchucks. 
3. These small rodents are in the squirrel family. 
4. Unlike Punxsutawney Phil, groundhogs are relatively small on Long Island – weighing between five to ten pounds. Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds.
5. By slowing down their body functions, groundhogs hibernate each winter. 
6. They start to hibernate sometime around the middle of September and become active again in late February. Mating season starts soon afterward.
7. Groundhogs whistle to attract mates and when alarmed. 
8. They are known to bask in the sun outside their tunnel entrances. 
9. They only live three to four years. 
10. They are diurnal – meaning that they are active during the day and sleep at night.

Do Groundhogs Cause Damage?

Yes, groundhogs cause damage by digging extensive burrow systems that can undermine foundations, patios, and driveways. They also consume garden plants, fruits, and vegetables, leaving destruction in their wake. It’s understandable to feel helpless as your landscape and home structures suffer from groundhog activity. The sight of collapsed earth or chewed plants can be disheartening and may even affect property value.

Our rodent extermination team at Suburban Exterminating uses proven techniques to remove groundhogs and prevent future infestations – saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

How Do Exterminators Get Rid of Groundhogs?

Pest exterminators get rid of groundhogs by employing a combination of trapping, exclusion techniques, and habitat modification. These methods are designed to safely and effectively remove groundhogs from your property while preventing their return.

Suburban Exterminating’s team starts with a comprehensive inspection and assessment of your property. Our trained professionals can quickly identify the specific pest causing the damage, whether it’s groundhogs, moles, chipmunks, or other burrowing animals. We then tailor our removal and prevention strategies to address your unique situation.

Suburban Exterminating Gets Rid of Nuisance Wildlife

What’s really digging up your yard? Along with groundhogs, moles, chipmunks, and other wildlife also dig tunnels. 

Don’t guess which one it is! Let our professionals inspect your property to determine what’s infesting your Suffolk County & Nassau County property. We’ll give you the answers that you need and information to make a better decision on your exterminating needs. 

Reach out to us today to get started with a free inspection.

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