Pest Identification And Information

Woodchucks

DESCRIPTION 

Woodchuck’s , Groundhogs or Marmots (all the same). are the largest members of the squirrel family. They have bushy tails; short legs and coarse fur and can get up to 10 -- 14 pounds in size. They vary in coloration from grayish to blackish. They are basically a burrowing animal, but can also climb trees.  

LIFE CYCLE 

Woodchucks mate in the spring; they have a gestation period from 28 -- 32 days. There is one litter of 4 -- 5 per year, usually from March to May. Maturity is reached at one year. They will hibernate and become active in the spring.

HABITS

They are primarily diurnal (active in daylight).  They usually follow the same routes.

DAMAGE

They frequently raid gardens.  They girdle trees, have fights with dogs, transport ticks and fleas, and dig large burrows.

BURROWS

They dig burrows 25 to 30 feet in length, with openings at each end, and several compartments within the burrow.

They clean the burrows as a daily routine, so it always has that fresh made look.  The burrows reach depths of four to five feet.

FOOD PREFERENCES

Woodchucks consume 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of vegetation per day.  Clover, alfalfa, vegetables, peas, string beans, sweet corn various grains, grasses and succulent greens.  Sweet potatoes, vegetable shoots and sprouts and corn make good baits.  Hibernation period is for four to five months in the colder weather.

CONTROL

POISONING

It is against the law to use poison baits for woodchuck control.

SHOOTING

While this is not recommended, if you choose this approach, make sure it is permissible by law and take appropriate safety precautions.

LIVE TRAPPING 

This is Adam’s preferred method of control.  Trap size should be 36”x 11”x11”.  Tomahawk trap No.108 or 608 can be used for “normal” sized woodchucks, for larger sized woodchucks use No. 108.5 or 608.5.

HELPFUL HINT

For “constant” problem areas, grow a small patch of alfalfa or bean sprouts between two bricks or 2x4’s.  Set the trap on top of the bricks or 2x4’s. Allow the alfalfa or bean sprouts to grow up into the trap; you then will have a continual fresh baited trap.

RECOMMENDED BAITS

• Fresh String Beans
• Sweet Corn
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Alfalfa
• Apples
• Carrots (with green tops left on)