Ever see a chipmunk dart across your yard and wonder if it’s basically just a cuter rat? Well, yeah—chipmunks and rats both belong to the rodent family. They share a few traits, sure, but their habits and personalities? Those are a whole different story.
Chipmunks are definitely rodents, just like rats. But you’ll usually spot chipmunks out and about during the day, and they tend to cause their own special kind of trouble in gardens.
Unlike rats, chipmunks spend most of their time foraging in daylight. They’re famous for nibbling on bulbs and sneaking little bites from your plants.
Knowing they’re both rodents does explain some of their similar tricks. Still, you’ll need different strategies if you want to keep chipmunks from making themselves at home.
Are Chipmunks Rodents Like Rats?
Chipmunks, rats, and mice all belong to the rodent crew. They’ve got some things in common, but their family trees and habits set them apart.
You might wonder where chipmunks fit in compared to rats and mice. Let’s break it down.
Rodent Classification: Chipmunks, Mice, and Rats
All three—chipmunks, rats, and mice—are rodents. They all have those sharp, ever-growing front teeth called incisors. Rodents actually make up the biggest group of mammals, with over 1,500 species running around out there.
Rats and mice mostly belong to the Myomorpha suborder. Chipmunks hang out in the Sciuromorpha suborder instead.
So, even though they’re all rodents, chipmunks get their own spot because of differences in their skulls and jaw muscles.
It’s kind of like they’re cousins, not siblings. Rats and mice are closer together, while chipmunks split off earlier in rodent history.
Chipmunks and Squirrels: Family Ties
Chipmunks are actually a type of squirrel. They’re part of the Sciuridae family, which includes squirrels, marmots, and prairie dogs.
This family usually has bushy tails and some serious climbing skills.
Rats and mice belong to the Muridae family, which covers a lot of ground-dwelling species with less fluffy tails.
Because chipmunks and squirrels share a family, they act and look more alike. Chipmunks often have stripes down their backs and can climb pretty well, just like their squirrel relatives.
Comparing Chipmunks, Rats, and Mice: Body Shape and Habits
When you line them up, chipmunks, rats, and mice don’t really look the same. Rats are bigger with rougher fur. Mice are smaller and smoother. Chipmunks usually show off colorful stripes.
Their routines are different, too. Rats and mice usually come out at night and stick close to people’s homes. Chipmunks like wooded or grassy places and are most active during the day.
Chipmunks dig burrows and stash food in their cheek pouches. Rats and mice don’t have those pouches, but they can still stuff food in their cheeks. Each one has its own way of fitting into its environment.
You can find more details at Chipmunk vs Mouse vs Rat.
Chipmunks Versus Rats: Behavior, Habitat, and Management
Maybe you’ve seen chipmunks and rats hanging around your place. Both are rodents, but they don’t act the same and don’t really want the same things.
Knowing how they differ can help you figure out how to keep them from causing trouble.
Distinctive Behaviors and Habitats
Chipmunks are mostly daytime animals. You’ll spot them in gardens or woods, digging burrows and stuffing food into their cheeks. Their reddish-brown fur and stripes make them stand out. They’re usually pretty social and live near others like them.
Rats, though, are night owls. They like cities, sewers, and dark places like basements or attics. Rats are bigger, more wary of people, and they don’t bother hoarding food. Instead, they scavenge wherever they can—garbage, pet food, you name it.
Chipmunk Removal and Control
If chipmunks start to bug you, you’ve got some humane options. Try sealing up holes around your house so they can’t dig or nest nearby.
Cleaning up food sources like birdseed or fallen fruit helps a lot, too.
Rats, on the other hand, need tougher measures. They can spread disease and wreck property, so setting traps or calling pest control is usually your best bet. Simple tricks often don’t work on rats—they’re stubborn and you’ll probably need a full clean-up to get rid of nests and food stashes.
Impact on Homes and Gardens
Chipmunks dig holes, especially near garden beds or foundations. They munch on plants, nuts, and insects, but honestly, they rarely do any real damage.
If you see small burrows or holes popping up around your yard, you probably have chipmunks hanging around.
Rats, though, bring a bigger headache for homes and gardens. They chew on wiring, wood, and even pipes, which can lead to some expensive repairs.
Rats also mess with your food and spread germs. It’s just not worth the risk, so keeping them out matters for your health.
If you want to keep rats away, you should tidy up your yard and seal any gaps or holes.
Want to dig deeper? Check out chipmunk removal and get some solid rat control tips.
