When you picture a woodchuck, also known as a groundhog, you might imagine a quiet, chunky creature chewing on greenery in a field. But for homeowners in Maine, woodchucks can be much more than a harmless wildlife sighting—they can be a hidden threat to your home’s foundation, outbuildings, and landscaping.
The Underground Issue
Woodchucks are prolific diggers, capable of excavating extensive tunnel systems that often go unnoticed until damage is done. A single burrow can have multiple entrances, chambers, and tunnels stretching up to 30 feet long and 5 feet deep. These complex burrows provide shelter for the animal but can wreak havoc on man-made structures.
Threats to Foundations and Buildings
The most serious concern with woodchuck activity is their proximity to buildings. When they dig near or beneath structures, such as decks, sheds, garages, or even your home’s foundation, the soil destabilizes. This can lead to:
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Foundation Cracking or Shifting: As woodchucks remove soil from beneath a structure, it can cause parts of the foundation to sink or crack.
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Uneven Floors and Settling: If the integrity of the foundation is compromised, it can lead to sagging floors or visible settling.
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Damage to Sheds and Outbuildings: Lightweight structures built on piers or blocks are especially vulnerable to subsidence caused by burrowing.
Landscaping Damage
While the structural risks are most severe, woodchuck activity also takes a toll on your yard. Their large mounds of displaced dirt and wide entry holes can ruin lawns and gardens. Gardeners often find themselves in a constant battle as woodchucks feast on vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Safety Hazards
In addition to structural risks, woodchuck burrows present physical hazards:
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Tripping Risks: Large, concealed holes in grassy areas can cause injury to children, pets, or anyone walking through the yard.
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Increased Pest Activity: Abandoned woodchuck burrows are frequently taken over by other animals like skunks or foxes, compounding the nuisance and risk.
Signs of Woodchuck Activity
Woodchucks leave behind several telltale signs when they take up residence on your property. One of the most obvious indicators is the presence of large burrow entrances, typically 10 to 12 inches wide, often accompanied by mounds of displaced soil nearby. You may also notice worn paths or trails in the grass leading to and from these openings. In gardens, signs of chewed plants, missing vegetables, or partially eaten flowers can point to a woodchuck's feeding habits. These clues, when seen together, strongly suggest that a woodchuck has made your yard its home.
When It’s Time to Act
Woodchuck damage can escalate quickly, especially when burrowing occurs near structural elements of your home. If you’ve noticed signs of activity, it’s best to address the issue promptly. Attempting to handle the problem yourself often results in frustration and ongoing damage.
Professional wildlife services can provide safe and effective solutions to remove the animals and secure your property against future intrusions. Don’t wait for minor burrow problems to turn into major breakdowns. Contact Critter Control of Southern Maine!