Chipmunk Control Services

Are Chipmunks Harmful?

Chipmunks, while small and seemingly harmless, can cause a surprising amount of damage when they infest residential or commercial properties. Their burrowing habits, feeding behavior, and nesting tendencies can lead to structural, landscape, and health-related issues. Here are some of the ways these rodents may be considered harmful:

• Structural Damage: Chipmunks are prolific diggers, creating extensive burrow systems that can compromise property integrity. Their tunnels can weaken foundations, sidewalks, retaining walls, and patios by eroding the soil beneath these structures. Over time, this can lead to cracking or settling. When chipmunks dig near paved surfaces, the soil displacement can cause uneven or sunken spots. Chipmunks often burrow along the base of these areas for shelter, loosening soil and reducing structural stability.
• Landscape and Garden Destruction: Chipmunks feed on a wide variety of plant material, making them a major nuisance in gardens and landscaped areas. They dig up and eat flower bulbs, seeds, and newly planted seedlings, which can destroy plantings before they have a chance to grow. Chipmunks frequently raid vegetable gardens, berry patches, and fruit trees, chewing through produce. Their burrow entrances and soil mounds can create unsightly holes and weaken turf structure.
• Damage to Stored Food and Property: When chipmunks find their way indoors — usually into attics, crawlspaces, or garages — they can cause additional problems. Like all rodents, chipmunks have continuously growing teeth and must gnaw to keep them short. They may chew on wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring, potentially creating fire hazards. Chipmunks that nest indoors can contaminate stored food or belongings with feces and urine.
• Health Concerns: Although chipmunks are not known for transmitting serious diseases to humans, they can still pose health risks. They can carry fleas, ticks, and mites that may spread to humans or pets. Accumulated waste in nesting areas can produce unpleasant odors and promote mold or bacteria growth. Like other rodents, their dander and nesting materials can contribute to indoor air quality issues.
• Ecosystem and Wildlife Imbalance: An overpopulation of chipmunks can disrupt the local ecosystem balance. Large chipmunk populations can outcompete ground-nesting birds and other small animals for food. Their presence can also attract snakes, foxes, and other predators closer to homes and buildings.

While a single chipmunk may seem cute and harmless, an infestation can lead to costly damage, health risks, and ongoing maintenance issues. Their burrowing undermines structures, their feeding harms gardens and landscaping, and their indoor nesting can create sanitation problems. For these reasons, chipmunks are best managed quickly and professionally before they become a serious pest problem.

Learn more: Do Chipmunks Bite?

Chipmunk Control

Hiring our professionals to deal with chipmunks offers several advantages that go far beyond what most homeowners or business owners can achieve with DIY methods. Chipmunks may seem harmless, but once they begin nesting around structures or burrowing under foundations, the damage can be significant—and the longer they stay, the harder they are to remove. Here’s why our professional pest control is the smarter, safer, and more effective choice:

• Accurate Inspection and Identification: Chipmunks are often mistaken for squirrels, ground squirrels, or other small rodents. Our professionals are trained to properly identify chipmunks, locate burrow entrances, and determine the size and scope of the infestation. This precision ensures that control efforts are targeted and effective, rather than wasting time and money on the wrong approach.
• Safe and Humane Removal: Our professionals use humane trapping and exclusion techniques that comply with state and local wildlife regulations. DIY attempts—especially using poisons or makeshift traps—can lead to unnecessary suffering, non-target animal deaths, or legal issues. Our licensed pest control experts know how to remove chipmunks responsibly while preventing their return.
• Long-Term Prevention Strategies: Eliminating chipmunks isn’t enough—you also need to stop them from coming back. Our pest control professionals identify and address the conditions attracting chipmunks in the first place, such as food sources, nesting sites, and entry points. We can install exclusion barriers, recommend landscape modifications, and provide tailored prevention plans that deliver long-term results.
• Protection from Structural and Landscape Damage: Chipmunks burrow under patios, foundations, retaining walls, and sidewalks, which can compromise structural integrity over time. They also dig up gardens and uproot plants in search of food. Our professionals can locate and address all active burrows, stabilize affected areas, and prevent further damage before it becomes costly to repair.
• Expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Our professionals don’t just rely on traps or chemicals—we use a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management approach. This means combining multiple control methods, such as habitat modification, exclusion, trapping, and monitoring, for the most efficient and eco-friendly outcome.
• Guaranteed Results and Peace of Mind: We provide service guarantees and ongoing maintenance plans, ensuring that if chipmunks reappear, we return to resolve the issue at no extra cost. That level of assurance simply isn’t possible with DIY control methods.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Chipmunks can carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites that pose health risks to people and pets. Their droppings can also contribute to sanitation concerns around homes and businesses. Our professionals handle removal and cleanup safely, minimizing any potential exposure.

Our professional pest control for chipmunks delivers precision, compliance, safety, and long-term protection—something traps and repellents alone can’t achieve. It’s an investment in protecting your property, your landscaping, and your peace of mind.

Learn more: How To Get Rid Of Chipmunks

What Do Chipmunks Look Like?

Chipmunks are small, rodent-like mammals known for their distinct and charming appearance. They belong to the squirrel family, Sciuridae, and are primarily found in North America. Here is what chipmunks look like:

• Size and Shape: Chipmunks are relatively small creatures, with an average length of 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm) and a weight ranging from 1 to 5 ounces (28 to 142 grams). They have a slender, cylindrical body and short, sturdy legs.
• Fur and Coloration: Their fur is soft and dense, typically consisting of three longitudinal stripes running along their back. The central stripe is dark, often black, flanked by two light stripes, usually white or light gray. These stripes extend from the head down to the tail. In addition, chipmunks have alternating light and dark stripes on their face, which can resemble a mask.
• Head and Facial Features: Chipmunks have a small, rounded head with bright, round eyes, which can range in color from dark brown to amber. Their cheeks have pouches that can be used to carry food, which is a distinctive feature that sets them apart from similar rodents. They also possess short, rounded ears.
• Tail: Their tail is relatively short, measuring about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) in length and is often bushy and similar in color to their body.
• Limbs: Chipmunks have sharp, curved claws on their feet, which are adapted for digging and climbing. Their front paws are especially dexterous, making them excellent at handling and manipulating objects.
• Distinguishing Features: One key characteristic that distinguishes chipmunks from other ground squirrels is their size and the presence of stripes on their body. These stripes, along with their facial markings and cheek pouches, are distinctive features of chipmunks.

Chipmunks are small, striped rodents with a unique and captivating appearance. Their distinct markings, cheek pouches, and bushy tails make them easily recognizable and endearing to many people.

Learn more: What Do Chipmunk Droppings Look Like?

Where Are Chipmunks Found?

Chipmunks are native to North America and can be found in various habitats across the continent. To provide a comprehensive overview of where you might find chipmunks, here are some key locations and types of environments where they are commonly encountered:

• Woodlands: Chipmunks are often found in deciduous and mixed woodlands. They prefer areas with plenty of trees and underbrush, where they can find both cover and a variety of nuts, seeds, and insects for food.
• Forests: Many species of chipmunks inhabit forests, including coniferous forests. They are known to thrive in areas with abundant vegetation and leaf litter.
• Parks and Gardens: Chipmunks are quite adaptable and can be found in urban and suburban areas, including parks and gardens. These environments often provide a mix of vegetation and food sources.
• Fields and Meadows: In more rural areas, chipmunks may be found in fields, meadows, and grassy clearings. They seek out these areas for foraging and burrow in the surrounding soil.
• Rocky Areas: Some chipmunk species, like the Eastern chipmunk, are known to inhabit rocky outcrops and hilly terrain, where they create burrows and forage among the rocks.
• Canyons and Cliffs: In certain regions, chipmunks are adapted to living in canyons and cliffs, making use of crevices and natural shelters for their nests.
• Residential Areas: Chipmunks may venture into suburban and rural residential areas, particularly if there are gardens, bird feeders, or other food sources available.
• Camping Sites and Recreation Areas: Chipmunks are often seen in campgrounds, picnic areas, and other outdoor recreation spots, where they are attracted to the presence of food scraps and crumbs.
• High Elevations: In mountainous regions, chipmunks can be found at higher elevations, including alpine and subalpine zones, where they adapt to the colder climate.
• Wetlands: Some chipmunk species, such as the Siskiyou chipmunk, are associated with wetland habitats, such as marshes and riverbanks.

The specific type of chipmunk and the availability of suitable habitat can vary by region. Chipmunks are known for their adaptability, and they can thrive in a range of environments, from dense forests to open fields. However, they are most commonly associated with wooded areas where they can easily find food and shelter.

Chipmunk Diet

Chipmunks are omnivorous rodents that have a diverse diet. Their diet typically consists of a variety of foods, including:

• Seeds and Nuts: Chipmunks are known for their love of seeds and nuts. They will often gather and store these items in their cheek pouches to consume later. Common choices include acorns, sunflower seeds, and various tree seeds.
• Fruits: Chipmunks enjoy fruits such as berries, apples, cherries, and grapes. They are particularly active in foraging for fruit during the summer and fall when these items are abundant.
• Vegetables: Chipmunks occasionally eat vegetables, including garden crops like corn and peas. They may also nibble on garden plants such as lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes.
• Insects and Small Invertebrates: Chipmunks are opportunistic and may include insects and small invertebrates in their diet. This can provide them with protein. They may hunt for insects like caterpillars, ants, and beetles.
• Fungi: Some chipmunks consume mushrooms and fungi. While they are not strictly mycophagous, they may consume certain fungi when available.
• Grains and Grassy Plants: Chipmunks may feed on grains and grassy plants. This is more common when other food sources are scarce.
• Bird Eggs and Nestlings: In some cases, chipmunks have been observed raiding bird nests to consume eggs or nestlings, especially when other food sources are limited.
• Invertebrates: Chipmunks may also consume small invertebrates like snails, earthworms, and arthropods.
• Fungi: Some chipmunk species, like the Eastern chipmunk, have been observed consuming fungi, especially truffles.
• Bark and Roots: Chipmunks occasionally chew on the bark and roots of plants and trees, which may be an additional source of nutrients.

The specific dietary preferences of chipmunks can vary based on their geographic location and seasonal availability of food. Chipmunks are opportunistic feeders and will adapt their diet based on what is readily accessible. Their habits often include storing food in burrows for winter months when food can be scarce.

Learn more: What Do Chipmunks Eat?