What does groundhog removal cost?
Professional groundhog removal costs $150–$600, covering trapping, relocation, and — critically — a physical burrow barrier to stop reinfestation. A groundhog burrowing under a deck, slab, or foundation wall is a structural problem, not just a nuisance.
Groundhog burrows are 5 feet deep and can extend 25–30 feet — that's significant soil displacement under any concrete structure. The longer a burrow is active under a slab, the worse the eventual foundation issue.
Groundhog scenarios and cost tiers
| Scenario | Signs | What's Included | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single groundhog, open yard burrow | Mound of excavated dirt near a hole 4–6 inches wide in the lawn or garden — away from structures | Trap and relocate; fill burrow; apply deterrent around the entry point | $150 – $300 |
| Burrow under deck or shed | Entry hole in the soil beneath deck boards or along the shed base; you can hear movement underneath | Trap and relocate first, then install a hardware cloth barrier buried 12–18 inches with an L-shaped footer to prevent re-entry — exclusion must be done after confirmed removal | $250 – $500 |
| Burrow under concrete slab or foundation | Hole at the base of a garage slab, patio, driveway, or near the foundation wall; any subsidence (soft spots, cracking) in nearby concrete is an escalated concern | Trap and relocate, professional barrier installation, and a structural inspection if concrete shows cracking or settling — the burrow creates a void that destabilizes poured concrete | $300 – $600 for removal + barrier; structural repair separate |
| Multiple groundhogs or established colony | Multiple burrow entrances (groundhogs create a main entrance plus one or more escape holes nearby); garden damage over a wide area | Multi-trap program over several weeks; multiple exclusion barrier sections | $400 – $700 |
Before you call
- Confirm the animal — groundhogs are stocky and brown, roughly the size of a large house cat, and are active in daylight (unlike most other burrowing pests). Check the burrow entrance for fresh digging (bright, pale soil = active).
- Check for multiple entrances around the structure — groundhogs typically have a main entrance and 1–2 hidden escape holes. Sealing one without finding the others creates a trapped animal problem.
- Do not seal the burrow yourself until you are certain the animal is out — sealing in a live groundhog creates a more aggressive removal situation and the animal will re-dig.
- If the burrow is under a slab or close to a foundation, check the concrete for soft spots, cracks, or settlement — if you find any, that's a structural conversation, not just a pest call.
Call a pro when…
- The burrow is anywhere near or under a concrete structure — foundation, slab, driveway, patio, or retaining wall
- You've seen multiple groundhogs or multiple burrow entrances — this needs a multi-trap program
- The groundhog has been there more than one season — long-established burrows are larger and the barrier installation is more complex
- You're in an area where groundhogs may be protected under state trapping regulations — most states require a license to trap and relocate wildlife
Repair or replace?
The relevant comparison here is removal-only vs. removal plus exclusion barrier. Removal alone ($150–$300) relocates the animal but leaves the burrow entry open — a new groundhog typically moves in within a season. A proper exclusion barrier (hardware cloth, buried 12–18 inches with an L-footer) adds $100–$300 to the job and is a one-time fix. If a burrow is active under a concrete slab, the cost of a barrier is trivial compared to the concrete repair that becomes necessary if the void grows — get the barrier done at the same time as removal.
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Related questions
How much does it cost to get rid of a groundhog?
Most wildlife removal companies charge $150–$600 for a complete groundhog removal program including trapping, relocation, and a burrow barrier. Simple yard burrows are on the low end; burrows under decks, slabs, or foundations with barrier installation are on the high end. Always confirm the quote includes exclusion — removal without a barrier is a short-term fix.
Can a groundhog burrow damage my foundation?
Yes — this is the reason groundhog removal under structures is urgent. A mature burrow can be 25–30 feet long and 5 feet deep, removing significant soil from under concrete. The soil displacement creates a void that allows slabs and footings to shift and crack over time. If you notice the burrow has been active for more than a few months under a slab, have a structural contractor assess the area after removal.
Will a groundhog come back after trapping?
The relocated animal won't — relocation is typically 5–10 miles away. But the open burrow is an active scent trail that attracts new groundhogs for the same reason the first one chose the site. A properly installed exclusion barrier (hardware cloth buried with an L-footer) is the difference between a one-time removal and a recurring annual expense.
Can I trap a groundhog myself?
In most states, yes — live trapping on your own property is legal without a license. A Havahart live trap (size 3) baited with cantaloupe or sweet corn near the burrow entrance works reliably. The challenge is legal relocation — many states prohibit releasing trapped wildlife more than a mile from capture without a trapping license. Check your state's DNR regulations before transporting the animal.