by TRINDGROUP
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Each February we celebrate the Groundhog and while they are good at many things (historically weather is not one of them, sorry Punxsutawney Phil) they are experts at causing damage to your home’s foundation and your property. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large rodents that belong to the squirrel family. Unlike squirrels, these furry friends are much larger and prefer to live in the ground instead of in your attic.
What Are Groundhog Holes and What do They Look Like?
If you couldn’t already guess by their name, groundhogs typically spend most of their life underground. While below the surface, they create burrows and tunnels and use these burrows to hide from predators, raise their young and hibernate. The tunnels are typically 15 to 25 feet long and have one main entrance with four auxiliary entrances. Depending on the season, burrows are found near open fields, forest edges or suburban yards. The main entrance to the burrow is typically covered with a mound of dirt that is 10 to 12 inches in diameter. If you discover a burrow on your property, it’s important to act quickly because groundhogs can potentially cause serious structural damage when burrowing.
How Much Damage can a Groundhog Cause?
Groundhogs have sharp, curved claws that allow them to create burrows quickly while simultaneously causing destruction to your property. Although they are primarily herbivores, they can do more than just eat your garden plants. Groundhogs are known to chew on exposed wires and pipes that get in the way of their burrowing. This could lead to electrical outages or potential fires. However, the real damage is most likely done to your home’s foundation. If a groundhog burrows next to the foundation, it can pose a risk to your home’s structural integrity. The opening of the burrow can cause water to seep into the foundation, making it more likely for walls to crack and bow. Sometimes these tunnels can go undetected for years, at which point the damage may be extensive. This type of damage can be costly for a homeowner and compromise your family’s safety.
What Can I do if There is a Groundhog on My Property?
Groundhogs are very protective of their burrows and have been known to attack if they feel threatened. Go Pro Wildlife Removal is an experienced and knowledgeable team ready to help with the identification or removal of unwanted guests. Whether it be Punxsutawney Phil or his close relatives, we have the necessary tools and resources to protect your home and implement rodent control or exclusion options. To learn more about services or request an inspection, give us a call at (334) 744-0391.
Hello Winter, Goodbye Wildlife
As the colder months creep in and winter officially begins, homeowners turn to their heating systems and fireplaces to stay warm. The winter season also signals to local wildlife that it’s time to locate a warm, dry shelter. Even though wildlife may not officially be on your winter guest list, keep reading for tips to prevent critters from entering your home.
Hello Winter, Goodbye Wildlife
As the colder months creep in and winter officially begins, homeowners turn to their heating systems and fireplaces to stay warm. The winter season also signals to local wildlife that it’s time to locate a warm, dry shelter. Even though wildlife may not officially be on your winter guest list, keep reading for tips to prevent critters from entering your home.
Are Christmas Decorations the Only Thing In Your Attic?
Your attic may have more than just Christmas decorations this holiday season. Educate yourself on the signs of wildlife potentially making themselves at home in your attic.
Animal Safety and Protection Month
October is Animal Safety and Protection Month, educating and reminding people of the ethical and kind treatment that all creatures should be shown, from domestic pets to wild animals.
How to Protect Your Lake House from Wildlife While You Are Away
As the summer fun comes to an end and you prepare to leave your lake house for the fall season, it is important to take the necessary measures to ensure that wildlife does not invade your space while you are away. When leaving your lake house unoccupied during the colder months, it’s only natural for wildlife to search for a warm place to take shelter. To prevent unwanted animals from making themselves at home, Go Pro Wildlife Removal can take the worry off your hands by assisting with preventative measures.
What’s That Noise in My Chimney?
Homes with chimneys are often targets of wildlife. If you have heard strange noises coming from inside your chimney, you are not alone. There are many misconceptions about the types of wildlife that may be seeking shelter and taking up residence in your chimney. Often homeowners think they have bats, when in fact, there is a higher chance it is another type of flying animal.
Contact Info
Service Areas: Contact Go Pro today! We offer wildlife removal solutions in Auburn, Opelika, Lake Martin, Valley, Montgomery, AL and Columbus, GA areas.
Phone: (334) 744-0391
Hours: Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Beavers, known as North America’s largest rodent, know a thing or two about destruction.
It’s a common misconception that when colder, winter months roll around, rodents go into hibernation.
Squirrels, unlike most wildlife, are not shy. This causes them to be extremely adaptable to many environments.
As the weather warms up in Alabama for the spring, you may start to notice more nature sounds from birds returning to the South after their annual migration.
