Can groundhog burrows cause foundation damage?
Updated
Direct answer
Yes—groundhog burrows can contribute to foundation problems when tunnels remove supporting soil, create voids under slabs/steps, or worsen drainage near the home. A single burrow rarely “destroys” a foundation on its own, but it can increase settlement and cracking risk, especially if water is involved.
Quick risk table
| Situation | Risk level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Burrow entrance 10–20+ ft from house | Low | Less likely to undermine foundation soils |
| Burrow within a few feet of foundation | Medium | Voids + erosion can weaken soil support |
| Tunnels under steps/patio/slab near house | High | Slabs can settle/crack if soil is removed |
| Water pooling + soft/sinking soil near entrance | High | Water accelerates erosion and settlement |
How burrows cause problems
- Soil removal / voids: tunnels can leave hollow areas that settle over time.
- Drainage changes: burrows can channel water toward the foundation or soften soil.
- Undermining slabs: steps, patios, and sheds can crack or tilt if tunnels are underneath.
- Repeated freeze/thaw: wet soil near a foundation tends to move more with seasons.
What to do (safe order)
- Confirm activity: smooth the soil at the entrance and check for fresh digging within 24–48 hours.
- Don’t seal an active burrow: avoid trapping an animal inside (and avoid odor issues).
- Remove/exclude: once inactive or after removal, use heavy-gauge hardware cloth + backfill.
- Backfill correctly: add soil in layers and compact to reduce future settling.
- Fix drainage: downspouts should discharge away from the foundation; address pooling.
Common mistakes
- Sealing holes immediately without confirming the burrow is inactive.
- Using only loose dirt (no compaction) — it often sinks later.
- Ignoring water issues near the foundation (this is what makes problems worse).
- Leaving food sources nearby (gardens, fallen fruit, unsecured compost).
FAQ
How deep are groundhog tunnels?
Depth varies by soil and location. What matters most is whether tunnels create voids near slabs or concentrate water near the foundation.
Do I need a foundation contractor?
Consider it if you see fast-growing cracks, doors/windows sticking suddenly, sinking slabs/steps, or obvious voids near the foundation.
Will repellents solve it?
Repellents are unreliable long-term. Physical exclusion + habitat changes tends to work better than smells/ultrasonic devices.
Related pages
- Can groundhog burrows cause foundation damage?Groundhog burrows can contribute to foundation issues by undermining soil, worsening drainage, and creating voids near slabs. Here’s what to watch for and what to do.
- How to Find and Safely Fill Groundhog BurrowsLearn how to locate all groundhog burrow entrances, confirm activity, and fill tunnels correctly to prevent collapse, odors, and repeat digging.
- How to deter groundhogs and get rid of them safelyA practical, step-by-step guide to deterring groundhogs, preventing burrows, and knowing when removal or a pro is the best option.
Sources and assumptions
- General wildlife control best practices: confirm activity, remove/exclude first, then seal and compact.
- This page is informational and not a substitute for professional inspection of structural issues.