Ever wondered if chipmunks are good or bad for your yard? Honestly, chipmunks can help or harm your property, depending on how many show up and where they decide to live.
They spread seeds and fungi, which is pretty good for the environment. On the other hand, if you get too many, chipmunks dig tunnels that mess up patios, foundations, and plants.
If you’ve watched chipmunks scurry around, you know they’re cute and honestly entertaining.
But their burrows and chewing habits might make you worry about damage.
If you understand what chipmunks do, it’s easier to know when to enjoy them and when you might need to step in.
Are Chipmunks Good or Bad?
Chipmunks are small, speedy rodents with those famous cheek pouches for carrying food.
You’ll probably spot them in your yard, spreading seeds but sometimes causing headaches.
Whether chipmunks are good or bad? That really depends on what you care about most.
Common Benefits Chipmunks Provide
Chipmunks spread seeds and nuts.
Sometimes, when they haul food in their cheeks, they drop a few, which helps new plants pop up in random places.
They eat insects, too, which can cut down on bugs near your house.
Watching chipmunks dart around or stash food in their burrows is honestly kind of fun.
When chipmunks dig tunnels, they aerate the soil.
This makes it easier for water and nutrients to get to plant roots.
Typical Problems Chipmunks Cause
Chipmunks dig near houses, and that can mess with foundations, patios, or stairways.
Their tunnels sometimes weaken the ground, which isn’t great for safety.
They’ll also go after your garden—fruits, veggies, or pretty plants might end up with holes or nibbled leaves.
Chipmunks have a habit of digging up seeds or bulbs you just planted.
They don’t bite often, but chipmunks can carry diseases like salmonella.
It’s best not to attract them to your home or try to handle them.
Comparison With Squirrels
Chipmunks mostly stick to the ground or low bushes.
Squirrels are bigger and spend more time in trees, while chipmunks have those cheek pouches to haul food.
Squirrels usually do more damage by chewing on structures and wires.
Chipmunks mainly cause issues by burrowing and digging.
If you want less risk of major property damage, chipmunks are usually easier to handle than squirrels.
Both can be a hassle for your garden if you don’t keep them in check.
For more on keeping chipmunk damage under control, check Chipmunk Damage Prevention and Control Methods.
Dealing With Chipmunks Around Your Home
Chipmunks can be a nuisance and sometimes a minor threat if they move into your yard or garden.
Knowing how to protect your plants, prevent damage, and figure out what attracts them helps you manage chipmunks safely.
Protecting Gardens and Yards
Chipmunks dig burrows near structures, which can weaken stairs, patios, and foundations.
Some tunnels stretch up to 30 feet, so they’re more than just a backyard pest.
You should check your property for holes and fill them to keep chipmunks from burrowing too close.
Your ornamental plants can suffer, too.
Chipmunks dig up bulbs and snack on fruits and nuts.
If you grow sunflowers or corn, keep an eye out—chipmunks love those, and they can do real damage by eating the seeds and fruits.
Trimming brush and tall grass makes your yard less cozy for chipmunks.
If you seal holes in your home’s foundation, you’ll keep them from sneaking inside.
Risks to Health and Property
Chipmunks usually don’t cause major property harm, but their burrowing can mess with the soil around foundations and decks.
There are health concerns as well.
Chipmunks can carry diseases like plague, salmonella, and hantavirus.
Even though the risk is low, you shouldn’t get too close or handle their droppings.
They also carry fleas and ticks, which could spread diseases to you or your pets.
If chipmunks are hanging around your house, make sure your pets stay up to date on flea and tick protection.
Popular Foods That Attract Chipmunks
Chipmunks absolutely love certain foods, and honestly, knowing what they go for can help you dodge those little visitors. They go crazy for sunflower seeds, corn, nuts, and fruits like berries or apples.
If you’ve got a bird feeder packed with sunflower seeds, don’t be surprised when chipmunks start hanging around, hoping for an easy snack.
Try using feeders that actually keep squirrels and chipmunks out. It’s also a good idea to pick up any fallen fruit or corn from your garden as soon as you spot it.
Cutting off their favorite snacks makes your yard way less appealing to chipmunks. Your plants (and maybe your nerves) will thank you.
For more detailed ways to manage chipmunks and keep your home safe, check chipmunk control tips and prevention.
