Identifying a woodchuck at the zoo can be an enjoyable experience. However, noticing a woodchuck in your backyard can be problematic. Learn more about Michigan’s woodchucks, how you can identify their damage, and how to get rid of them.
A Background on Woodchucks
A woodchuck, also often referred to as a groundhog, is a mammal that prefers to consume vegetables like peas, beans, lettuce, and broccoli. Woodchucks belong to the group of squirrels that are called marmots.
While woodchucks are usually not a direct threat to you, they can cause expensive damage to your yard. Additionally, if they are breeding or feel threatened, they can sometimes be aggressive to humans or pets.
Identifying a Problematic Woodchuck in Troy
Woodchucks are very skilled in hiding. However, you can usually determine that you have a problematic woodchuck by the damage that it leaves behind. Damage might include:
- Teeth marks on wood and plantings
- Weakened building foundation
- Deep holes in the ground
- Soil mounds outside of large burrows
Unfortunately, the damage from woodchucks can get extensive and expensive. They can damage wood structures, allowing other insects and rodents to enter for additional damage. They can also chew on wires or irrigation systems which can get very expensive.
Woodchucks are the most active during the spring months. You will often see them out when it is warm. Then, woodchucks begin hibernation in October until February. It is possible that your problematic woodchuck will return to your yard after it comes out of hibernation unless you remove it from its location.
Getting Rid of Woodchucks
Woodchucks have earned the nickname of “ground squirrels” because of their habit of burrowing underground. If you have a woodchuck that has begun to burrow in your yard, it is important to have them removed soon.
In Michigan, it is against the law to remove woodchucks in an inhumane way. You are not allowed to use poison or weapons to remove them. Instead, the best way to remove them legally and safely from your yard is with a live trap. The experts at Pest-Ez East have the experience and tools you need to do this.
Fun Facts About Woodchucks
Woodchucks that are placed in an area where they cannot leave behind expensive damage can be interesting. Did you know these fun facts about woodchucks?
- Woodchucks eat almost one-third of their weight each day.
- Woodchucks hibernate all winter long, feeding on the fat that they have reserved throughout the spring and summer months.
- Woodchucks tend to live alone. Yet, they do work together to protect one another by making warning calls when they are threatened.
- A woodchuck’s burrow is carefully designed with different bedroom and sleeping areas.
Get Rid of Your Troy Woodchuck Problem Today
Enjoy the interesting life of woodchucks from afar. Don’t let them ruin your yard and put your family at risk. If you need assistance removing a woodchuck from your yard, call the pest control Troy experts today at Pest-Ez East. You can reach us at (248) 820-3057 or by filling out a form online.
Whether you need pest or rodent control services, we work in Birmingham, Detroit, Royal Oak, Troy, and all throughout Wayne County, Michigan for all your pest and rodent control needs. Call us for a no-obligation consultation today.