Noticed some weird little holes or patches of dug-up dirt in your yard lately? You might be wondering if chipmunks are to blame. Chipmunks dig for roots, bulbs, and insects, which leaves holes and can mess up your plants. They aren’t usually destructive on a huge scale, but their digging does make your lawn look patchy or uneven.
You’ll probably catch them nibbling flowers or yanking seeds from bird feeders, too. Sometimes their burrows cause minor problems near patios or along garden edges.
If you know how chipmunks affect your lawn, you’ll have a better shot at protecting your yard without hurting the animals.
Want to know what chipmunk damage looks like or how to handle it? Stick around for some straightforward tips to help save your lawn and garden.
How Chipmunks Affect Lawns
Chipmunks cause a few different problems in your yard, from tiny holes to bigger patches of damage. When they dig and chew, your grass can start looking messy, and your plants or irrigation might get hurt.
Common Types of Lawn Damage
You’ll see small holes scattered in the grass. These holes lead to chipmunk burrows and can make the soil weak or uneven.
They dig up flower beds and gardens looking for food or spots to stash seeds. Your plants might get pulled up, leaving the garden looking a bit wrecked.
Another thing: you’ll notice birdseed scattered around feeders. Chipmunks eat and toss it, which attracts other pests and just looks messy.
Behavior Leading to Lawn Problems
Chipmunks stay busy. They spend plenty of time digging out burrows for shelter and storing food.
Since chipmunks are territorial, you won’t see big groups, but even just a couple can do some noticeable damage.
They chew on plants and bulbs as part of their food search.
When they hide food, they dig in the same spots over and over. This can wreck grass roots and create dead patches.
Burrowing and Tunneling Habits
Chipmunks dig long tunnels under the ground. These tunnels are their homes and pantries, but they loosen the soil and leave mounds or holes behind.
If they burrow near patios or walkways, you might see cracks or sinking spots. When chipmunks get under irrigation lines, they sometimes chew the pipes and cause leaks.
Watch out for small holes near garden beds or bumpy soil. Spotting these signs early can help you avoid bigger issues. For extra info, check out how chipmunks damage landscapes.
Signs of Chipmunk Activity and Prevention
Chipmunks leave pretty obvious signs when they’re around. You’ll spot holes, scattered seeds, or chewed-up plants if they’re nearby.
If you want to keep your lawn in good shape, it helps to notice these signs and learn how to lower the impact without hurting the chipmunks.
Visual Clues of Chipmunk Presence
Look for small, round holes about the size of a quarter. Chipmunks dig these for their underground nests.
You might see birdseed tossed around under feeders, since chipmunks grab food and stash it somewhere else.
Check your garden for plants with claw marks or missing bulbs. Chipmunks love digging up bulbs and roots, especially from flowers.
Sometimes you’ll find their droppings—tiny, dark, and kind of cylindrical. These all point to chipmunks hanging out in your yard.
Damage Versus Other Yard Animals
Chipmunk holes look different from the mess moles or squirrels make. Chipmunks leave neat, small holes, while moles push up raised ridges in the dirt.
Squirrels usually chew on tree bark or bird feeders, but chipmunks focus on digging and collecting seeds.
If you notice holes along with scattered seeds or chewed-up flower bulbs, chipmunks probably did it.
Knowing the difference helps you choose the right way to handle the problem.
Humane Ways to Prevent Lawn Damage
Want to keep chipmunks out of your yard? Start by making your space less inviting. Trim back thick shrubs, and clear out any piles of leaves that might give them a place to hide.
Try limiting their access to food. Use bird feeders with weight-activated shields, and snap those lids on tight. Keep pet food and birdseed in sturdy, sealed containers—chipmunks are clever, but they can’t get through everything.
Look for holes, cracks, or burrows around your lawn or near your house. Seal them up with wire mesh or foam. It might take a bit of hunting, but blocking those entrances really helps.
If you’re still having trouble, consider using live traps. Bait them with something like sunflower seeds or peanut butter—chipmunks can’t resist. Just remember to check the traps often so the animals don’t get too stressed, and relocate them safely.
Curious for more? You can find extra tips at How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Your Lawn.
