Groundhog Control
Professional Groundhog Control Greater Cleveland, OH
Groundhogs (also known as woodchucks) are a large, burrowing rodent found across North America. While the animals themselves aren’t dangerous, the damage they cause can be: undermining building foundations isn’t a good thing for anyone. If you discover one making its home in your yard, you should address the issue promptly.
There are a few different ways of dealing with groundhogs. When employed properly, repellents, exclusion doors, and trapping are all effective measures for removing the animals.
Before deciding on a method of removal, it’s crucial to find out whether the groundhog has young in the burrow. Repellents and other deterrents and means of exclusion won’t be enough to keep a mother groundhog from trying to return to her babies. You’ll need to be able to retrieve them, as they’ll die of starvation if left alone.
Groundhog Repellents
Repellents, when they work, can be a great way of convincing the groundhog to move on and find a new home on their own. There are a variety of repellents available. Always read the instructions before use, as they have different applications. Available products include:
- Commercial repellents
- Epsom salt
- Ammonia
- Peppermint
- Garlic
- Motion-activated sprinklers
It’s important to note that any products that rely on taste or smell to drive off the groundhog will be washed away by the weather. Remember to reapply after rain.
Exclusion Doors
Another means of getting rid of groundhogs is to install an exclusion trap (or one-way door). Placed over the groundhog’s entry point, it allows the groundhog to leave their burrow but prevents them from re-entering.
For this to work, however, it needs to be the only access point to the den. So you’ll need to locate and plug/cover any other entrances with steel mesh that groundhogs can’t chew through.
Trapping Groundhogs
As with all wildlife, check with your local state laws and the regulations regarding trapping, relocating, and killing groundhogs before setting out to catch them. Contacting a wildlife control agency and having them do it for you is a great choice.
If you are going to trap them yourself, there are two options (depending on your state regulations): lethal and live traps. Using a lethal trap leaves you with a carcass to dispose of, whereas with a live trap, you will need to relocate the groundhog to a new area.
If you opt for a lethal trap, be aware that they will catch and kill whatever animal walks into them, not just the groundhog. In addition, lethal traps do not always work properly. The captured animal may suffer a long, painful death if the trap fails to kill them right away.
Whichever trap you decide to use, the tips for the setting and placement are the same:
- Wear thick gloves and wash traps down before use. If the groundhog picks up the human scent on the trap, it won’t come near it.
- Set the trap just outside the burrow.
- Bait the trap with fruit or vegetables.
- Check the trap every couple of hours.
After catching a live groundhog, relocate it (if the state regulations allow) 5-10 miles from your home, away from other neighborhoods.
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This is my 4th time encountering him. He is very professional with an understanding personality. I was happy when he pulled in my driveway 2 years later. - Michelle CallierTestimonials
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The team from precise was professional from the very fist contact, and solved my problem the same day. 5 stars for all around great service!! - Dave JTestimonials
Erik came out and asked what was going on. We walked around my home and he instantly found a spot where the raccoon had entry. He set a cage and the next day actually caught a squirrel. They then moved the cage to the roof along with a trap in the hole. They were successful in trapping the raccoon along with 1 more. Erik even told me what type of material my brother should use to close up the hole, since he’s a carpenter. I hope that is the end of a raccoon in my attic. Please don’t hesitate to contact Precise! - Joyful LivingTestimonials
Precise did a very professional job in extracting a raccoon from our attic. They came out on a Sunday afternoon and the raccoon was caught by the evening. They even provided the service to patch up the hole in our soffit to prevent another entry. - Christine RasorTestimonials
A bird had gotten into the house and down in the basement. I called on a Sunday and they came out that same day. They were professional and very patient when we asked a million and one questions. the bird was caught easily. I was put at ease when they caught it. I am very pleased with the service and quick, same day response!! - Nakia RobersonTestimonials
We manage hundred of properties for banks, nursing homes, and government agencies. We have used Precise for over 15 years and been a happy, loyal customer since they first started. When we call Eric, we know we are going to great service no matter when time day or night we call. - Parcel RevenueTestimonials
First time using the service. The young man was very pleasant and professional about his tasks. We understand the ant problem is very difficult to eliminate completely and we are moving forward with a monthly plan. Thank you for today and we are looking forward to working with you in the future. - Daniel BarnoskiTestimonials
The company was quick to respond, and Eric Roberts was timely, friendly, and very informative. Additionally, we received courtesy calls prior to his arrival! We sure appreciate his help with relocating the squirrel that found his way into the church attic. We’ll be keeping this vendor name on file for future needs! - Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent
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