Chipmunks: Facts, Damage, and Control

Chipmunk Facts

Chipmunks are small rodents found all over North America. They forage for food between April and October, storing their findings in their cheek pouches to bring back to their nests. Their diet includes leaves, roots, seeds, grains, nuts, fruit, small birds and mammals, insects, and worms. Chipmunks can live up to 11 years and typically breed twice a year, first in April and then again in July.

Chipmunk Damage

Chipmunks have a tendency to burrow under porches, stairs, patios, and even into foundations. This burrowing can compromise structural integrity, leading to weakened or damaged property. Chipmunks also have little regard for gardens and often uproot plants to get to bulbs and seeds. Bird feeders are another target, as chipmunks will quickly deplete the seeds. Their early morning chirping can disturb sleep, and while they carry parasites like fleas, lice, mites, and worms, the risk of contracting a serious illness from them is minimal.

Chipmunk Infestation

These adaptable critters are common in yards across the country. You may find them scampering across patios, around porches, through gardens, in parks, under brush, near garbage cans, or around buildings. They emit sharp chirping noises to signal danger or when startled. Evidence of an infestation includes two-inch holes around foundations or sheds, gnawed food, and nutshells. Flower and vegetable gardens may be damaged, as chipmunks love to dig up and eat flower bulbs and seeds.

Chipmunk infestations can cause extensive property damage. With expert rodent control services, you can eradicate chipmunks and prevent future problems.

Types of Chipmunks

Chipmunk Identification

Chipmunks have brown bodies up to six inches long, characterized by dark and light stripes across their faces and sides.

Chipmunks in the Walls & House

While chipmunks aren’t known to damage property significantly, they may stray from the woods and end up around your home. They can damage plants while harvesting nuts or fruit, dig up flowering bulbs, or burrow under sidewalks or porches. Any chipmunk found inside is usually there by accident and will leave if given an open door. Simply close all interior doors and leave an exterior door open to let the chipmunk find its way out.