Groundhog Removal New York
Groundhogs burrowing under your foundation, deck, or destroying your garden? Our NYS DEC licensed technicians trap, relocate, and exclude them permanently.
Signs You Have a Groundhog Problem
Wide burrow entrance holes (4–6 inches) near foundation, deck, or garden
Large mounds of excavated dirt at burrow entrances
Garden vegetables eaten at ground level — clean cuts on stems
Cracks appearing in concrete slabs, patios, or stoops
Gnawing damage on ornamental shrubs or fruit trees
Groundhog spotted sunning near your property
🏗️ Groundhog Burrows & Foundation Damage
A single groundhog burrow system can extend 5–6 feet deep and 25–30 feet horizontally. Groundhogs excavate an estimated 35 pounds of dirt per burrow system. When these tunnels run beneath:
- •Foundation walls — the removed soil creates voids that cause settling and cracking
- •Concrete patios and stoops — slabs lose sub-base support and sink or crack
- •Retaining walls — lateral soil removal causes wall instability and collapse
- •Decking — post footings can shift as surrounding soil is removed
Groundhog damage caught early is inexpensive to address. Damage left for multiple seasons can require significant structural repairs. Contact us at the first sign of burrow activity near your home.
Groundhogs in New York
Groundhogs (Marmota monax), also called woodchucks, are found throughout New York State — from suburban Nassau and Westchester counties to rural upstate areas. They thrive along forest edges, in suburban yards with gardens, and in any location where open ground for burrowing meets vegetative food sources.
In the New York City metropolitan area, groundhog populations are particularly concentrated in suburban and semi-rural zones: Westchester, Rockland, Nassau and eastern Suffolk counties see the highest density of groundhog complaints. They readily colonize yards with vegetable gardens, ornamental plantings, and the exposed soil under decks and stoops.
Groundhogs are true hibernators — they typically enter hibernation in October–November and emerge in February–March. The emergence in early spring is when most property owners first notice new burrow activity. Early intervention prevents a single groundhog from establishing an extensive burrow system under your structure.
Our Groundhog Removal Process
Burrow Inspection
Identify all active burrow systems, entrances, and exits. Assess structural proximity and damage extent.
Live Trapping
Large cage traps set at primary burrow entrances with appropriate bait. Daily monitoring until all groundhogs are captured.
Relocation
Groundhogs transported and relocated per NYSDEC guidelines to appropriate habitat away from residential areas.
Exclusion Fencing
Hardware cloth exclusion barriers installed underground around foundations, decks, and gardens to prevent reinvasion.
Protecting Your Garden from Groundhogs
Groundhogs are voracious vegetarians that will consume virtually any garden vegetable — tomatoes, beans, peas, lettuce, squash, and fruit trees are all targets. A single groundhog can devastate a home garden in days. Prevention strategies after removal include:
- •Exclusion fencing: Hardware cloth or woven wire fencing installed at least 12 inches underground (bent 90° outward) and 3 feet above ground. The most effective long-term solution.
- •Habitat modification: Remove brush piles, woodpiles, and dense vegetation near your garden that provide cover and nesting material.
- •Burrow flooding: Active burrows not under structures can be discouraged by flooding with water before the groundhog establishes deep chambers — most effective in early spring.
Related Wildlife Services
Groundhog Removal by County
Groundhog Removal FAQ
Groundhog Destroying Your Yard? Call Today.
Live trapping, relocation, exclusion fencing, and structural protection. NYS DEC licensed technicians serving all of New York.