Groundhog standing alert in grass — Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management offers humane groundhog removal services in Des Moines, Iowa

Why Control Groundhogs?

Groundhogs (woodchucks) may look harmless, but their burrows and feeding habits cause serious problems for Des Moines homeowners. Acting quickly with professional removal prevents damage to your home, yard, and garden.

1. Structural Damage

Burrows weaken decks, sheds, garages, and foundations, sometimes leading to costly repairs. In Iowa, groundhogs often dig near garden sheds and outbuildings in spring and summer.

2. Garden Destruction

Groundhogs can strip a vegetable patch or flower bed overnight. Professional removal keeps your yard and garden protected.

3. Burrow Hazards & Pet Safety

Burrow holes create tripping hazards for kids, pets, and lawn equipment. Cornered groundhogs may also scratch or bite pets, putting them at risk.

4. Health Concerns

Though less common, groundhogs can carry rabies and external parasites. Removing them promptly protects your household’s health.

👉 Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management has helped Des Moines homeowners protect their yards and foundations since 2008. Schedule your service today!

Groundhog Removal Services

Groundhogs can cause big problems fast — from collapsed burrows under sheds to half-eaten gardens.

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we handle the problem start to finish, using safe and effective methods that keep Des Moines homes protected.

  • Humane Removal & Exclusion

    We remove groundhogs without harming them and close off the spots they’ve been using — like under decks, sheds, and outbuildings — so they don’t come right back.

  • Thorough Inspections

    Every job starts with a careful check of your yard. We look for burrows, fresh digging, and other signs that tell us exactly where groundhogs are active and how far the problem has spread.

  • Long-Term Prevention

    Once they’re gone, we don’t just leave holes behind. We backfill burrows and secure weak spots around your property to make sure new groundhogs don’t move in next season.

  • Safe for Families and Pets

    All of our methods are eco-friendly and safe to use around kids, pets, and gardens — but still tough on groundhogs.

  • Tailored to Your Property

    No two situations are the same. Whether it’s one burrow in your garden or a whole network under your shed, we build a plan that fits your home.

👉 Don’t wait until burrows cause costly damage. Schedule an Inspection Today and let Bobcat take care of the problem for good.

Our Groundhog Removal Process

Evaluation

Our experts perform detailed inspections to precisely pinpoint groundhog activity, effectively laying the groundwork for an effective removal strategy.

Intervention

We use humane, safe methods to remove groundhogs, minimizing stress for both the animals and residents while ensuring effectiveness.

Proactive Measures

We offer expert advice to secure your property and prevent future groundhog invasions, providing long-term protection and peace of mind.

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we provide comprehensive solutions to address the unique challenges groundhogs pose.

Our approach includes thorough evaluations, humane intervention techniques, and proactive deterrent strategies to help keep your space groundhog-free. We focus on precision and care in each phase to enhance the safety and security of your property.

What If It’s Not Just Groundhogs?

Sometimes the noises in your attic or damage in your yard aren’t from groundhogs at all.

That’s why Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management also handles other common pest problems in the Des Moines area.

🦝 Wildlife Removal
Raccoons tearing into garbage cans. Squirrels nesting in the attic. Birds squeezing into vents. We remove them safely and close off the spots they’re using so they don’t come back.

🐜 Insect Control
Ants across the kitchen counter in midsummer, wasps under the deck, or spiders showing up in the basement — we know how to treat the problem and keep them out.

🐭 Rodent Control
Mice and rats are a big issue in Iowa once the weather cools. We track them down, seal up their entry points, and keep them out of your home for good.

👉 No matter what’s moving in — wildlife, insects, or rodents — Bobcat is your one call in Des Moines for pest and wildlife removal. Contact us today.

How to Spot Groundhog Activity

Groundhog burrowing in a lawn

Groundhogs can be elusive, but recognizing signs of their presence is crucial for effective management. Watch for these key indicators:

1. Distinctive Behaviors

Notice groundhogs basking in the sun during the day or quickly darting to their burrows when startled. These behaviors indicate their presence and activity around your property.

2. Visible Damage

Look for large piles of dirt along garages, around outbuildings, or near ground-level decks. Groundhogs create extensive burrow systems, which can lead to significant structural damage and garden destruction.

3. Tracks and Trails

Identify tracks with four-toed front paws and five-toed back paws, along with droppings scattered around burrows or feeding areas. These tracks and trails help pinpoint groundhog activity and frequented paths.

MAIN ISSUES

  • Damage To Lawn or Garden

  • Large Piles of Dirt

  • Droppings

  • Uneven Soil

Frequently Asked Questions

Since 2008, we’ve been helping central Iowa homeowners deal with burrowing animals that damage yards and foundations.

Our team is licensed, insured, and experienced, and we use humane methods that keep both your property and the local ecosystem safe.

In most cases, we can inspect your property within 1–2 business days.

During busy spring and summer months, we work hard to provide timely service for homeowners across the Des Moines metro.

We rely on humane trapping, exclusion, and burrow management.

Once groundhogs are safely removed, we can also secure or backfill the burrows to reduce the risk of new animals moving in.

Yes. Every technique we use is eco-friendly, humane, and non-toxic.

Families across Des Moines trust us to protect their homes without putting children, pets, or gardens at risk.

Our technicians give you prevention tips tailored to your property—like reinforcing weak spots under sheds, securing decks, and managing attractants.

Many homeowners also schedule seasonal checks to stop new burrows before they spread.

The cost depends on factors like the number of burrows and the level of activity.

We provide a clear estimate after inspection, so you’ll know the price before any work begins.

In addition to Des Moines, we also serve West Des Moines, Ames, Panora, and surrounding Iowa communities.

If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll confirm service in your area.

Many groundhog problems can be resolved in a few visits, depending on how many burrows are active.

We make sure burrow problems stay gone, rather than giving you a short-lived fix.

We stand behind the quality of our work with a service guarantee.

If you have concerns after a removal, our team will work with you to make sure the issue is resolved to your satisfaction.

No. We use humane removal techniques and backfill burrows as needed to restore your yard and reduce further damage.

👉 Still have questions? Call Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management or schedule an inspection today to protect your home, yard, and garden.

Why Choose Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Control

Proven Expertise

Our team’s accumulated experience in pest management equips us to deliver dependable solutions tailored to resolve your distinct challenges effectively.

Tailored Treatments

Understanding that no two pest issues are alike, we adapt our strategies to align with your particular situation, aiming for precise and successful outcomes.

Commitment to Quality

Quality is more than a standard for us; it’s a pledge. We use top-of-the-line products and cutting-edge techniques to deliver unparalleled results you can trust.

Exceptional Customer Care

Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal. From your initial inquiry to the final treatment, we’re committed to making your experience seamless and satisfactory.

Take Care Of Your Pest Problem Today

We service the entire Des Moines, IA metro area. Contact us today for the safe and efficient removal of your pest problem.

Service Pages Form

If you are looking for someone who does a great job, is thorough, is dedicated to making your home a priority-Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management is you’re only source for pest management. Best of the Best!

Laura M., via Google

We had a pest problem and the entire team was very responsive! From the phone staff to Ronnie coming out to the property. He was very helpful in explaining our issue and how we were going to treat it. Thank you!

Nicholas D., via Google

Highly recommend this group!!! Within 24 hours of my “something stinks” panic call, one of the techs, Ronnie, was at our place taking care of the animals that found their final resting place in our vents… and patched it up so we wouldn’t have this happen again. On-time, efficient, and very knowledgeable!!

Kayla L., via Facebook
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest were very helpful. They were prompt and went over and above in their service to us. We will definitely recommend them to our family and friends.
Krista B., via Facebook

Bobcat Wildlife and Pest installed Incide PC™ insulation in our attic space. They were quick, quiet, and did a great job. Our home is warmer and more comfortable now. Well worth it!

Matt C., via Facebook

Our office is next to a restaurant so pest control is a constant battle. Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management were discreet and efficient. We have not seen any pests since working with them.

MW, via Yelp

I just wanted to email and let someone know how nice of a job Jared does when he comes out to treat the house. He always asks how things are and if I have any concerns. He checks things thoroughly each visit and addresses issues that need taken care of. He is very pleasant and professional.

Lindsay K., via Email