Both groundhogs and moles leave a path of destruction, which can put your home, trees, and lawn at risk of permanent damage. Before you can schedule mole or groundhog removal, you need to know what type of animal is causing it. Since they share so many similarities, it can be a challenge to distinguish between the two. Below, you can learn how to tell the difference and how to eradicate the issue.

How to Tell If You Need Mole or Groundhog Removal

There are quite a few differences between moles and groundhogs, with the most notable being appearance. While both species have claws and gray coloring, a groundhog's fur has more brown in it than the almost-black shade of a mole's. Their sizes also differ as adult moles are typically around six inches in length, and groundhogs, on the other hand, usually span between 18 inches and two feet.

Moles are nocturnal, so you're less likely to see them in the daytime, but groundhogs will also hide if they sense a predator like a human in the vicinity. Luckily, even if you can't spot one, you distinguish the two by the disrupted ground they leave behind. Groundhogs favor locations near sturdy structures, such as trees and houses. While their tunnels are usually well hidden underground, you can spot an opening fairly easy as it will be around one foot in diameter.

Moles dig their tunnels closer to the surface (usually less than a foot underneath), so they're easier to identify. Look for lines of slightly elevated or uneven ground that follows a line. You can also spot them by the hills left at the entrances to their tunnels, which typically appear as little dirt mounds around six inches in height.

What to Do Once You've Identified the Problem

Identifying the issue is only the first step. After you've figured out which species is disrupting your yard, it's time to contact the professionals. Attempting to eradicate wildlife on your own is extremely dangerous. Not only can you cause undue harm to the animal, but you also put yourself at risk for physical injury and exposure to disease. This is why you should turn to an animal removal service that specializes in mole or groundhog removal.

When a pesky critter decides to burrow or tunnel in your lawn, avoid extensive damage by turning to the mole and groundhog removal experts. The team at A.S.A.P. Critter People in Cleves, OH, proudly serves the wildlife removal needs of businesses and residents throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. If you're experiencing any unwanted guests in your yard or home, contact the team today by calling (513) 941-0258. You can also learn more about their services by visiting them online.