How Did A Groundhog Get In My Basement?

Groundhogs not only tear up your lawn, they can also find their ways into your home and do serious damage. But how they get into your home and what to do next can be tricky. Here are a few tips on what to do if you find yourself in this situation:

Key Points

1. Groundhogs enter your home through openings in your foundation, doors, and open windows/window wells.

2. Call a nuisance animal control company to assess the situation, trap the animal, and suggest solutions for how to fix the problem.

3. If you want to take care of it yourself, check with your state and local laws regarding trapping or killing a groundhog.

How did it get into my basement/home?

Typically groundhogs dig their way into your home through openings in your foundation. Older homes are particularly prone to this, as cement that was poured years ago may have deteriorated in the soil. This makes a perfect spot for a groundhog to get in, create a den, and at times a permanent home. Other routes the groundhog will take are open doors and open windows/window wells.

What to do when I have a groundhog in my home?

First thing is to make sure that you stay away from the groundhog. They can be extremely aggressive, especially when they have babies or are scared. Second, we recommend contacting a professional to assess the situation. Nuisance animal control companies are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to get the groundhog out, find points of entry, and assist in preventing the groundhog from getting in again.

If you'd like to take matters into your own hands, we recommend putting a baited live trap in the basement. Chances are the groundhog will be looking for food and will make its way to the trap in a few days time. We also suggest setting ground hole traps that cover the holes in the yard. These live traps allow the groundhog to climb up out of their hole and straight into the trap. After trapping the animal, call a nuisance animal control company right away for them to re-release it or euthanize it. Lastly, some states allow you to "take", or kill, a groundhog on your own property. Before going this route, make sure to research your state and local laws regarding firearms and whether or not you're allowed to actually shoot the groundhog.