Around here, rockchucks are more than just a familiar sight sunbathing on boulders or scampering across open fields. These chunky rodents might seem like nothing more than part of the local landscape, but once they move in around a home, shed, or outbuilding, they quickly reveal themselves as destructive and surprisingly stubborn pests. Known for their relentless digging, chewing, and burrow-building, rockchucks have a knack for turning peaceful properties into ongoing repair projects.
It’s what they do underground that really causes the headaches. Their burrows can span several feet in depth and stretch beneath structures, driveways, or even well-used walking paths. That soil displacement might seem harmless at first—until the day something shifts, cracks, or caves in. It’s not unusual to find them nesting under decks, inside crawlspaces, or along embankments. Once they're comfortable, they’ll stay. And they don’t tend to keep to themselves either—more often than not, one or two quickly becomes a whole group.
How They Dig In And Multiply
Rockchucks are drawn to areas with loose soil, a steady food source, and a low level of disturbance. That could be a sloped hillside, a woodpile near a garage, or a garden they can pillage for greens. Once they settle, they tunnel—creating dens with multiple entrances, deep chambers, and escape routes. These dens offer protection from predators, weather, and most efforts to get rid of them.
Breeding starts early in the year, and by summer, those baby rockchucks are old enough to start venturing out—and digging their own spaces nearby. Because they’re territorial, they’ll defend their chosen spots and grow their population steadily. As they do, they cause more damage above and below ground. Wiring gets chewed. Flowerbeds get hollowed out. Foundations start to shift as the soil underneath gives way.
They're also more adaptable than many folks think. Urban edges, landscaped parks, barns, and even residential neighborhoods see their fair share of infestations. They’re just as likely to be spotted under a back porch as they are on an open ranch. And once they’ve claimed a space, they remember it—often returning even after being trapped or removed if the area hasn’t been properly secured. That’s part of what makes them so frustrating: they’re persistent, and they’re not easily discouraged by minor obstacles.
The Hidden Cost Of Letting Them Stick Around
It’s easy to underestimate the damage a rockchuck can cause. They work quietly, mostly during the day, and a lot of what they do happens out of sight. But the consequences start stacking up. A tunnel that runs beneath a retaining wall may eventually cause that wall to lean or collapse. A den beneath a concrete slab can lead to cracking or sinkage. And if they decide to chew through vehicle wiring, irrigation tubing, or electrical lines, the cost of repairs adds up fast.
The health concerns are often overlooked, too. Rockchucks bring fleas and ticks into areas where pets and children play. Their droppings pile up in hidden spots like crawlspaces or under sheds, attracting insects and raising sanitation issues. If you’ve got a garden or fruit trees, you’ll notice your produce disappearing—and not just a nibble here or there. They eat heartily and leave a mess behind.
They also create access points for other animals. Abandoned burrows can become havens for skunks, snakes, or other unwanted critters. What starts as a single nuisance can quickly spiral into a larger, multi-species problem. The longer they go unchecked, the harder they are to evict without major disruptions to the property itself.
Why Rockchuck Removal Takes A Strategic Approach
Getting rid of rockchucks isn’t as simple as setting a trap or filling in a hole. In fact, without fully understanding the layout of their dens and how many individuals you’re dealing with, most DIY efforts just delay the problem. You might trap one and think you’re in the clear—only to discover two more have moved in or a network of tunnels continues to compromise your property.
Effective removal takes into account how these animals think, where they hide, and how they’re using the surrounding landscape. It also involves preventing the next group from taking over. That might mean reinforcing barriers, clearing vegetation that provides cover, or sealing off crawlspace entries with more than just plywood and hope.
What works best is a full property evaluation, combined with a removal plan tailored to the specifics of the site and the behaviaor of the animals involved. And timing makes a big difference, too. Catching them before young are born or before colonies expand gives property owners a far better shot at reclaiming their space. In some cases, specialized equipment or repeat visits are necessary, especially when dealing with well-established dens or hard-to-reach areas that have been compromised over time.
Rockchucks can be frustrating, destructive, and costly—but dealing with them doesn’t have to be. At RM Wildlife And Pest Solutions, we understand how these pests operate and what it takes to get them off your property for good. If you’ve seen signs of digging, burrows near your buildings, or even just a few too many of these rodents hanging around, contact us today. We’re happy to talk through what you’re seeing, offer real solutions, and help you get your land and peace of mind back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockchucks
Q1. What kind of damage can these animals cause around my home or property?
A1. Despite their harmless appearance, these burrowing rodents can be surprisingly destructive. Their extensive tunneling systems can undermine foundations, damage retaining walls, and erode hillsides. Gardeners often find themselves at odds with these critters as they munch their way through vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Even more concerning, they’re known to chew on wiring or plastic piping in sheds, barns, or crawlspaces—posing fire risks and potential plumbing issues.
Q2. Why is it so difficult to get rid of them once they settle in?
A2. These animals are highly territorial and will return to their burrows year after year if undisturbed. They are also cautious creatures, often posting sentries and reacting quickly to danger, making traps or deterrents less effective if improperly placed. Their burrows may span several entrances and twist beneath rock piles or structures, making complete removal a challenge without professional techniques and knowledge of their behavior.
Q3. Can I just wait them out or will they eventually leave on their own?
A3. Waiting them out is rarely a successful strategy. Once established, these animals tend to stick around as long as food and shelter are available. In fact, they often expand their burrows over time, leading to increased structural risk and more visible surface damage. Left alone, they can also attract mates and offspring, turning a minor issue into a full-blown infestation. Active removal and habitat management are essential to prevent long-term problems and reclaim your property.