Utah’s Rock Chucks have become an increasing problem over these past few years. Many are burrowing in homeowner’s yards and damaging them. They will even chew on plumbing and electrical wiring. Rentokil will share more about the rock chuck and how to identify and control them when they decide to move onto your property.
Rock Chucks Live in Holes in the Ground
The rock chuck is also referred to as the yellow belly marmot, groundhog, and woodchuck. Rock chucks are part of the marmot family which is basically a larger rodent. They can be found throughout the Western United States and Canada. Rock chucks will inhabit grassland, forests, deserts, and mountainous areas, which describe much of Utah State.
What Does a Yellow-Bellied Marmot Look Like
The average weight of a rock chuck is about 8 pounds and they grow to about two feet in length. The rock chuck is found throughout the State of Utah. Their fur color ranges from tan to gray in color with a yellowish underbelly. Most rock chucks have a white marking between their eyes on their foreheads. One of the biggest problems with the rock chuck is unlike their close relatives who are solitary, rock chucks are social and stay in small to large groups. A single female can have up to five offspring and will mate once a year. Luckily, rock chucks hibernate starting in September and go through May, depending on how quickly it warms up. Rock chucks are great climbers and will climb trees to forage for food, especially fruit trees. They will also feed on flowers and vegetable gardens, especially tomatoes.
Small Holes in Yard? Identifying Animal Burrows
When rock chucks invade urban areas, they are commonly found digging burrows underneath the foundations of homes and other structures. They will even crawl inside the vent and crawl spaces of HVAC systems. When rock chucks invade homes, they are known to chew and gnaw on decks and wooden structures. They will also chew on electrical wiring and plumbing systems. Rock chucks urinate and defecate around their burrows leaving the surrounding area with an unpleasant smell.
How to Get Rid of Rock Chucks
When sightings or signs emerge of the rock chuck arrival, your best defense is trapping them. There are some repellants that you can buy to produce scents that will help deter rock chucks. However, each time it rains the repellant will need to be reapplied. Due to the rock chuck’s agility, it can become difficult to keep out with fences or even electrical wiring like raccoons. This is why the leading method for controlling rock chucks is by using traps. When rock chucks invade they will either begin digging holes, or you may see signs of them feeding on your landscaping and leaving behind chew marks. When rock chucks take an interest in your yard, contact a pest control company that provides wildlife control.
Rock Chuck Control
Rentokil can place traps and remove rock chucks and other common wildlife pests from your property in Cache Valley. When your home and yards are under invasion from rock chucks, we’ll place traps that capture them. Once a trap is successful, we will remove the animal and replace the traps. For all of your pest control and lawn care needs, contact Rentokil today!
How to Get Rid of Rock Chucks that Live in Holes in the Ground on Your Cache Valley, UT Property in Salt Lake County and Northern Utah
Serving Northern Utah and Southern Idaho since 1999