Groundhog Control in the Hudson Valley, NY
That Hole Beside the Shed May Go Farther Than You Think.
Hollenbeck Pest Control helps Hudson Valley homeowners determine whether groundhogs are responsible for the activity and what options make sense for the property.
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GROUNDHOG PROBLEMS HAPPEN BELOW THE SURFACE
What You See Is Usually Only the Entrance
A large hole near a shed catches your attention.
What you can’t see is the burrow beyond it.
Groundhogs construct underground shelter systems that can extend well beyond the visible opening.
That’s why plugging a hole or filling it with soil doesn’t necessarily solve the problem.
Before doing anything, it helps to know:
Is the burrow active?
Is a groundhog using it?
Where does it extend?
What structure or landscape feature is nearby?
Hollenbeck can evaluate the situation before you start filling holes blindly.
Wildlife Doesn't Always Come Through the Roof
Squirrels are agile climbers that can use trees, roofs and surprisingly small structural openings to reach attics and other areas.
Birds can create problems when nesting or roosting around rooflines, vents, commercial buildings and other portions of a structure.
Groundhogs can establish extensive burrows around yards, sheds, decks and other structures.
Skunks may den beneath decks, sheds and other protected locations and can become particularly difficult when activity occurs close to living areas.
Bats can use small openings to enter attics and other upper portions of buildings. Bat situations require careful evaluation of access and appropriate exclusion strategies.
Snakes may appear around foundations, landscaping, garages, basements and other areas where food or shelter is available.
From scratching in the walls to droppings in the basement, mice and rats leave plenty of signs behind. We find the problem and address it at the source.
Deer can cause considerable damage to ornamental plants and landscaping. Hollenbeck offers repellant service designed to help protect valuable plantings.
WHY CHOOSE HOLLENBECK?
GROUNDHOG CONTROL STARTS WITH THE LAND
Understand the Burrow Before Deciding What to Do
A groundhog problem is fundamentally different from attic wildlife.
The evidence is in the soil.
Hollenbeck evaluates how the animal is using the property, what the burrow is located near, and whether surrounding conditions are encouraging continued activity.
Why Choose Hollenbeck?
- Generations of Hudson Valley Pest-Control Experience
- Locally Owned Family Company
- Wildlife-Service Experience
- Board Certified Entomologist on Staff
- QualityPro Certified
- Residential & Commercial Properties
- Burrow & Property Evaluation
- Practical Recommendations
- Service Designed Around the Site
- Responsive Local Team
Ready to Get Started?
A BURROW ISN'T ALWAYS WHERE YOU EXPECT IT
Look Around Structures and Protected Edges
Groundhog activity may occur near:
- Sheds
- Decks
- Porches
- Garages
- Retaining areas
- Garden edges
- Fence lines
- Brush
- Embankments
- Open land
- Other protected locations
The surrounding landscape can help explain why the animal selected that portion of the property.
HOW HOLLENBECK HANDLES GROUNDHOG PROBLEMS
01
Confirm the Activity
We look at the burrow and other evidence to determine whether groundhogs appear to be responsible.
02
Evaluate the Location
The relationship between the burrow, structures, vegetation, gardens, and surrounding property matters.
03
Address the Wildlife Situation
The control strategy is based on the specific site and activity present.
04
Consider What Happens Afterward
Once the wildlife issue is resolved, the property may require additional attention to burrow areas or conditions that made the location attractive.
Special Offers
More Ways to Save on Pest Control
$50 off
Initial Pest Control Treatment
Get $50 off your initial pest control treatment when you sign up for an annual pest protection plan.
Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. General pest control only. New customers only.
$25 off
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Refer a friend, family member, or neighbor to Hollenbeck Pest Control and receive $25 off your next service when the person you refer signs up for an annual pest protection plan.
Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Account must be in good standing. Referee must complete service.
Trusted by Homeowners Throughout the Hudson Valley
- Matt came out for same-day yellow jacket removal. He quickly removed the nest from the foundation while working in the basement. He was very friendly,… knowledgeable, and professional. We are so happy with all the services Hollenbeck offers- the very best! Thank you!!
- Rob was amazing. He knew exactly what to do and wasn’t afraid to get dirty and get the job done. An absolute professional, and sweet to my young son who was… there too. I am so happy we called when we did!
- Rob from Hollenbeck stopped to help me on his way home from work when he saw me stranded at the side of the road with a flat tire. He was so professional and… cheerful about changing a tire! I would gladly consider Hollenbeck in the future for pest control needs.
- I had a great home inspection from Hollenbeck Pest Control. The technician's name was Danielle. She was well informed and extremely patient. She took the time… to explain what the risks were with certain pest's presence and what services Hollenbeck offered to help. She was so well versed in pest control in general and exactly what Hollenbeck 's policies and procedures are in a myriad of scenarios, that I signed up for the annual protection package.
- We've been with Hollenbeck many years now and have never had a bad experience. Our technician, Max, was extremely polite and addressed all of our concerns! Max… throughly explained everything he planned to do, everywhere he sprayed and even told us specific places he thought we should keep an eye on. He has been to our location before and is always a pleasure to work with!
- Rob was on time and very thorough. He explained the corrective process and the 3 levels of service. Rob was knowledgeable and I hope to work with him again.
- We are quite pleased with the service call by Rob D. From Hollenbeck Pest Control today. Rob was early for our appointment, pleasant and very knowledgeable. … This was our first experience with a pesky mouse and he explained the steps to take to prevent any further unwelcome critter visits. Rob came to assess the situation but was then able to service our issue. At this time we feel more comfortable in our home and welcome the follow-ups. Hollenbeck was recommended to us and now we highly recommend them.
- I want to sing the praises of Nora the person who helped me with our pest challenge. She was kind, empathetic and reassured me and gave an action plan to… try. The owners of Hollenbeck are so fortunate to have her as the initial contact for future customers! Thank you for your kindness Nora!
- Excellent, timely, attentive service with good follow up to make sure we were satisfied. Also best pricing. The best!!
- I've used Hollenbeck in the past for more emergent problems. This time I called them in for preventative measures. As in the past they showed up, explained my… options, offered reasonable solutions, and treated the problem. Fernando was extremely knowledgeable, personable and careful. He took my concerns into consideration when formulating a plan. A++
- Office staff are lovely and got us scheduled right away! Danielle was our technician and she gave us some great information and advice moving forward.
- I ended up at Hollenbeck Pest Control the other day and had a really great experience. The office staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and took the time to… answer all of my questions without rushing me. You can tell right away that they genuinely care about the people they’re helping. As someone who also owns a pest control business, I pay close attention to how companies operate—and this one stands out. The way they treat customers and how professionally everything is handled speaks volumes about how the company is run. It’s not often you come across a team like this. Truly good people, and I would strongly recommend Hollenbeck Pest Control based on this experience alone.
- Great experience with pest inspection and services. Rob is professional, friendly and takes the time to explain everything to me. Office staff (Tiffany) is also… very friendly and helpful. I def recommend!
- Robert D. Came out to my home today to assess my house and offer services. Since I live in a log cabin, it was important that we attack the wood eating and… burrowing insects. I was also worried about my dogs and all the birds I seem to attract. He was so thorough in his explanation about the services and what insects I really need to look out for, so I wound up signing up for a program right there on the spot. Robert was great to talk to and work with. Thank you for the great service Robert and I'll see you again soon!
- Thank you for a wonderful job. I had a hornets nest in a tree hanging into street. I called Hollenbeck because of their great reviews and now I am completely… satisfied too. I was scheduled quickly and easily, my technician was respectful and very thorough in his job. He told me he does his work from his heart. I an very happy with Hollenbeck and if I ever have any other pest issues I will call then first.
- Robert did a great job! He was polite, professional, and thorough. He explained everything clearly and provided excellent service. Highly recommend!
- Fantastic service. They came within 2 hours of my calling and took care of a large wasp nest quickly and safely. Highly recommend.
- I returned home from vacation to find yellow jackets flying around my basement. It was Saturday, but I called Hollenbeck, who I’ve had a service plan with for… the last few years, hoping to schedule an appointment when they opened the following week. Much to my surprise, they said they could dispatch someone same day for a nominal fee. The tech, Robert D., did a great job with a challenging situation involving a huge yellow jacket nest that infiltrated the foundation of my home, taking the time to explain every step he was taking to resolve the problem. I’ve been very satisfied with Hollenbeck in the past, and this experience further reinforces that I’m dealing with the most professional pest control company in the area. I appreciate both the quick response time (same day on a Saturday!) and the quality of the customer service provided in the field. Would strongly recommend. A+++
- Max and Danielle are awesome! This company exemplifies kindness and professionalism. The technicians and office are great. I have had nothing but great experiences
- Rob came to our home to treat for any ants and mice. He was so knowledgeable and very nice. I will be requesting him again for our next service.
Groundhog Control Throughout the Hudson Valley
Why Did a Groundhog Dig There?
Groundhogs need shelter.
A good burrow site provides protection while keeping the animal close to food.
That often makes the edges of a property particularly attractive.
Structures Create Protected Areas
A shed may look like a storage building to you.
To a groundhog, the space around or beneath it may offer protection.
The same can be true of:
- Decks
- Porches
- Garages
- Outbuildings
- Retaining features
- Foundations
The closer a burrow is to a structure, the more important it becomes to understand what’s happening underground.
Gardens Can Provide an Additional Attraction
Groundhogs are herbivores.
Vegetable gardens and certain landscaping can therefore give them another reason to spend time around a residential property.
A burrow near abundant food is a convenient arrangement—for the groundhog.
Usually not for the gardener.
One Hole May Not Be the Whole Burrow
The entrance homeowners notice may be only part of the system.
Groundhog burrows can include additional openings and underground chambers.
That explains why simply pushing soil into the most visible opening may accomplish very little.
If the animal is still actively using the burrow, it can reopen access.
How Do You Know the Burrow Is Active?
Fresh soil can provide a clue.
So can tracks, feeding damage, repeated sightings, and changes around the entrance.
But not every large hole belongs to a groundhog.
Correctly identifying the animal before beginning control prevents unnecessary effort.
Why Groundhogs Keep Returning to Some Properties
If a property offers shelter, vegetation, and suitable soil, it may continue to be useful.
Resolving the current animal problem is the first objective.
Afterward, homeowners may also want to consider:
- Access beneath structures
- Vegetation around burrow locations
- Garden protection
- Debris or shelter areas
- Property edges
- Previously excavated openings
A Groundhog Across the Field Isn’t the Same as One Beneath the Porch
Wildlife has to live somewhere.
Seeing a groundhog at a distance doesn’t automatically mean control is necessary.
The issue becomes more relevant when burrowing:
- Occurs beneath structures
- Damages landscaping
- Affects gardens
- Creates holes in frequently used areas
- Continues close to the home
- Interferes with normal use of the property
That’s when it makes sense to have the situation evaluated.
Hollenbeck can help determine whether that hole in the yard is simply part of the Hudson Valley landscape—or something that needs attention.
Groundhog Control FAQs
Why do ants keep coming back after I spray them?
Sprays may kill visible worker ants without eliminating the colony responsible for the activity. If the nest remains active, additional ants can continue appearing.
What ants are common in the Hudson Valley?
Several ant species can become problems around Hudson Valley properties, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and other common household ants. Proper identification is important because treatment strategies can vary by species.
Are carpenter ants dangerous to my home?
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites, but they excavate wood to create nesting galleries. Established colonies inside structural wood can cause damage over time and may be associated with moisture problems.
How can I tell the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
Carpenter ants and termites differ in appearance and behavior. Carpenter ants excavate wood for nesting, while termites consume cellulose. Because both can indicate a potentially serious pest issue, professional identification is recommended.
Do you treat ants inside and outside?
Yes. Depending on the infestation, ant control may involve interior activity, exterior nesting areas, entry points, or a combination of treatments.
Does Hollenbeck offer ongoing ant prevention?
Yes. Hollenbeck offers preventative service plans covering more than 30 standard pests for customers who want ongoing protection.
Don't Judge the Problem
by the Size of the Hole.
What matters is what’s happening beneath it.
Let Hollenbeck determine whether groundhogs are using the property and what should happen next.