Chipmunks dart around the yard, looking adorable and harmless at first glance. Still, they can cause some headaches for your home and garden if you’re not careful. Chipmunks don’t usually do major damage, but when they dig and burrow, they might harm your plants or even mess with the soil under your foundation if you ignore them for too long.
You might spot small holes in your lawn or notice plants that look half-eaten. Chipmunks love bird feeders and often scatter seeds everywhere.
If you know what to look for, you can protect your space and keep your yard looking good. It’s not all bad, though—sometimes, it’s just about managing the situation.
If you want more info on chipmunk damage and prevention, there’s a handy guide about chipmunks near your house.
Are Chipmunks Bad to Have Around Your Home?
When chipmunks hang out near your house, you’ll probably notice some digging, chewing, and maybe even a little noise. They dig tunnels and snack on your plants, but honestly, they’ve got a few upsides too.
Knowing what they do helps you figure out your next move.
Common Problems Caused by Chipmunks
Chipmunks dig tunnels and burrows, leaving little holes all over the garden or lawn. Those holes can mess up flower beds and sometimes they’ll uproot bulbs or plants.
You might see dirt piles near their tunnels. They’re not shy about visiting bird feeders either, and they tend to spill seeds everywhere.
If chipmunks are close by, you could hear their chirping during the day. Sometimes you’ll find droppings that look like tiny grains of rice.
Their digging sometimes makes the ground uneven or leaves small pits. If you find holes near your porch or shed, chipmunks probably did it.
Potential Dangers to Your Property
Chipmunks don’t just make a mess in the garden. Their tunnels can run under your home’s foundation or patios.
It’s rare for them to cause serious damage, but the ground can get weaker and, if you ignore it, you might even see some cracks or shifts in the foundation. They won’t chew through concrete, but they might make cracks worse under sidewalks or driveways.
That kind of tunneling leads to erosion over time. So, if you notice new cracks or holes, keep an eye out.
Chipmunks can carry things like Lyme disease or salmonellosis. They sometimes bring fleas or ticks into your yard, which isn’t great for your family or pets.
If you seal up holes and keep your yard tidy, you’ll lower those risks.
The Benefits of Chipmunks in Your Yard
Not everything chipmunks do is a problem. They eat insects and grubs that could wreck your garden, so they’re kind of like tiny pest control agents.
Eastern chipmunks, which are common in a lot of places, are actually pretty entertaining to watch. Their quick, playful moves bring some life to the yard.
Chipmunks also scatter seeds and plant bits, which helps new plants grow in wilder corners of your yard. So, while they can be a pain sometimes, they do have their perks.
If you want more about how chipmunks can damage a house, here’s a guide on chipmunks damaging homes.
How to Prevent and Control Chipmunks on Your Property
Keeping chipmunks away means you’ve got to spot the signs early and protect your home and garden. Using the right repellents or traps helps too.
Try to act before chipmunk tunnels become a real headache. It’s best to use safe, humane methods so you don’t hurt them.
Signs of a Chipmunk Infestation
Check for small holes in the ground near trees, stumps, or your home’s foundation. Chipmunk burrows usually measure about 2 to 4 inches wide and sometimes have more than one entrance.
You might see seed or nut piles near bird feeders. Chipmunk tracks around the yard and dug-up flower bulbs or plants are other signs.
If you spot this kind of damage, chipmunks are probably feeding or living nearby. Catching it early lets you fix things before tunnels get out of hand.
Protecting Your Home and Garden
Start by removing food sources. Keep birdseed indoors until you’re ready to fill feeders, and sweep up any spilled nuts or seeds.
Clear out woodpiles, leaves, and yard debris where chipmunks might hide or dig burrows. Seal small gaps around your foundation, porch, or patio with caulk or wire mesh.
You can add underground barriers like hardware cloth around garden beds to stop chipmunks from digging. Keeping things tidy makes your place less inviting for them.
Chipmunk Repellents and Trapping
Try a few different repellents to keep chipmunks away. Some people use human hair or spray cayenne pepper around plants they like to eat.
Fox urine, believe it or not, scares chipmunks off because they think a predator’s nearby. If you need something stronger, hardware stores sell chemical repellents.
Ultrasonic repellents make sounds chipmunks can’t stand, and they work best if you combine them with other methods. If you go the trapping route, use humane live traps and put them where chipmunks usually travel.
Bait them with sunflower seeds, peanut butter, or pet food. Just remember, you’ll need to release any trapped chipmunks legally and far enough from your home.
Safe and Humane Removal Methods
Honestly, the best way to get rid of chipmunks mixes a few things—prevention, some decent repellents, and live trapping. Skip the poisons or deadly traps; those just mess with other animals and can even put your pets at risk.
If you’re dealing with a big infestation, maybe just call a pest control pro. They’ve seen it all and know how to tackle these situations safely.
Check your local laws before you start trapping or moving chipmunks around. You want to stay on the right side of the rules.
Using humane methods lets you protect your place and still treat the animals with respect.
Want more tips? Take a look at Today’s Homeowner for advice on prevention and control.
