Chipmunks are quick and tiny, so it’s easy to wonder if they can sneak into your home. Yep, chipmunks can definitely get inside through surprisingly small gaps, especially around attics, basements, or crawl spaces. They usually come in looking for food, warmth, or just a safe place—especially when it gets cold.
If you see a chipmunk inside, it probably slipped in while exploring or searching for a cozy spot. These little guys can squeeze through cracks, chew weak screens, or even climb trees and walls to find a way in.
Figuring out how they get inside helps you keep them out. It’s worth knowing their habits so you can protect your space and keep chipmunks outdoors where they belong.
For more details about their sneaky ways, check out this guide on chipmunks entering homes.
How Chipmunks Get Into Houses
Chipmunks, though tiny, seem almost too clever when it comes to finding ways inside. They scout out small openings and cozy nooks that make them feel safe.
If you know where they get in and why they’re coming, you’re already halfway to keeping them out.
Common Entry Points for Chipmunks
Chipmunks aren’t quite as flexible as mice, but they can still fit through some surprisingly small holes. Watch out for gaps around doors, windows, and especially those old screens or loosely sealed vents.
They’ll use cracks between building materials or worn-out weather stripping, too. Even ground-level spots like under porches, loose foundations, or busted vents can act as doorways for chipmunks.
Sometimes, a tiny hole near your attic or in the wall gives them easy access. If you seal these up, you’ll make it much tougher for chipmunks to get inside—no need for harsh traps.
Why Chipmunks Enter Homes
Chipmunks come inside mostly for shelter, food, or just to feel safe. Bad weather—like cold snaps or heavy rain—pushes them to look for warmth and dry places.
Attics, wall spaces, and basements offer quiet, hidden spots that chipmunks love for nesting. Sometimes, food’s the main draw: pet food, crumbs, or birdseed stored nearby can attract them.
Chipmunks are pretty good at finding places that feel secure and have an easy meal. If you cut off food sources and seal up entry points, you’ll make your home less inviting.
Signs a Chipmunk Is Inside
You might hear scratching sounds, especially in the attic or walls, as chipmunks scurry around. Small droppings—about the size of a grain of rice, dark brown or black—are another clue.
Sometimes, you’ll spot chewed wood or insulation near where they’ve been nesting. Little dirt piles inside or near your foundation could mean they’re digging tunnels.
You might even catch a musky smell from chipmunk urine or their nesting stuff. And if you see one darting under the porch or near a vent, well, that’s a pretty clear sign.
Risks of Chipmunks Indoors
Even though chipmunks seem cute, they can cause real headaches inside your house. They chew on wood, wires, and insulation, which can mean expensive repairs or even fire risks if they damage wires.
Their nests can clog vents or mess with your airflow. Plus, they sometimes carry fleas or other parasites that might spread to pets or people.
Their droppings and urine can make spaces unsanitary. If you act early, you’ll protect both your home and your health.
If you want to see more about their favorite entry spots, check out common entry points.
Safe Removal and Prevention Methods
You can get rid of chipmunks safely by using humane traps, repellents, and a few smart prevention moves. These steps keep chipmunks away without hurting them or damaging your home.
Humane Ways to Remove a Chipmunk
If a chipmunk makes its way inside, you can use a live trap to catch it without harm. Live traps let you release chipmunks far from your property, which feels like the right thing to do.
Place traps near tunnels or spots where you’ve seen chipmunk activity. Bait them with peanut butter or sunflower seeds—chipmunks can’t resist those.
Once you’ve caught one, take it at least a mile away before releasing it. Check traps often so the animal doesn’t get too stressed.
Always follow local rules about trapping and releasing wildlife. It’s just good practice.
Choosing the Right Chipmunk Trap
When you’re picking a trap, go for one that’s about 8 to 10 inches long—just right for a chipmunk. A small, well-ventilated box-style trap keeps the animal safe and calm.
Some traps snap shut quickly to prevent escapes, which is handy. Skip anything that could hurt the chipmunk, like snap traps.
Stick to live-capture models, which you’ll find at most hardware or garden stores. For bait, seeds or peanut butter work best—chipmunks just can’t say no.
Top Chipmunk Repellents for Homes
You can try a few different repellents to keep chipmunks out of your garden and away from your house.
Some folks swear by natural options like daffodils or anything in the garlic family—chipmunks just don’t seem to like those.
If you feel up for a little DIY, mix water with chili powder and spray it on your plants. It might help, though you’ll have to reapply it pretty often.
There are also synthetic repellents that rely on taste or smell. Brands use chemicals like Bittrex, which tends to stick around longer than homemade stuff.
Ultrasonic devices are another choice. They blast out sounds that chipmunks find annoying, but honestly, they only work outdoors—not in tunnels.
Try to keep birdseed sealed up tight. Don’t leave food crumbs around, or you’ll just attract more critters.
If you’re curious for more tips, you can always check out sites like This Old House.
