Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs, may look like harmless, chubby squirrels, but they are nature’s heavy equipment operators. A single groundhog can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt to create a burrow system. When that burrow is located under your home’s foundation, deck, or shed, it becomes a major structural threat.

The Architecture of a Groundhog Burrow

Groundhog tunnels are not simple holes. They are complex networks that can extend up to 45 feet in length and 5 feet deep.

Multiple Entrances: They usually have a main entrance (marked by a large mound of dirt) and several “spy holes” or escape routes that are well-hidden.
Chambers: The tunnels include separate chambers for sleeping, raising young, and even a dedicated “bathroom” chamber.

Risks to Your Property

1. Foundation Destabilization

When a groundhog excavates tons of soil from beneath a concrete slab (like a porch, garage floor, or pool deck), it creates a void. Without soil support, the concrete can crack, sink, or collapse entirely. Repairing this concrete damage can cost thousands of dollars.

2. Garden Destruction

Groundhogs are voracious vegetarians. They will decimate a vegetable garden or prize flower bed in a single afternoon.

3. Injury Risk

The hidden escape holes in your lawn are ankle-breakers. Children or pets running in the yard can easily step into a hole and suffer sprains or fractures.

Effective Removal and Prevention

Catching a groundhog is only half the battle. If you trap the animal but leave the burrow, another groundhog (or a skunk) will simply move into the “move-in ready” home.

1. Trapping

We use humane cage traps baited with fresh produce to capture the animal. We check traps daily to ensure the animal isn’t left in the heat or cold.

2. The Dig-Defense (Exclusion)

To permanently solve the problem, we must prevent re-entry.

Trenching: We dig a trench around the base of your shed or deck.
Screening: We install heavy-gauge, galvanized steel mesh in an “L” shape. It goes down into the ground and then bends outward.
Backfilling: We bury the mesh. When a groundhog tries to dig back under, they hit the steel mesh. They try to dig deeper, but because the mesh flares outward, they cannot get under it.

3. Burrow Management

Once we are sure no animals remain, we can advise on filling the burrows to restore the safety of your yard.

Don’t let a groundhog undermine your home’s value. If you see large holes near your foundation, contact HWCS immediately.

Groundhogs Digging Under Your Shed? Why You Need to Act Fast