How to Determine When Groundhog Trapping is Complete
When it comes to groundhog removal, determining when a trapping effort is complete can be a bit of a guessing game.
At Frontline Animal Removal, we often find ourselves pondering the same questions: Is there just one groundhog, or are there two—or more? How long should we leave the traps in place?
As anyone who deals with nuisance wildlife removal knows, it’s not an exact science.
But after years of experience removing groundhogs from properties in the Canton, Akron, and Kent, Ohio areas, we’ve developed some reliable guidelines to help determine when a groundhog trapping job is truly done.
Step 1: Trap Until You’re No Longer Catching Any Groundhogs
The first step in any groundhog trapping operation is to keep the traps in place until no more groundhogs are being caught. This might sound obvious, but it’s important to remain patient and not rush to the conclusion that the job is done after catching just one groundhog.
Groundhogs are generally solitary animals, but a single burrow can sometimes house more than one.
At a recent job in Stark County, for instance, three groundhogs were removed from a single burrow. Initially, it looked like one groundhog was the only resident, but persistent trapping revealed more.
The key takeaway here is to continue trapping until you’re confident that all the groundhogs have been removed. Keep an eye on the traps and check them regularly. If several days go by without any catches, you’re likely nearing the end of the trapping phase.
Step 2: Fill in the Groundhog Hole as Soon as You Remove the Trap
Once you’ve removed the trap and believe that all groundhogs have been captured, it’s time to fill in the burrow. This step is crucial in preventing new groundhogs from moving into the now-vacant space.
Leaving a groundhog hole unfilled is like leaving a welcome sign out for other groundhogs. The fresh scent of an empty burrow can easily attract new groundhogs to take up residence.
Filling in the burrow involves packing soil and rocks into the hole to discourage future digging. We recommend checking the filled-in hole periodically to ensure it remains undisturbed.
At the recent job mentioned earlier, after removing three groundhogs and filling in the hole, no new activity was observed for several days. This is a good sign that the removal effort might be complete, but it doesn’t mean the job is over just yet.
Step 3: Monitor the Recently Trapped and Filled-In Hole
The final step in determining whether groundhog trapping efforts are complete is monitoring the recently filled-in hole.
After you’ve done the hard work of trapping and filling in the burrow, it’s essential to keep an eye on it for a little while longer. Check the area every few days to see if anything has started digging again. If the filled-in hole remains untouched for a few days to a week, there is a good chance that the groundhog removal job is complete.
However, if a new groundhog moves back in and starts digging out the burrow, trapping will need to resume. It’s not uncommon for new groundhogs to find their way to a recently vacated burrow, so vigilance is key.
The recent example we mentioned in Stark County showed that after the removal of three groundhogs, no new activity occurred. But as with all wildlife control, it’s wise to stay proactive and ready to act if anything changes.
Video Explanation and Additional Information
For a more detailed explanation of our groundhog removal strategy, check out our video on the topic, where we discuss the nuances of trapping and monitoring groundhog burrows. This video can provide you with a visual understanding of what to look for and how to handle the process from start to finish.
If you’re dealing with groundhogs on your property and need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Frontline Animal Removal.
We specialize in humane and effective groundhog removal and repair services in Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties. For more information, visit our groundhog removal page.
Call us for Groundhogs | Akron, Canton, Kent
Groundhog trapping is not always straightforward, but following these steps will help you determine when the job is done.
By trapping until you’re no longer catching any groundhogs, filling in the burrow immediately after removing the trap, and monitoring the area for signs of new activity, you can increase your chances of a successful removal. Remember, persistence and patience are key when it comes to wildlife control.
If you have any questions or need help with a groundhog problem, Frontline Animal Removal is here to help!
