If you’ve seen chipmunks darting around your yard, you might start to worry about your house. These little guys look cute, but honestly, they can cause some real headaches—especially if they start digging near your foundation or under your porch or patio.
Chipmunks won’t chew through your walls or concrete, but their burrowing can weaken the soil and create problems like sinking walkways or water damage near your foundation.
Their tunnels can open up spaces that other pests might use to sneak into your house. Sometimes, this kind of damage sneaks up on you and leads to bigger issues if you don’t catch it early.
If you learn how to spot chipmunk activity, you get a better shot at protecting your home before things get out of hand. It really helps to know what attracts chipmunks in the first place, and how their habits might mess with your property.
If you want to stop chipmunks from turning your yard into a problem, you’ve got to know when and where they tend to cause trouble.
Chipmunk Behavior and Threats to Homes
Chipmunks, those small striped rodents, can really become a nuisance if they settle close to your house. They dig burrows that might mess with your property’s structure.
You might catch yourself wondering how they stack up against squirrels or rats, or which chipmunk species you’re actually dealing with.
Burrowing and Structural Issues
Chipmunks dig burrows that stretch up to 30 feet and go several feet deep. These tunnels open up spaces under decks, patios, or even your home’s foundation.
Over time, the soil shifts, and that might weaken those structures. Burrows under slabs or near walls can cause cracks or even make parts collapse.
Sometimes, chipmunks chew on wood around your property. You might spot marks or scratches on fences, decks, or sheds.
At first, the damage looks small, but if more chipmunks show up, it can get worse.
Chipmunks vs. Squirrels and Rats
Chipmunks are smaller than squirrels and rats. Unlike rats, they’re not as likely to carry diseases into your home, but they can still spread bacteria like salmonella.
They’re not aggressive and usually run if you get close, but they might bite if they feel trapped.
Squirrels are bigger and prefer to chew on wires, which chipmunks usually ignore. Chipmunks mostly dig and chew wood, but they’ll also raid your garden if they get the chance.
They love to stash nuts and seeds all over, and that can leave little piles of debris that just look messy.
Common Chipmunk Species Near Homes
You’ll most likely run into the eastern chipmunk or the least chipmunk near your house. The eastern chipmunk shows up more in wooded or suburban spots in the eastern U.S.
You’ll often find it digging near homes or gardens. The least chipmunk is smaller and sticks to the western U.S., usually in open areas, but it still burrows near houses.
Both species make pretty complex tunnel systems and can cause similar headaches.
If you figure out which species you’ve got, it’s easier to pick the best way to keep them away or remove them safely. For more info, check out Critter Control’s page on chipmunk property damage and diseases.
Health Risks and Safe Removal
Chipmunks can carry diseases that put your health at risk. If you handle them or their droppings without protection, you could get sick.
It’s worth knowing how to avoid these risks and how to get rid of chipmunks safely.
Transmission of Diseases Like Plague and Hantavirus
Chipmunks can spread diseases like plague and hantavirus. Plague comes from bacteria, usually carried by fleas living on rodents.
If an infected flea bites you, you could catch this pretty serious illness. Hantavirus shows up in chipmunk urine, droppings, or saliva.
You can breathe in the virus if these materials turn into dust around your home. It mainly hits your lungs and can be life-threatening if you don’t treat it.
To lower your risk:
- Don’t touch chipmunks or their nests.
- Wear gloves if you have to clean up places where chipmunks have been.
- Keep your home clean and dry so rodents stay away.
Wildlife Control and Prevention Tips
Honestly, your best bet is to reach out to professionals for chipmunk removal. They know what they’re doing and can handle these critters safely—no unnecessary risks or worries about spreading disease.
If you’re hoping to keep chipmunks away, try these steps:
- Seal up any holes or cracks in your foundation.
- Keep firewood and debris far from your house.
- Get rid of food sources, like bird seed or fallen fruit, around your yard.
Don’t try to catch or handle chipmunks on your own. If you do end up with a bite or scratch, make sure you wash the wound with soap and water right away. It’s smart to get medical advice just in case—better safe than sorry.
If you want more info or need help, check out wildlife control and chipmunk removal services.
