Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle pigs, can be considered a pest, especially when it comes to those who operate farms, vegetable gardens and flower gardens. As a member of the squirrel family, groundhogs will often invade crops, plants or any type of vegetation. Here’s some key details on what makes groundhogs pests. 

A Groundhog’s Diet

As true hibernators, rather than caching food for the winter, groundhogs depend on their body fat reserves. Surrounding ecosystem  typically dictates what groundhogs eat and the pests can easily adapt to available food choices. They are primarily herbivores feeding  on anything from clover, grasses, fruits, flowers to tree bark. They mainly feed during the day and sleep at night. Learn more about a groundhog’s food sources.

What Do Groundhogs Like to Eat in the Summer?

In the summer, groundhogs forage at dusk and dawn for berries – hackberry, mulberry, flowers, grass and maple leaves. 

Damage Caused by Groundhogs

On average, groundhogs consume a third of their weight in vegetation each day. Their burrowing can also destroy building foundations, landscapes, lawns, farmlands, gardens and yards. Other than burrowing, signs of damage include hollowed-out crops and bite marks in vegetables. When it comes to keeping your garden or crops safe, groundhog pest control is crucial. 

Installing some DIY fencing around the crops that groundhogs love to eat and high-frequency sound repellents can help keep groundhogs away. But, the best approach is to have a professional wildlife Orkin Pro to effectively manage and control groundhog infestation on your property.

Groundhog Prevention

There are certain things you can do to prevent attracting or repelling groundhogs from your property  or business. Eliminate readily available food sources such fallen fruits or leafy succulent vegetables from garden, reduce harbourage covers such as overgrown grass or unmaintained lawns that would enable them to burrow without being exposed. Install fences around gardens to prevent burrowing, ensure the fence is at least 13” deed in soil. Use of commercially available repellant will also help to keep them away.

Our experts have the best knowledge to answer what groundhogs are eating around your home or business. With years of experience and the right equipment, our Orkin Pros can help prevent groundhog infestations. Get a free estimate.