Professional wildlife removal
Groundhog Removal
Groundhogs can establish burrows beneath decks, sheds, porches and around other structures. Reliant provides professional groundhog removal using exclusion or live trapping depending on the property, activity and service requirements.
Serving residential and commercial properties in Toronto, the GTA and selected surrounding communities.
Active burrow assessmentProperty-specific service
Exclusion & trappingOne-way-door exclusion or live trapping depending on the situation.
Dependent young consideredRemoval timing and methods are adjusted when dependent young are present.
Proofing availableDeck and shed perimeter proofing can protect vulnerable areas after removal.
1-year guaranteeQualifying exclusion and proofing work installed by Reliant.
Why groundhogs become a problem
Groundhogs Can Establish Burrows Around Structures
Groundhogs are strong diggers that may establish burrows beneath decks, sheds, porches and other sheltered areas. Activity can also occur around garages, foundations, retaining walls, gardens and landscaped areas.
The right solution depends on where the burrow is located, whether it is active, whether dependent young are present and whether the area can be properly secured after the animal leaves.
01
Sheltered Burrow Sites
Decks, sheds, porches and other low structures can provide cover above accessible soil.
02
Repeated Den Use
A frequently used burrow may produce visible openings, excavated soil and repeat activity in one area.
03
Feeding Damage
Groundhogs feed on vegetation and may damage gardens, plants and landscaped areas.
04
Site-Specific Conditions
Location, active use, dependent young and proofing feasibility all affect the right approach.
What to look for
Signs a Groundhog May Be Living on Your Property
These signs can help identify possible activity, but the removal approach should be based on the actual conditions found at the property.
01
Large Burrow Openings
A noticeable opening in the soil beneath or beside a deck, shed, porch or other structure may indicate an active groundhog burrow.
02
Fresh Excavated Soil
Fresh or repeatedly disturbed soil around an opening can be a sign of recent digging activity.
03
Regular Groundhog Sightings
Seeing a groundhog repeatedly enter and leave the same location can help identify an active den area.
04
Activity Beneath Structures
Digging or movement beneath decks, sheds and porches may indicate that the sheltered space is being used for a burrow.
05
Garden & Plant Damage
Groundhogs feed on vegetation and may damage gardens, plants and landscaped areas.
06
More Than One Opening
Groundhog burrow systems can have multiple openings, making a proper inspection important before an area is closed or proofed.
Where activity occurs
Where We Commonly Find Groundhogs
Suitable soil, shelter and nearby feeding areas can turn several parts of a property into attractive burrow locations.
Site studyConditions vary by property
01
Decks
The sheltered space beneath a raised deck can provide an attractive location for a groundhog burrow.
02
Sheds
Groundhogs may dig beneath sheds where the perimeter provides accessible soil and protection.
03
Porches
Openings can develop beneath porches or other low structures with exposed ground around the perimeter.
04
Foundations & Garages
Burrowing activity can occur beside garages, foundations and other structural areas.
05
Retaining Walls
Groundhogs may use soil around retaining walls and landscaped features where suitable digging conditions exist.
06
Gardens & Landscaped Areas
Gardens and vegetation can attract feeding activity, while nearby sheltered areas may provide suitable burrow locations.
Removal options
The Right Groundhog Removal Method Depends on the Situation
Groundhog removal is not a one-method service. Reliant provides both exclusion and live trapping, with the approach selected according to the burrow location, site conditions, animal activity and agreed service scope.
01 / Preferred where appropriate
One-Way-Door Exclusion
When conditions allow, a one-way door can be installed at an active opening so the groundhog can leave while restricting its ability to return through that secured location.
For an established groundhog den beneath a deck or shed, exclusion is generally our preferred approach when it is appropriate for the property and dependent young are not at risk.
The surrounding area is evaluated so that accessible openings included in the service scope can be secured appropriately.
02 / Site-specific option
Live Trapping
Live cage trapping is available and may be appropriate when exclusion is not practical, the location does not suit a one-way-door installation or trapping is selected as part of the service plan.
Any captured wildlife is handled in accordance with applicable Ontario wildlife requirements.
The objective is to select a removal method that fits the actual situation rather than applying the same approach to every property.
Dependent young
What Happens If Young Groundhogs Are Present?
The presence of dependent young changes the timing of groundhog removal.
01
Avoid Premature Exclusion
When young groundhogs are not sufficiently mobile or independent, Reliant generally avoids installing an exclusion system that could separate them from the mother or leave them trapped inside the den.
02
Adjust the Service Timing
Where dependent young are present, service may need to be delayed until they are sufficiently mobile for the appropriate exclusion or removal approach.
This is one reason an active burrow should not simply be sealed without first determining what is happening inside.
What to expect
A Practical Groundhog Removal Process
From the first inspection through securing and optional proofing, each step reflects the property conditions and agreed service scope.
01
Inspect the Property
Inspect the active area, visible burrow openings, surrounding structures and other conditions that may affect removal.
02
Assess the Activity
Determine how the area appears to be used, whether additional openings may be involved and whether dependent young may be present.
03
Select the Removal Method
Based on the conditions, use a one-way-door exclusion approach or live trapping.
04
Allow Exit or Removal
Allow the selected removal method to work before the applicable opening is permanently secured.
05
Secure the Agreed Area
Where exclusion work is included, secure the applicable entry point or accessible area within the agreed scope after removal.
06
Consider Additional Proofing
If the property has other vulnerable areas, discuss broader deck, shed or structural proofing separately.
Common den locations
Groundhog Removal From Under Decks and Sheds
Groundhogs frequently take advantage of the sheltered space beneath decks and sheds. Once an active opening is identified, Reliant can determine whether a one-way-door exclusion approach is appropriate.
When exclusion is suitable, the active opening is used as the controlled exit while applicable surrounding openings within the agreed scope are secured so the animal cannot simply move through another nearby opening.
If dependent young are present, the timing may need to be adjusted. After the groundhog has left, the active opening can be secured as part of the agreed exclusion work.
Securing an active entry point is different from proofing the entire perimeter of a deck or shed. Full perimeter proofing is available as a separate, broader service.
01
Identify the active opening beneath the structure.
02
Use the opening as a controlled exit where exclusion is suitable.
03
Secure applicable surrounding openings included in the agreed scope.
Longer-term protection
Full Perimeter Proofing for Decks and Sheds
Removing a groundhog from an active opening does not automatically protect every accessible part of a deck or shed.
For customers who want broader protection, Reliant provides full deck and shed perimeter proofing using galvanized wire mesh installed around the applicable perimeter.
The mesh is secured to the structure and trenched into the ground to help prevent wildlife from simply digging a new opening through the proofed perimeter.
Full perimeter proofing is a broader service than securing a single active groundhog entry point and is quoted according to the structure and amount of work required.
Proofing detail / 01
Secure to the Structure. Trench Below Grade.
Galvanized wire mesh creates a continuous physical barrier around the applicable proofed perimeter.
Full perimeter scopeQuoted separately
Beyond decks and sheds
Groundhog Burrows Aren't Limited to Decks and Sheds
Groundhog activity can occur in many areas of a property. The appropriate service depends on the location of the burrow, accessibility, surrounding construction and whether the area can safely and effectively be secured.
- Foundations
- Garages
- Porches
- Retaining walls
- Gardens
- Landscaped areas
- Other accessible structures
An inspection helps determine whether exclusion, trapping or another site-specific approach is appropriate.
Property-specific service
Groundhog Removal for Homes and Commercial Properties
Removal, active-opening securing and separately quoted proofing are matched to the property, access and actual activity.
01 / Residential
Residential Properties
We provide groundhog removal for houses, rental properties and other residential settings where burrowing is occurring beneath or around structures.
The service can include removal, securing an applicable active opening and separately quoted proofing where broader protection is required.
02 / Commercial
Commercial & Managed Properties
Reliant also provides groundhog removal for commercial, multi-unit and managed properties where burrowing activity is affecting structures, grounds or landscaping.
The approach is based on location, access requirements, site conditions and the scope of exclusion or proofing required.
Pricing factors
What Affects the Cost of Groundhog Removal?
Groundhog removal is property-specific. Groundhog removal and full perimeter proofing are different scopes of work. Pricing depends on what is actually required at the property.
01
Burrow Location
A groundhog beneath an accessible shed may require a different approach from activity beside a foundation or retaining wall.
02
Accessibility
Restricted access or difficult construction conditions can affect how the active area can be serviced.
03
Number of Active Openings
A burrow system with multiple accessible openings may require additional inspection and exclusion work.
04
Removal Method
The scope can differ depending on whether the service uses exclusion, live trapping or an appropriate combination.
05
Exclusion Work Required
The amount of securing required around the active opening affects the service scope.
06
Full Perimeter Proofing
Proofing an entire deck or shed perimeter is a separate and more extensive service.
07
Size & Construction
The dimensions and construction of a deck, shed or other structure affect material and labour requirements.
08
Commercial Property Conditions
Larger or managed properties may involve additional access, coordination or proofing considerations.
Qualifying1 Year
Our exclusion work
1-Year Guarantee on Qualifying Exclusion & Proofing Work
Reliant provides a 1-year guarantee on qualifying groundhog exclusion and proofing work that we install.
The guarantee applies to the specifically secured or proofed area included in the agreed service scope and under normal conditions.
If wildlife creates an opening through qualifying work covered by the guarantee during that period, Reliant will return to address the covered area according to the terms of the service.
The guarantee does not represent a blanket promise that groundhogs or other wildlife cannot appear elsewhere on the property or gain access through areas not included in the proofing scope. Live trapping by itself is not full-property wildlife proofing or a guarantee against future animals using an open, unprotected area.
Groundhog removal FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Groundhog Removal
Clear answers about removal methods, dependent young, proofing, pricing and guarantee coverage.
How do you remove groundhogs?
Reliant provides both one-way-door exclusion and live trapping. The appropriate method depends on the burrow location, property conditions, animal activity and whether dependent young are present. For groundhogs living beneath decks or sheds, exclusion is generally our preferred approach when conditions allow.
Can you use a one-way door for a groundhog?
Yes, a one-way door may be used when the active opening and surrounding conditions are suitable. It allows the groundhog to leave while restricting its return through that secured opening. Before exclusion is installed, the situation should be assessed to make sure dependent young are not left behind.
Do you trap groundhogs?
Yes. Reliant provides live cage trapping when trapping is appropriate for the situation or when exclusion is not practical. Captured wildlife is handled in accordance with applicable Ontario wildlife requirements.
What happens if there are baby groundhogs?
When dependent young are not sufficiently mobile or independent, Reliant generally avoids exclusion that could separate them from the mother. The timing of the service may be adjusted until the young are sufficiently mobile for the appropriate removal approach.
Can you remove a groundhog from under my deck or shed?
Yes. Where appropriate, Reliant can use a one-way door at the active opening and secure applicable surrounding openings included in the agreed service scope. Live trapping may be used when exclusion is not suitable.
Can you proof my deck or shed after the groundhog leaves?
Yes. Reliant offers full deck and shed perimeter proofing using galvanized wire mesh installed around the applicable perimeter and trenched into the ground. Full perimeter proofing is a separate, broader service from securing one active groundhog entry point.
Can groundhogs burrow beside foundations or garages?
Yes. Groundhog activity can occur around foundations, garages, porches, retaining walls, gardens and other parts of a property. The appropriate service depends on the location, accessibility and surrounding conditions.
How much does groundhog removal cost?
Pricing depends on factors such as the location of the burrow, accessibility, number of active openings, removal method and the amount of exclusion or proofing required. Full deck or shed perimeter proofing is priced separately from a more localized groundhog-removal scope.
Do you provide groundhog removal for commercial properties?
Yes. Reliant provides groundhog removal for residential, commercial, multi-unit and managed properties where the site and service requirements are appropriate.
Is groundhog removal guaranteed?
Reliant provides a 1-year guarantee on qualifying groundhog exclusion and proofing work that we install. The guarantee applies to the specifically secured or proofed area under the agreed service scope and normal conditions. It does not guarantee that wildlife cannot appear elsewhere on an open or unproofed property.
Related services
Other Wildlife Services That May Help
Explore the service that best matches the activity and vulnerable area at your property.
01
Deck & Shed Wildlife Proofing
Protect vulnerable deck and shed perimeters with professionally installed exclusion mesh.
02
Skunk Removal
Professional removal and exclusion for skunks using spaces beneath structures.
03
Wildlife Exclusion & Proofing
Broader solutions for securing vulnerable areas and reducing wildlife access around structures.
Request service
Need Help With a Groundhog on Your Property?
Whether a groundhog is burrowing beneath a deck, shed, porch or elsewhere around your property, Reliant can assess the activity and recommend an appropriate removal approach.
Exclusion, live trapping and broader wildlife proofing are available depending on the property and service requirements.
Serving Toronto, the GTA and selected surrounding communities.