Chipmunks might look adorable as they dart across your yard, but having them too close to your house can definitely cause headaches. Sure, they usually don’t destroy everything, but chipmunks love to burrow under decks, patios, and even the foundation—leading to structural problems if you let it go for too long.
They’ll also chew on wood and dig up your garden beds. It’s honestly frustrating when you’re just trying to enjoy your outdoor space.
You probably won’t have to worry about chipmunks being aggressive. They usually avoid people.
But their tunnels can cause hidden damage. You might not even realize there’s a problem until it’s gotten serious.
If you’re wondering how to keep chipmunks from messing up your home and yard, there are ways to manage them safely.
For more specifics on chipmunk damage and ways to stop it, check out this page on chipmunk damage prevention and control methods.
Why Chipmunks Are a Problem Near Your House
Chipmunks seem harmless, right? But they can cause trouble around your house.
They dig tunnels, gnaw on wood, and even carry diseases that could affect you.
Typical Behaviors and Attractants
Chipmunks dig burrows near patios, decks, and foundations. Their tunnels can get pretty long and deep, making the ground around your house less stable.
You’ll probably spot them collecting nuts, fruits, and seeds from your yard. They also chew on wood and wires, which can mess up your stuff.
Chipmunks go for places with easy food and spots to hide. If you keep your yard free of fallen fruit and close up small gaps, you’ll make it less inviting for them.
Damage to Foundations, Patios, and Hardscapes
Chipmunk burrows can mess with your home’s structure. When they dig under patios or decks, the ground might shift.
That can lead to cracks or even collapses over time. Not great.
They’ll also chew on wood and other materials, leaving scratch marks and holes behind. This kind of chewing weakens outdoor structures and wiring.
If you have a lot of chipmunks around, you’re more likely to see damage. Fixing burrows quickly and putting up barriers can help protect your patio and foundation.
Health Risks and Disease Concerns
Chipmunks carry diseases you don’t want anywhere near your family. They can spread hantavirus, which affects your lungs if you come into contact with their urine or droppings.
They might also carry leptospirosis—a bacterial infection you can get from soil or water contaminated with their urine. Symptoms usually include fever and muscle aches.
Chipmunks rarely bite, but if they do, you might risk infections like tetanus or salmonella. It’s best not to handle them and to keep your house sealed up tight. You can read more about chipmunk health risks at Humane World for Animals.
How Chipmunks Compare to Other Garden Rodents
Chipmunks, squirrels, and rats all cause problems, but each one brings its own set of headaches. Learning the differences can help you spot what’s going on in your yard.
Chipmunks Versus Squirrels and Rats
Chipmunks and squirrels both belong to the squirrel family, but chipmunks are smaller and usually don’t cause as much structural damage. Squirrels can chew through wood, wires, and even roof shingles.
Chipmunks mostly stick to small burrows and rarely chew up buildings. Squirrels are a bit more destructive.
Rats are a bigger problem indoors. They climb, chew through plastic and electrical wires, and spread diseases. Chipmunks almost never move inside, but rats love to.
If you spot small burrows or tunnels in your yard, you’re probably dealing with chipmunks or squirrels. Bigger damage inside your walls or attic? That’s probably rats.
Impact on Gardens and Landscaping
Chipmunks dig small holes and sometimes pull up bulbs, seeds, or roots. Their burrows mess with water flow underground or put young plants at risk.
But honestly, they don’t usually cause as much trouble as squirrels or rats. Squirrels tend to climb trees and snack on fruits and nuts, and they rarely bother digging up soil.
Rats, though? They’re another story. They eat seedlings and fruits, and their burrowing can mess up your lawn.
If you’re trying to protect your garden, keep an eye out for holes in the soil or plants that suddenly disappear. You can try natural repellents or just get rid of food sources—either way, you’ll keep chipmunks and other rodents at bay without hurting your plants.
If you’re curious about how these critters impact homes and yards, here’s a link: Are Chipmunks Destructive? (Dangers to House and Yard).
