For many people, groundhogs are interesting furry critters that are fun to watch scurry around to and fro.  Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks and whistle dogs.  Despite them being ground dwelling critters, they are members of the squirrel family.  Unlike other animals such as raccoons, they are not typically an aggressive species when they come in contact with humans or pets.

Although it can be neat watching these wild animals up close near our home, there is a danger to having them living on your property.  A single groundhog is capable of moving up to 700 pounds of soil as it completes its tunneling system.  Depending on where the tunnel runs are, the lack of soil can undermine the foundation of a home, shed, garage, deck, gazebo, or patio area.

Groundhogs are also known for their voracious appetites. Feeding in the morning and evening hours, it is not uncommon for one groundhog to consume two pounds of fresh vegetation each day.  To an avid gardener, this can quickly put an end to a vegetable garden or special landscaping.  Besides consuming various types of fruits and vegetables, groundhogs will also eat expensive ornamental plants if they find them to be tasty treats.

Homeowners often try groundhog repellents, which rarely work at keeping groundhogs away.  Once groundhogs begin to breed in April or May, there will soon be baby groundhogs to contend with as well.  Babies only stay with their mother for about five weeks before venturing off on their own.  They do not stray far though. Baby groundhogs often dig up nearby tunnels for their new den in the same area as their mother resides…and the cycle repeats itself.

NJ pest control professionals know that the only way to rid an area of groundhogs is to hire licensed pest control professional with experience in wildlife removal.  Stern Environmental Group has the expertise to properly remove groundhogs in a humane way.  Call us today for fast service.