From Punxsutawney to Your Yard: Dealing with Nuisance Groundhogs

Posted on January 30, 2024 by smokywildlife

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, may have their claim to fame on Groundhog Day, but for many homeowners, their presence can mean something entirely different than a quirky weather prediction. These furry burrowers are known to make themselves right at home in our backyards, gardens, and even under our decks. While they’re an integral part of the ecosystem, their digging habits can be less than charming when it comes to the upkeep of our outdoor spaces.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of Groundhog Day, as well as the world of groundhogs, understand their behavior, and provide tips for coexisting with these curious critters without sacrificing the sanctity of our backyards. Continue reading to get started!

Call 615-610-0962 For Groundhog Removal and Control in Nashville and Clarksville Tennessee

The History of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is a popular holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada on February 2nd. It’s based on the belief that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If it doesn’t see its shadow, then spring will come early. This tradition has its roots in ancient European customs, particularly the Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marked the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox.

As settlers from Europe came to America, they brought this tradition with them and adapted it to their new surroundings. The first recorded Groundhog Day celebration in the United States was held in 1841 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, which is now known as the “official” home of Punxsutawney Phil – the famous groundhog who makes the annual weather prediction. He will be making his famous 2024 prediction this Friday!

Meet the Groundhog

Groundhogs, known also as woodchucks, are large rodents that belong to the marmot family. They can weigh up to 30 pounds and grow to be up to two feet long. Their most distinct feature is their sharp, curved claws that are perfect for digging. These burrowers create complex underground networks that can extend up to several feet, with multiple entrances and chambers for different purposes such as sleeping, hibernating, and raising young. Groundhogs are herbivores and primarily feed on plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Groundhog Behavior

Groundhogs are solitary animals and are most active during the day, which is why it’s common to see them above ground during daylight hours. They’re also hibernators, meaning they spend most of the winter months sleeping in their underground burrows to conserve energy. However, once spring arrives, they emerge from their burrows and begin foraging for food to replenish their depleted energy stores. It’s during this time that they can become a nuisance to homeowners, as their digging habits can cause damage to gardens, lawns, and even foundations of buildings.

Safely Coexisting with Woodchucks

While woodchucks may not be the most welcome guests in our backyards, it’s essential to remember that they play an important role in the ecosystem. As natural herbivores, they help control plant growth and contribute to the diversity of plant life in their habitats. If you find yourself with a groundhog guest, there are ways to coexist peacefully without causing harm to either party.

One option is to create barriers around your garden or flower beds using wire mesh fencing or chicken wire. This will prevent them from burrowing and accessing your plants. Another option is to utilize natural deterrents such as strong-smelling herbs like mint or garlic, which woodchucks do not enjoy. It’s also important to make sure there are no food sources readily available for them, so be sure to keep any fallen fruits or vegetables picked up and secure trash cans with tight lids.

Conclusion

While Groundhog Day may be a fun and quirky holiday, it’s important to remember that groundhogs are an integral part of our ecosystem. By understanding their behavior and implementing some simple coexistence strategies, we can maintain the harmony of our backyards while still appreciating these fascinating creatures. And who knows, maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of Punxsutawney Phil making his annual weather prediction!

Have a Happy Groundhog Day this weekend! In the meantime, get in touch with us for more help on wildlife control and removal. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed groundhog control in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Get Rid of Woodchucks: Tips and Tricks for a Peaceful Property

Posted on September 18, 2023 by smokywildlife

Woodchucks, more commonly known as groundhogs, can be quite the nuisance for homeowners, gardeners, and property owners. With their relentless burrowing and insatiable appetite for plants, they can easily wreak havoc on your beautifully manicured lawn or your thriving vegetable garden. But fear not! There are effective strategies and solutions available to manage and even get rid of these pesky creatures.

In this blog post, we will explore woodchuck behavior to understand them better, and delve into various woodchuck repellent options, and provide tips and tricks to reclaim your peaceful property. So, let’s dive in and learn how to send woodchucks packing!

Call 615-610-0962 for Licensed Woodchuck Control in Nashville Tennessee

Understanding Woodchucks

Before taking measures to get rid of woodchucks, it is important to understand their behavior. Generally speaking, woodchucks are most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours during the warmer months of the year. They are also most active after a period of rain or when temperatures start to rise. This is because they need water for their food sources, which are primarily plant-based. Woodchucks can also be quite territorial and may defend their turf aggressively if they feel threatened.

Here are some more interesting facts about woodchucks:

They are also known as groundhogs and whistle pigs. They are members of the rodent family and are found throughout much of North America.

They are primarily herbivores, meaning they eat mostly plants. Their diet consists of grasses, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. They will also occasionally eat insects or small animals such as mice or frogs.

They have an average lifespan of 6-8 years in the wild but can live up to 10 years in captivity.

They have a variety of predators including foxes, coyotes, hawks, owls, and snakes. To protect themselves from these predators they will often build burrows or dens underground that they can retreat to when threatened.

They are usually solitary animals, but they do form family groups during the mating season in the springtime when several males will compete for one female’s attention.

They have become well-known for their use of hibernation during the winter months as a way to conserve energy and survive cold temperatures. During hibernation their body temperature drops significantly, and their heart rate slows down dramatically which allows them to survive with minimal food intake until spring arrives again.

Woodchuck Repellent Options

Now that you understand woodchuck behavior, let’s talk about animal repellents. There are a variety of commercial woodchuck repellents available on the market today, from sprays to granules. These products work by emitting a strong odor that woodchucks find offensive and bothersome. In addition to commercial animal repellents, there are also natural repellent options available such as garlic or onion oil, predator urine (typically coyote), putrescent egg, castor oil, ammonia-soaked rags, capsaicin oil, and even human hair clippings. While these may not be as effective as store-bought repellents, they are still worth a try.

Additional Tips for Prevention and Deterrence

In addition to repellents, there are other steps you can take to help prevent woodchuck intrusion. Woodchucks like to stay cool during the summer months, so mowing grass short and removing dense vegetation can make them less likely to inhabit your property. Additionally, regularly inspecting your property for any burrows or dug-up soil can help you identify and address any woodchuck activity early on. Finally, it is important to note that woodchucks are most active during breeding season from March to May, so it may be beneficial to take extra precautions during this time period.

Professional Groundhog Removal and Control

The most effective way to get rid of woodchucks is through professional wildlife exclusion and animal removal. There are several methods your licensed groundhog removal specialist might use, including trapping and relocation, fencing off your property, using natural repellents, and environmental modifications.

When it comes to trapping, it’s essential to do so in a humane way and release the groundhog in a suitable location. Fencing off your property is a long-term solution and can keep groundhogs out for good. Using natural repellents like castor oil and predator urine can also be effective in deterring groundhogs. Ultimately, the most efficient way to get rid of groundhogs is to seek the help of professional wildlife removal services.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, groundhogs may be a nuisance, but there are effective strategies and solutions available to manage and even get rid of these pesky creatures. Understanding their behavior is key in developing an effective plan for repelling woodchucks from your property. With the tips shared in this post, you should now have the tools to create a peaceful property and reclaim your space!

Are you dealing with nuisance groundhogs in or around your property? If so, contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed woodchuck removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas. We serve both residential and commercial clients with the most competitive prices around.

How to Humanely Remove Groundhogs from Your Property

Posted on February 21, 2023 by smokywildlife

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs, are cute and fuzzy animals that can wreak havoc on your property. From destroying gardens to burrowing under homes and decks, groundhogs can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. If you’re dealing with a groundhog problem on your property, it’s important to take steps to humanely remove the animal(s). In this blog post we’ll discuss the best ways of doing so. We’ll cover topics such as identifying groundhog activity in your yard, preventing it from occurring again in the future, and how to safely trap and relocate any existing groundhogs.

By following these steps, you can protect both yourself and these wild animals living near you!

Call 615-610-0962 When You Need Licensed Groundhog Trappers in Nashville Tennessee

Create a Groundhog Control Plan

The first step to humanely removing groundhogs from your property is to take measures to prevent them from entering in the first place. Groundhogs are drawn to yards that provide food and shelter, so it’s important to keep landscaping trimmed, remove any potential nesting sites, and limit access to food sources such as pet food or bird seed. Additionally, if you have a wooded area near your home, clear away brush piles and use fencing around the perimeter of your yard so groundhogs can’t make their way onto your property.

Groundhog Trapping and Removal

If you already have a groundhog on your property, it’s essential to humanely trap it before attempting removal. You can do this by using a live groundhog trap, however it’s important to remember that trapping should only be done if all other options have failed. Trapping is a stressful experience for groundhogs, so you must make sure to set the traps up correctly and check them regularly in order to minimize any suffering. Once you’ve successfully trapped a groundhog, it can then be humanely relocated far away from your property.

Safe and Humane Groundhog Removal and Control is Key

Groundhog removal can seem like an overwhelming task – but with the right knowledge and tools, it doesn’t have to be! Embracing these steps not only safeguards you, but also the wildlife inhabiting your community! If done correctly, trapping and relocation can be an effective way of removing groundhogs from your property.

We hope this blog post has been helpful and given you the confidence to take charge of your groundhog issue. For more information on humanely removing groundhogs, don’t hesitate to contact Smoky Wildlife Control today. We provide free estimates and advice.

How to Get Rid of Woodchucks Without Harming Them

Posted on December 16, 2022 by smokywildlife

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a common sight in many suburban and rural areas here in the Smoky Mountain region. While they may be cute little creatures, they can also be a nuisance to homeowners. This is because groundhogs are excellent diggers, and can easily burrow under homes and gardens, causing extensive damage. In addition, woodchucks can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets.

If you have a groundhog problem on your property, there are several steps you can take to get rid of them without harming them. Continue reading to learn how.

Call Our Nashville Tennessee Woodchuck Trappers at 615-610-0962 Today

Top Groundhog Removal and Control Tips

The first step in getting rid of groundhogs is to stop them from entering your property. You can do this by animal-proofing the area around your home and garden. This includes sealing off any potential entry points, such as gaps under fences or cracked foundations. It is also important to clear away ground cover and debris that groundhogs may be using as shelter.

If groundhogs have already established a burrow on your property, there are several humane ways to help them leave. One way is to use a groundhog repellent such as coyote urine or predator scents that groundhogs find unpleasant. Another option is to flood the woodchuck burrow with water, which will encourage groundhogs to move on. You can also trap groundhogs and relocate them away from your property.

If you choose to use a trap, make sure that it is the right size for groundhogs and that it has been checked and maintained regularly. Place the trap near woodchuck activity and make sure it is securely anchored to the ground. You should also use a groundhog-friendly bait, such as vegetables or fruits.

Finally, you can hire a professional Nashville animal removal company to trap groundhogs and remove them from your property. They will be able to assess the groundhog problem accurately and provide the best solution for your particular situation.

Safe and Humane Groundhog Control is Essential

By following these steps, you can get rid of groundhogs without harming them. The key is to act swiftly and take preventative measures to keep groundhogs away from your property in the first place. If groundhogs have already made themselves at home on your property, there are humane ways to get them to leave without causing them any harm. With the right measures in place, you can protect your home and garden from groundhog damage while also keeping groundhogs safe.

For more information on groundhog control and removal, turn to the pros. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and affordable woodchuck control service in Nashville, Tennessee and its surrounding counties. We will be able to advise on the best solutions for your nuisance groundhog situation. Our wildlife control operators serve both residential and commercial clients.

Smoky Wildlife Control

Free Animal Removal Estimates 615-610-0962

Tag Archives: groundhog trappers