A single-family residence in Saint-Hyacinthe, on the Yamaska River, was facing a worrying situation in the spring: a common groundhog had established its main burrow directly under the treated wood deck, digging several galleries that extended to the foundation of the house. The owners, concerned about the potential structural damage and the degradation of their vegetable garden located a few meters away, contacted Nova Extermination to resolve the situation in a safe and sustainable manner. In this city recognized as an agri-food hub of the Montérégie, the “technopole”, residential areas bordered by green spaces are regularly under pressure from these rodents, a sign that the problem deserves professional attention.
Inspection and identification of the problem
From the first visit, our specialized technician carried out a complete inspection of the property. He identified two active burrow entrances under the terrace, recognizable by the mounds of freshly excavated earth and the characteristic footprints of the common marmot. A third secondary gallery ran along the north foundation wall for about two metres, which represented a real risk of destabilisation in the long term. The facings of the terrace showed signs of displacement due to localized subsidence of the ground, and two of the supporting pillars had moved slightly from their original foundation. The technician also noted significant traces of grazing on the tomato and bean plants in the family garden, confirming the regular and sustained presence of the animal in this area for several weeks. A complete photographic survey was carried out to document the extent of the damage before any intervention and to allow rigorous monitoring of the work.
Capture and relocation strategy
Our team used the animal capture and relocation service to handle this situation in accordance with recognized best practices. Two professional-style cage traps were deployed, strategically positioned in front of the active openings of the burrow. The traps were baited with apple slices and fresh vegetables, foods that are particularly attractive to the groundhog at the beginning of the summer season. The devices were partially camouflaged in order to limit the animal’s stress during capture and to promote its spontaneous entry into the cage. Rigorous follow-up was carried out twice a day, morning and evening, in accordance with the legal obligations regarding animal welfare in Quebec. The main groundhog was captured on the second day of trapping, and a younger individual was caught on the fourth day, indicating the presence of a pair or female who had raised recent offspring on this land.
Closure of access and prevention of recurrence
Once the animals were captured and relocated to a suitable natural environment, at a good distance from residential areas, our team returned to close the entry points. The existing galleries were filled with compacted earth mixed with fine gravel, and then covered with a tight-meshed wire mesh driven to a depth of thirty centimetres to prevent further excavation. An L-shaped protective perimeter was installed under the terrace, anchored in the ground and folded horizontally outwards over a distance of thirty centimetres, a technique known to effectively discourage digging attempts by even the most persistent marmots. The owners also received specific recommendations regarding the maintenance of their yard for the following season: avoid leaving compost residues accessible, trim the dense vegetation at the base of the structures, install protective nets around the vegetable garden and regularly inspect the perimeter of the foundation at the beginning of the season. Our exterminator in Saint-Hyacinthe remains available for any additional follow-up or future intervention.
Results and post-intervention follow-up
A control visit carried out three weeks after the intervention confirmed the total absence of marmot activity on the property. No new excavations had been attempted, the closing devices were in perfect condition, and the pillars of the terrace could be readjusted now that the ground had been stabilized. The owners were able to enjoy their terrace and vegetable garden without fear for the rest of the summer season. The capture of marmots always involves a two-step approach: first the human capture of the animals present, then the physical security of the accesses to prevent new individuals from settling in. Our technician specialized in marmot capture is trained to cover these two steps with the same level of requirement. For an overview of similar interventions carried out in the region, see our case study on the capture of marmots in another residential area. The combination of professional capture and rigorous work to close access remains the best approach to guarantee lasting results in the face of this particularly stubborn pest.