Groundhog Activity and Removal: Advice and Reminders
Here in the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area, June is a peak period for conflicts between groundhogs and people.
Since we haven’t posted on groundhog removal in a while, we thought it a fitting time to address some of the groundhog issues about which we are typically questioned.
How Do You Trap a Groundhog?
We’ll typically answer this question with the phrase; “right place, right trap”.
When targeting a specific groundhog with its den entrance in a very specific spot– the right place is at those den entrances and the right trap is a double door trap.
This is a very typical set-up as we find many groundhogs living under sheds, patios, decks, etc. We recommend this approach for most home owners who want the job done quickly.
The idea is to:
- set traps in front of the entrances/exits
- assure a secure perimeter
- wait for them pass through the trap and be captured.
Here is a very recent capture of a groundhog using this exact method in its simplest form.
The groundhog was going under a deck (which you can see in the background). The trap was set right at this entry/exit. The slight gap between the deck face and the trap was covered with wire to secure the perimeter. The groundhog tried to exit and pass through the trap but was captured instead.
With the right trap set at the right place, it’s a straightforward groundhog removal.
For more visualization of this concept please take a look at this groundhog removal post. It has a few more pictures which help to see this concept in action.
What are the Rules, Laws , Regulations about Groundhogs in Ohio?
People ask us and visit the web site often wanting to know about groundhog rules in Ohio.
Many have caught a groundhog in Ohio and want to know what they can or cannot do.
In our post “Groundhogs and Ohio Law” we covered this topic pretty well. We hope you check it out.
Many people want to know where they can take a captured groundhogs to release it, as groundhogs are one of the few nuisance species in Ohio which can actually be relocated.
The quick answer is:
- On private property where you have the landowner’s written permission.
- Not in an incorporated area (outside of city limits)
If you find any landowners outside a city limits accepting all groundhogs and will put in in writing, please let us know.
How Can I Prevent Groundhogs?
This is tough in many instances. Keeping dogs and cats may help. But, in many suburban and even urban settings, groundhogs are something to be dealt with if they happen.
One positive step homeowners can take is to take away potential denning spots by placing wire around the base of sheds, decks, patios, etc.
To see exactly what we mean by this, please visit this page on excluding animals from under things.
You’ll find pictures and a short video on how to stop groundhogs from making their dens under decks, shed, foundations, etc.
Groundhog Removal for Akron / Canton / Kent
Good luck with those gardens!
If, however, your garden was victimized by a family of hungry groundhogs and you’ve had too much, please give us a call.
We can remove your groundhogs or even help you do it by providing some education.
We look forward to hearing from you.
