Groundhogs & Skunks in Westchester? Get Your Yard Back!

Digging Up Trouble: How to Handle Groundhogs & Skunks in Your Westchester Yard

There's nothing quite like a beautiful Westchester yard – lush green lawns, vibrant gardens, and well-maintained outdoor spaces. But sometimes, unwelcome guests decide to make themselves at home, turning your picture-perfect property into a digging ground. We're talking about groundhogs and skunks, two common critters known for causing headaches (and sometimes a lot of mess) for homeowners.

At WreX Wildlife & Pest Control, we understand the frustration these animals can bring. Let's dig into how to identify their presence, the damage they cause, and how professional help can restore peace to your property.

Groundhogs: The Master Excavators

Also known as woodchucks, groundhogs are burrowing rodents that love to dig. If you've seen a chunky, brown animal resembling a large squirrel scurrying across your lawn or noticed a significant hole near your shed, deck, or porch, you might have a groundhog problem.

The Trouble They Cause:

• Garden Destruction: Groundhogs are vegetarians with a voracious appetite. They can decimate a vegetable garden or flower bed overnight, munching on everything from carrots and beans to delicate ornamental plants.
• Lawn & Landscape Damage: Their primary activity is digging extensive burrows. These tunnels, often 6 to 8 inches wide, can be quite long – sometimes stretching up to 50 feet and reaching depths of 5 feet! This undermines the stability of your yard, creating trip hazards for people and pets, and can cause landscaping features to sink.
• Structural Damage: Perhaps most concerning, groundhogs frequently dig under sheds, decks, patios, and even the foundations of homes. This can weaken these structures, leading to costly repairs down the line. A single groundhog can move hundreds of pounds of dirt over its lifetime!

Skunks: The Unwelcome Odor & Digging Duo

Skunks are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and white fur, but it's their potent spray that truly sets them apart (and sends everyone running!). These nocturnal creatures are common in Westchester and often become a nuisance when they decide your yard is prime territory.

The Trouble They Cause:

• Pest Control or Pest Nuisance? Skunks actually help control insect populations by eating grubs, crickets, and other lawn pests. However, their hunting methods involve digging small, cone-shaped holes (about 3-4 inches wide) in your lawn, often overnight, leaving it looking like a mini-minefield.
• The Infamous Spray: The most obvious problem is their defensive spray, which can reach up to 10-15 feet and has an incredibly strong, foul odor that's difficult to remove from pets, clothing, or even your home's ventilation system. A startled skunk near your property can quickly turn into an all-day (or all-week!) odor issue.
• Denning Under Structures: Like groundhogs, skunks often seek shelter under porches, sheds, decks, and even foundations, creating dens. This can lead to persistent odor problems, potential damage, and an increased risk of encountering them, especially if they have young.

Why DIY Groundhog and Skunk Removal is Risky

While it might be tempting to try and handle these diggers yourself, it's often more complicated and dangerous than it seems:

• Safety First: Groundhogs can bite when cornered, and skunks... well, you know about the spray!
• Disease Risk: Both groundhogs and skunks can carry diseases like rabies and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.
• Legal & Ethical Concerns: Wildlife removal often involves specific local and state regulations regarding trapping, relocation, and humane handling. Without proper knowledge, you could be breaking the law or causing undue stress to the animal.
• Ineffectiveness: Without understanding their habits, DIY methods might only temporarily deter them, leading to a recurring problem.

Expert Help is Just a Call Away: WreX Wildlife & Pest Control

When groundhogs and skunks start digging up trouble in your yard, it's time to call in the professionals. WreX Wildlife & Pest Control offers comprehensive solutions to safely and humanely handle these unwelcome visitors.

Our Specialized Services Include:

• Groundhog Removal: Our team uses effective and humane trapping methods to safely remove groundhogs from your property, preventing further damage to your lawn and garden.
• Skunk Removal: We employ specialized techniques to safely capture and remove skunks, minimizing the risk of spraying and ensuring their humane relocation. We understand the importance of discreet and efficient removal to protect your home from lingering odors.
• Wildlife Exclusion Services: After removal, the key is to prevent future problems. We identify and seal potential entry points around your sheds, decks, and other structures to ensure new animals can't move in.
• Wildlife Damage Repair: Did those groundhogs undermine your shed or ruin your garden? We can help with repairing damaged areas, restoring your property to its former glory.
• Property Clean-up after Wildlife Removal: If skunks have made a mess or left a lingering odor, we can assist with thorough clean-up, including odor neutralization, to make your property fresh and safe again.

We are proud to serve homeowners across Westchester County, including communities like White Plains, Peekskill, Ossining, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, Chappaqua, Pleasantville, and Yorktown Heights. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing ethical, safe, and industry-approved solutions for all your wildlife control needs.

Don't let groundhogs and skunks turn your yard into a construction zone or a smelly hazard. For reliable and effective Westchester wildlife removal services, trust the local experts.

Ready to reclaim your yard? Contact WreX Wildlife & Pest Control today at 914-566-9739 or visit our website to schedule an inspection. Let us handle the digging and spraying, so you can enjoy your beautiful Westchester home once more!