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Lawn & Garden Pests · Pest guide

Groundhogs control

Big burrows under sheds and decks, and a hungry appetite for gardens.

When to call a pro

Groundhogs at a glance

Scientific name
Marmota monax
Size
16 to 26 inches body (40–65 cm)
Appearance
Large, brown, stocky rodent with short legs
Where found
Under sheds, decks and porches; field edges and gardens
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageHigh
  • Do it yourself?DIY or pro
When groundhogs are active Peak: Apr–Aug
  1. Jan Rare
  2. Feb Low
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Active (this month)
  10. Oct Low
  11. Nov Rare
  12. Dec Rare

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Burrow openings 10 to 12 inches wide with a dirt mound
  • Gardens eaten down to stems
  • Sinking areas near foundations

Call a professional when

  • Burrows under a foundation, shed or slab
  • Trapping and relocation rules apply in your state
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Fence gardens with buried L-shaped mesh
  • Close off spaces under decks and sheds
  • Fill abandoned burrows in late fall

Our groundhogs guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep groundhogs out

  1. Fence gardens with buried L-shaped mesh
  2. Close off spaces under decks and sheds
  3. Fill abandoned burrows in late fall

Often confused or found together

All lawn & garden pests
Gophers Crescent mounds and vanished plants: trapping, barriers and plant choices. Rabbits Clean-cut stems and gnawed bark: fencing, repellents and resistant plants. Skunks Dens under porches and the smell that follows: removal and odor cleanup.