Have a ghog under my porch...

[WobblyHand]

You know, no good deed goes unpunished.  I took a day off from this quest.  So yesterday, I notice that some plants look eaten - the one's inside my fenced garden.  Today, I look out the window and the ghog is in my garden at 5PM eating my green beans!  And my neighbors and kids are out, so it wouldn't be great for me to pull out some nasty looking airgun.  Anyways, went outside and the ghog climbed over the fence and dove under the porch.  Umm, it's getting fatter, and my green beans are disappearing fast.  Both my wife and I got a good look at it, that juvenile is growing, it's getting bigger - probably trying to fatten up for the winter.  Maybe I'll get the window ready for a shot straight into the garden.  This ghog is definitely not long for this world, it's outstayed it's welcome. 

[WhatUPSbox?]

Or you could become famous on YouTube. 
https://mymodernmet.com/chunk-groundhog-eating-garden/

[WobblyHand]

Or you could become famous on YouTube. 
https://mymodernmet.com/chunk-groundhog-eating-garden/

Nope, not going to happen!  This ground hog is going to take a dirt nap.  The only thing that stopped me were, oh 5 witnesses, two panes of window glass and a screen that I would have had to shoot through.  It was only 6 or 7 feet away. .  When I opened the kitchen door to the porch he heard me, scaled the fence and was under the porch (in front of me) within 2 seconds.

I have raised the storm window glass and screen looking out on the garden.  He'll be back, now that he's discovered the bean patch.  Unfortunately the window makes noise when raising and lowering.  He'll run for sure.  It seems my garden is the bait, and he found something tasty.  Nonetheless, I have to get him, he's wiped out quite a few bean plants already in the few minutes he was there.  My wife is good with this, she saw it and it's size and knows what continuation of its presence means.

[only1harry]

It's the same Ghog or 1 of his siblings.  G-hogs give birth to an average of 4 young ones.  The others from the same litter are all in the area, or not far from you.  Also each Ghog usually digs an avg. of 3 burrows for quick exits when they are threatened, and at the different places where they feed which usually involves 2 or 3 (1/4 to 1/2 acre) properties, unless you own a full acre or more, then most of the burrows will be on your property. Ghogs don't travel far to feed, only to find a mate. 

I suspect his primary burrow where he sleeps at night is at your neighbor's.  I 've had many Ghogs stay under my neighbor's shed, but often feed on my property.  I 'd watch them go back to the neighbor's shed to retire when they had their fill.  The roof sounds like your best bet, but as you already know it's all about timing.  The trick is that once you spot them or detect movement with the help of the ding donger, to quickly move to your shooting position quietly and without being detected.  If you can master this and do it consistently, you will be able to take care of your Ghog problems before they destroy your garden.  I use plural Ghogs/problems, because where there is 1 Ghog there 's a few more waiting to take his territory or in t his case his spot in your garden.  There is a very high probability that you already have 2 Ghogs feeding on your garden. 

Harry
           

Waking up early and staying up late are not good for me.  Dragging now, and it's only 4pm. 

Dang, the skunk was big.  And it really tore up the lawn.  But it was far too dark to see well, and I truly don't want to stink up my trash can for a whole year.

But I did discover, some huge pile of dirt behind our garden shed.  Something big is there, or they sure excavated a whole lot of soil.  Might be another ground hog . The mound of dirt is just over two feet high.  What a pain in the neck.  Hope that isn't skunks - doesn't smell like it.  I wouldn't have thought these critters would have moved here, this isn't a quiet nature preserve.  It's a lot noisier than I would like.  Hope the next place is going to be a lot more rural. 

But yea, he is almost right there - so, so close.

[only1harry]

BTW, groundhogs will displace an average of 650 pounds of dirt for each burrow they dig, and they can dig very fast during the night non-stop. I 've seen them dig during the day too (I was amazed how fast they do it and how far they dirt goes or the mount builds up), and have walked up to a couple of them while digging with their butt sticking out just over the ground surface or the entrance    I could have grabbed their tail and pull them out but that would have not turned well for me or my hand    They have a mean bite and will draw blood.

[martrage]

 1 Harry , all good advice . Something I've done to aid in removal of g-hogs that are hard to time is close the main hole up w/ dirt (shovel shovel !) compact it if possible and check from a distance if possible to see if it's cleaning it out . Let it get busy , time it & do it again . Then set up where you can watch & take a shot.
 Obviously this isn't for everyone , but I've taken several in fields this way. I try to close up holes after taking the critters to save on the machinery wear & tear anyway .

[WobblyHand]

These guys are diggers!  And my ghogs (don't know how many there are at this point) seem to have random schedules.  I've had sightings morning, noon, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, mostly whenever.  Last afternoon there was some wind and the ding dong was ringing all the time, but nothing was there.  So lots of false alarms.  The porch roof allows me to see a lot of the yard, but not the garden.  Only good spot to view the kitchen garden is via a first floor window.  And the green beans are nearly a point blank shot.  2-3 yards.  Sure frustrating me, as this isn't the only thing I have to take care of.  Lots of other life distractions, like cleaning out a (different) house for sale. Yesterday when I got back from the other house at about 12:30pm, I walked towards the kitchen porch and saw the ground hog running and diving under the porch.  It had been in the garden.  In the meantime, my wife was sitting on the front door stoop and chatting with some political candidate.  So, this ghog is not too concerned about human presence.  But the front door is on a different side of the house.  Hopefully I will get it before too long.

I'm thinking of removing the lattice under the porch, and I don't even remember how it was done exactly!  With the tight lattice in place, I can't see in, but the ghog can easily see out.  The porch is maybe 3 feet off the ground, making it hard to fill or do anything.  It's perfect for the ghog, and definitely not ideal for the aging me.  Crawling on my stomach thinking about facing a groundhog at 2 feet just isn't as exciting as it would have been 50 years ago!

[Habanero69er]

Bruce, those driveway chimes will also pick up vegetation/tree/bushes movement, so if possible, aim the motion detector away from foliage that might be moved by wind.

[Xraycer]

I bought this security camera, several months ago, for one of my side yards. It is water proof and is mounted on the outside of the house, about 30ft up. It just plugs into a regular outlet and works through your wifi router to get images to your phone/computer. It has night vision  and also a built in light that can be turned on/off on demand through the app. It has motion detection which will record onto a micro sd card and also send an alert to the phone.
I think it's a great device for well under $30. Here's a snapshot from my device of the pest control people (click on image for full resolution).

[Tater]

Do you have a link to that camera Dinh?

[Xraycer]

Do you have a link to that camera Dinh?

Oh yeah, forgot to add that...

https://a.co/d/7XrHzvm

Here's a pic of it mounted outside the attic window on the 3rd floor.

[WobblyHand]

Bruce, those driveway chimes will also pick up vegetation/tree/bushes movement, so if possible, aim the motion detector away from foliage that might be moved by wind.

So I found out.   . Unfortunately, the "runway" is an area of rounded river stones between my wife's flower garden and the lattice of the porch, and the vegetation has been waving around the past day or so.  Had to turn the alarm off, way too many ding dongs for me!

[WobblyHand]

I bought this security camera, several months ago, for one of my side yards. It is water proof and is mounted on the outside of the house, about 30ft up. It just plugs into a regular outlet and works through your wifi router to get images to your phone/computer. It has night vision  and also a built in light that can be turned on/off on demand through the app. It has motion detection which will record onto a micro sd card and also send an alert to the phone.
I think it's a great device for well under $30. Here's a snapshot from my device of the pest control people (click on image for full resolution).

I had something like that a few years back.  The dirty lowdown company "upgraded" the software converting features that were free and useful into paid subscription, neutering my hardware.  That's theft by deception and extortion.  They stole the capabilities from the unit I bought.  Basically a bait and switch post sale.  If the camera was open source, I'd buy it in a second.  Proprietary software, no thanks, I've already experienced that.

Here's a review of the same product on Amazon:
Color: white-M3 SE
Verified Purchase

I am not unhappy with the camera, I am unhappy with the company!!! There is no mention of needing to pay for a subscription, but little by little, features that were free when I received the camera began disappearing. There used to be six features to enable.

I got the camera to see whose dog was coming into my yard and using it as a latrine. It worked for a few months, but disappeared without any explanation. When I try to re-enable it, I am required to update my protection service and begin paying a monthly service fee!!!! The same happened for the next 4 features.

Also, if you don't look to see who is on your property in the first 24 hrs, you are required to pay to get the information later.

Very, very unhappy with the dirty tatics of holding the information for ransom! Will not purchase from this company again!!!!!!!!
18 people found this helpful

[Xraycer]

I bought this security camera, several months ago, for one of my side yards. It is water proof and is mounted on the outside of the house, about 30ft up. It just plugs into a regular outlet and works through your wifi router to get images to your phone/computer. It has night vision  and also a built in light that can be turned on/off on demand through the app. It has motion detection which will record onto a micro sd card and also send an alert to the phone.
I think it's a great device for well under $30. Here's a snapshot from my device of the pest control people (click on image for full resolution).

I had something like that a few years back.  The dirty lowdown company "upgraded" the software converting features that were free and useful into paid subscription, neutering my hardware.  That's theft by deception and extortion.  They stole the capabilities from the unit I bought.  Basically a bait and switch post sale.  If the camera was open source, I'd buy it in a second.  Proprietary software, no thanks, I've already experienced that.

Here's a review of the same product on Amazon:
Color: white-M3 SE
Verified Purchase

I am not unhappy with the camera, I am unhappy with the company!!! There is no mention of needing to pay for a subscription, but little by little, features that were free when I received the camera began disappearing. There used to be six features to enable.

I got the camera to see whose dog was coming into my yard and using it as a latrine. It worked for a few months, but disappeared without any explanation. When I try to re-enable it, I am required to update my protection service and begin paying a monthly service fee!!!! The same happened for the next 4 features.

Also, if you don't look to see who is on your property in the first 24 hrs, you are required to pay to get the information later.

Very, very unhappy with the dirty tatics of holding the information for ransom! Will not purchase from this company again!!!!!!!!
18 people found this helpful

I don't pay for any extra services. The main reason I chose this device is because it has the option to use a micro SD card instead of a cloud service. All the captured videos stays on the SD until it reaches capacity then it records over the earliest recordings first. I can also record images and videos onto my phone's hard drive.
That reviews is the only 1 star review from a product that has nearly a perfect 5 stars. I find it rather suspect, because this is the 2nd Winees security cam product I own, and haven't had any issues or paid anything more than for the actual device.
Also, at less than $30, is it really a big monetary loss.

[WobblyHand]

I bought this security camera, several months ago, for one of my side yards. It is water proof and is mounted on the outside of the house, about 30ft up. It just plugs into a regular outlet and works through your wifi router to get images to your phone/computer. It has night vision  and also a built in light that can be turned on/off on demand through the app. It has motion detection which will record onto a micro sd card and also send an alert to the phone.
I think it's a great device for well under $30. Here's a snapshot from my device of the pest control people (click on image for full resolution).

I had something like that a few years back.  The dirty lowdown company "upgraded" the software converting features that were free and useful into paid subscription, neutering my hardware.  That's theft by deception and extortion.  They stole the capabilities from the unit I bought.  Basically a bait and switch post sale.  If the camera was open source, I'd buy it in a second.  Proprietary software, no thanks, I've already experienced that.

Here's a review of the same product on Amazon:
Color: white-M3 SE
Verified Purchase

I am not unhappy with the camera, I am unhappy with the company!!! There is no mention of needing to pay for a subscription, but little by little, features that were free when I received the camera began disappearing. There used to be six features to enable.

I got the camera to see whose dog was coming into my yard and using it as a latrine. It worked for a few months, but disappeared without any explanation. When I try to re-enable it, I am required to update my protection service and begin paying a monthly service fee!!!! The same happened for the next 4 features.

Also, if you don't look to see who is on your property in the first 24 hrs, you are required to pay to get the information later.

Very, very unhappy with the dirty tatics of holding the information for ransom! Will not purchase from this company again!!!!!!!!
18 people found this helpful

I don't pay for any extra services. The main reason I chose this device is because it has the option to use a micro SD card instead of a cloud service. All the captured videos stays on the SD until it reaches capacity then it records over the earliest recordings first. I can also record images and videos onto my phone's hard drive.
That reviews is the only 1 star review from a product that has nearly a perfect 5 stars. I find it rather suspect, because this is the 2nd Winees security cam product I own, and haven't had any issues or paid anything more than for the actual device.
Also, at less than $30, is it really a big monetary loss.

You are right.  Sorry.  It's not a big expense. 

But that review did hit a nerve, especially since that did happen to me on two cameras which originally cost double what this one goes for.  The camera software (that I have) makes it difficult to save to SD, and to do simple things, but makes it real easy to sign up for subscriptions.  I'd attempt to use my cameras, warts and all, but they aren't outdoor rated.  In general, I've had poor experiences with quite a few of these cameras, (four of them!) so it has soured me. 

Just for reference purposes, how long have you had the cameras?  A month, 6 months, a year?

[Xraycer]

You are right.  Sorry.  It's not a big expense. 

But that review did hit a nerve, especially since that did happen to me on two cameras which originally cost double what this one goes for.  The camera software (that I have) makes it difficult to save to SD, and to do simple things, but makes it real easy to sign up for subscriptions.  I'd attempt to use my cameras, warts and all, but they aren't outdoor rated.  In general, I've had poor experiences with quite a few of these cameras, (four of them!) so it has soured me. 

Just for reference purposes, how long have you had the cameras?  A month, 6 months, a year?

That was a scathing review, but it was the only one that harsh. So, to me that's very suspect. Especially, when there are so many other competitors trying to get the consumers' money. I typically read a handful of in-depth reviews to get a consensus.
I now have 5 different brands of security systems around my home using 4 different apps. I only opt for SD storage capability and don't use any cloud service. So far, no issues with any of the devices.
The cam I recommended to you, I had installed in April. I just got it because it was so cheap, but so far, I've been impressed with it.

[WobblyHand]

You are right.  Sorry.  It's not a big expense. 

But that review did hit a nerve, especially since that did happen to me on two cameras which originally cost double what this one goes for.  The camera software (that I have) makes it difficult to save to SD, and to do simple things, but makes it real easy to sign up for subscriptions.  I'd attempt to use my cameras, warts and all, but they aren't outdoor rated.  In general, I've had poor experiences with quite a few of these cameras, (four of them!) so it has soured me. 

Just for reference purposes, how long have you had the cameras?  A month, 6 months, a year?

That was a scathing review, but it was the only one that harsh. So, to me that's very suspect. Especially, when there are so many other competitors trying to get the consumers' money. I typically read a handful of in-depth reviews to get a consensus.
I now have 5 different brands of security systems around my home using 4 different apps. I only opt for SD storage capability and don't use any cloud service. So far, no issues with any of the devices.
The cam I recommended to you, I had installed in April. I just got it because it was so cheap, but so far, I've been impressed with it.

Thanks for your response.  Appreciate you setting me straight.  Too easy to get wound up these days!  Maybe I will try one.  The ding dong is just sitting on a cinder block, no wires needed, the camera will probably need more work setting up than that!  Have to cut back some of the vegetation, it does wave around in the breeze.

Haven't seen my furry nemesis in a few days.  Wonder what's up with that?  I've been ready.

[Xraycer]

You are right.  Sorry.  It's not a big expense. 

But that review did hit a nerve, especially since that did happen to me on two cameras which originally cost double what this one goes for.  The camera software (that I have) makes it difficult to save to SD, and to do simple things, but makes it real easy to sign up for subscriptions.  I'd attempt to use my cameras, warts and all, but they aren't outdoor rated.  In general, I've had poor experiences with quite a few of these cameras, (four of them!) so it has soured me. 

Just for reference purposes, how long have you had the cameras?  A month, 6 months, a year?

That was a scathing review, but it was the only one that harsh. So, to me that's very suspect. Especially, when there are so many other competitors trying to get the consumers' money. I typically read a handful of in-depth reviews to get a consensus.
I now have 5 different brands of security systems around my home using 4 different apps. I only opt for SD storage capability and don't use any cloud service. So far, no issues with any of the devices.
The cam I recommended to you, I had installed in April. I just got it because it was so cheap, but so far, I've been impressed with it.

Thanks for your response.  Appreciate you setting me straight.  Too easy to get wound up these days!  Maybe I will try one.  The ding dong is just sitting on a cinder block, no wires needed, the camera will probably need more work setting up than that!  Have to cut back some of the vegetation, it does wave around in the breeze.

Haven't seen my furry nemesis in a few days.  Wonder what's up with that?  I've been ready.

It's actually rather easy to set up. Just mount it to a piece of lumbar for a base. Insert an SD card. Plug it into an AC outlet/extension cord. Download the Aidot app. Sync up the device to the app, and that's it.
This particular camera is rather far, and going through 3 floors to get to my wifi, but it can still reach it. Because of this, there's a couple seconds of lag when viewing live. No lag on video play back.

[Back_Roads]

Well I got the Ghog I was after

[WobblyHand]

I was trying to avoid using a trap.  There's also a pretty large skunk around.  I really don't like the idea of catching a skunk, although the skunk is digging up my lawn.  Can you spray the trap afterwards with something to destink them?

That trap goes for $120? or so?  Does yours have dual doors?  It looks like it.  What was the bait?  I have no plans to "resettle or release" the groundhog.