How much does groundhog removal cost?

Groundhogs are cute little furry creatures that live underground. They dig their burrows into the earth during winter months and  emerge in springtime to eat grass and seeds. Unfortunately, they also leave behind some messes. If you have a problem with groundhogs ruining your lawn or garden, you might want to consider hiring a professional pest control company. There are several ways to get rid of groundhogs.

Some homeowners choose to catch them and release them back into the wild while others trap them using steel wire mesh cages. However, the best and safest way to remove them from your property is to call an exterminator. You can easily find local  companies offering groundhog removal services. However, before choosing a particular service provider you should verify their credentials. Keep reading to learn how to prevent groundhogs from invading your property and the factors involved in groundhog removal cost.

What are groundhogs?

Groundhogs are rodents from the Sciuroidea superfamily. They look like small pigs with bushy tails and are most commonly found in North America. These animals live in colonies and are omnivorous eaters.

Groundhogs are nocturnal creatures that spend much of their day sleeping underground. They are often confused with marmots because both species hibernate during the winter months. However, groundhogs do not hibernate and breed year-round. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks and whistles pigs, and can weigh about 14 pounds and measure about 24 inches long. If you see one of these critters, it probably means spring is coming around. However, because they don’t like bright lights, they tend to avoid humans.

How to get rid of groundhogs and keep them away

Although groundhogs are generally docile animals, they pose a threat to gardens and landscapes. Their burrowing habits cause damage to flowerbeds, shrubbery, and mulch areas. In addition, groundhogs destroy vegetable crops by eating plants and destroying flowers and vegetables in garden beds. It is therefore in your best interest to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Here are some of the best ways to get rid of groundhogs:

• Call a wildlife control specialist: Groundhog trapping requires a lot of experience and training to properly capture these animals so it’s best to leave it in the hands of experts.
• Use a live trap: A simple method for catching groundhogs is to use a live trap. Bait is placed inside the trap and then the groundhog enters the trap and gets stuck. Fresh greens and fruit are great food sources for bait.
• Destroy their tunnels: Inflicting severe structural damage to the tunnels is a great way to prevent them from returning.
• Use body grip traps: This should be your last resort. You simply place your trap at the burrow entrance so they are trapped and you can remove them.

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How to prevent groundhogs from moving in

There are different things that you can do to prevent groundhogs from moving into your garden. Below are some things that you should consider to ensure your garden is a groundhog-free zone.

Maintain your yard

One of the best ways of preventing groundhogs from invading your home is keeping a tidy lawn free of trash and debris. A clean yard keeps pests out of homes and prevents them from nesting. This includes cutting brushes around your house, trimming trees, mowing the grass regularly, and clearing away leaves and fallen branches.

Install fencing

In-ground fencing is a good way to keep groundhogs away from garden plants. However, you don’t want to just install a chain-link fence. If you do, groundhogs might find another hole to dig  next spring. Perimeter fencing should be at least three feet tall and buried 12 inches deep. Electric wires placed four to five inches above the ground provide extra protection against digging. A hardware cloth barrier installed about a foot down into the soil keeps animals from burrowing underneath decking and foundation walls.

Plant natural deterrents

Groundhogs, like many wild animals, are very sensitive to smells, especially those that come from food sources. They avoid areas where they detect odors associated with human activity. This includes compost piles, garbage cans, and trash bins. You should therefore plant some repellents along the perimeter of your property. You'll want to choose plants that don't contain strong scents, such as mint, sage, or thyme. These plants provide a barrier against groundhogs while keeping your yard smelling nice.

Average groundhog extermination costs

The  average price to remove a groundhog ranges from $150 to over $200 but the cost can vary depending on several factors, including how many animals you're dealing with and where you live.

Groundhog removal services

Professional groundhog removal cost factors

There are numerous factors that influence how much a professional can charge you to remove groundhogs from your property. Below are some of the most important factors that influence groundhog control costs.

Humane removal or extermination

Trapping and relocation are often recommended as humane alternatives to killing groundhogs. A  licensed technician can charge anywhere from $150 to $400 per animal depending on how long it takes to trap and relocate the rodent. A professional trapper will use humane traps, which are designed to catch the groundhog quickly and easily without harming it. Once caught, the groundhog is relocated to another area.

Level of infestation

Most  exterminators charge an hourly rate for the cost of their labor, meaning the severity of the infestation can have a big influence on the cost. If you have a small groundhog population, it will cost significantly less than if you have a huge population as the groundhog removal process will be quicker and easier.

Groundhog removal services

Since groundhogs are bigger than your average household pest, it’s advisable to seek the help of pest control experts. At  VExtermination, we understand how much of a nuisance an infestation can be, which is why we are dedicated to not only removing groundhogs from your property but also preventing them from showing up again. We offer residential, commercial, and agricultural extermination services. We also sell different extermination packages to ensure your peace of mind all year long.

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