Marmots (also known as rock chucks) are indigenous to the western half of the United States. Cousins to the east coast woodchuck, Marmots are more likely to reside in elevated landscapes and have been found throughout most of the northwestern states. They readily occupy rock piles and will dig deep descending burrows around these protective objects.
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MARMOT PROBLEMS
Since marmots will readily claim a 4 to 5 acre territory, they’ve proven to be comfortable traveling great distances to find food. This is when they can become a nuisance. Marmots love most any garden grown vegetable and if given the chance, they’ll readily graze leading to rapid crop loss and damage.
MARMOT BIOLOGY
Marmots start reproducing at 2 years of age. Colonies can support 10-20 individuals and though they’ll hibernate during cold winters, marmots can remain active during this time if temps are mild.
New colonies develop when teenage males (1-2 year olds that leave established colonies) move to a new territory and dig a new home. Once these bachelors have their new home, they’ll aggressively seek multiple females as mates. Male marmots will try to get at least 3-4 females to live with him and once they move in, breeding will start and continue all summer long.
Females will produce 3-5 pups per litter so as spring turns to summer, they’re food requirements can become quite substantial. This is when conflict with man can occur. Especially in dry arid regions where succulent plant food is limited. In such areas, marmots will travel as far as is needed to find a decent food supply for their young.
MARMOT REPELLENTS
Marmots are sensitive to both scent and sound. For this reason, we have both options available as a way to deter and chase them from the yard.
MARMOT GRANULES AND SPRAY REPELLENT
Since marmots will sometimes target specific areas to dig, lay or eat in the yard, the use of an all natural scent can prove super effective for keeping them away. Basically the concept here is to either overload their sense of smell OR use something with an odor they do not like.
The first option is XEMPT GRANULES. This corn cob based granule is full of all natural essential oils that are quite strong. This scent is strong enough to make nuisance animals aware of its presence and as a result, very uncomfortable where its been applied. Use them along fence rows, property borders or any location marmots like to use on a regular basis. In many cases, the granules alone can be strong enough to keep them out.
Xempt G is packed 4 bags to a box; each baggie is .5 lbs and will cover up to 100 sq/ft.
After applying the Xempt granules, spray them with PESTAWAY SPRAY. This will magnify the odor making it twice as strong. Spraying the granules will also double the residual so you can get 60+ days of protection from one application. Also spray any plants or trails they’re using. Make sure to cover all low lying sections of plant growth marmots can reach. This is usually the bottom 2 feet of the plant.
PA SPRAY is made with all natural organic essential oils and gets mixed with water. It won’t harm wildlife, insects, birds, pets, etc. but due to it’s level of concentration, it makes insects and animals “wary” of treated areas. They’ll become uneasy and not want to “eat” or rest where its been applied making it a great way to naturally deter unwanted marmots.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds long) gives the quick summary of how PA Spray works.
Remember, it is concentrated, completely organic and mixes with water making 2-4 gallons.
Each mixed gallon can cover up to 500 sq/ft of plants when treating. And if 2 oz per gallon isn’t strong enough, mix 4 oz per gallon.
Kim says
Hi. Do you have a sensor rthat will deter beavers and marmots? If so are dogs sensitive to the sound? Where are you located?
Tech Support says
Kim,
This post is about Marmot control and if you scroll up, you’ll see that yes, we have a sound repeller for them. This link will get you there too:
https://bugspray.com/marmot-control#best-marmot-sound-repeller
This same device will work on Beavers:
Beaver Repeller: https://bugspray.com/articles99/beaver#beaver-sound-repeller
Pets will NOT be affected as detailed on our product page here:
Pets and Sound Repeller: https://bugspray.com/deterrents/sound/usd-animal-repeller-with-wireless-remote#pet
Our Location details can be seen on our site here:
Our Location: https://bugspray.com/get-directions