So, you’ve spotted a chipmunk darting across your living room. At first, it might look adorable. But honestly, having a chipmunk inside your house can cause trouble for both your home and your health.
These little rodents love to chew on wires, wood, and insulation. That kind of damage adds up fast, and repairs can get expensive. On top of that, chipmunks sometimes carry diseases or parasites—definitely not something you want around your family.
You might wonder, can such a tiny animal really cause all that damage? Well, chipmunks dig burrows and chew constantly because their teeth never stop growing.
That behavior can mess with your home’s structure. Their droppings don’t exactly smell like roses, either.
If you want to keep your house safe, you have to understand why a chipmunk indoors is a problem.
Before you even consider letting it stay, you should know the risks of sharing space with these little guests. The more you know about chipmunk habits, the better you can protect your home.
For more details on chipmunk damage, take a look at this guide on chipmunks and home damage.
Why Having a Chipmunk in the House Can Be a Problem
At first glance, a chipmunk in your home doesn’t seem like a big deal. But these small animals can quickly create headaches and even health worries.
Their behavior indoors isn’t quite the same as squirrels, either. That’s something worth knowing.
Potential Structural Damage from Burrowing
Chipmunks like the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) dig by nature. Outside, they burrow in soil, but if they get inside, they’ll chew wood, insulation, or wiring.
That kind of chewing can weaken walls or attic beams. Sometimes, they’ll even go after electrical wires—never a good thing.
They don’t chew for food; they do it to keep their teeth short. If a chipmunk finds a small hole, it’ll often make it bigger so it can come and go as it pleases.
Burrowing near foundations, patios, or under stairs can make those parts of your home less safe over time.
Watch for small holes or wood shavings. These are signs a chipmunk has moved in.
The damage might remind you of what ground squirrels or other rodents do, but it can be sneakier with chipmunks.
Health and Safety Concerns
Chipmunks often carry fleas, ticks, or mites in their fur. If they get inside, those pests can spread to your pets or even you.
While chipmunks don’t usually bring in the worst diseases, they can still spread things like salmonella or hantavirus.
If you try to catch one and it bites or scratches you, there’s a risk of infection. Their droppings can also contaminate your home, especially in kitchens or food storage spots.
That’s not just gross—it can be a real health hazard.
If you want to avoid these problems, don’t handle chipmunks directly. Call animal control or a wildlife expert instead.
Differences Between Chipmunks and Squirrels Indoors
Chipmunks and squirrels might look similar, but they act pretty differently inside a house.
Eastern chipmunks are smaller and usually stick close to the ground. They hide in wall gaps or under floors, where it’s quiet and dark.
Tree squirrels and flying squirrels prefer attics or higher spaces. They’re noisy and often leave more obvious damage behind.
Ground squirrels and chipmunks dig tunnels, which can mess up your foundation. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, mostly chew and nest in the upper parts of your house.
If you spot small holes near the ground or chew marks low down, you probably have chipmunks. Noises up high or bigger holes might mean squirrels.
How to Deal With Chipmunks in Your Home
If you’re dealing with chipmunks inside, you need to spot the signs early. It helps to use safe removal methods and take steps to keep them out for good.
Don’t forget to check your local wildlife rules before doing anything.
Signs You Have Chipmunks Inside
Look for small holes or chew marks near walls, attics, or crawl spaces. Chipmunks chew wood, plastic, and wires to keep their teeth in check.
You might hear scratching or scampering sounds, especially early in the morning or around dusk—prime chipmunk hours.
Tiny droppings or bits of shredded insulation could mean there’s a nest nearby.
Check for damaged screens or holes in walls. Gaps near your roof can also let chipmunks sneak in.
Effective Removal Strategies
If you find a chipmunk, don’t try to corner or grab it. They can bite or scratch if they feel trapped.
Set up live traps if you want to catch and release them safely outside. After you remove any chipmunks, seal up holes or cracks to keep them from coming back.
Steel mesh or caulk works well for repairs. You can also try wildlife repellents made for chipmunks—just put them around your home’s foundation or wherever you’ve seen chipmunks hanging out.
If things get out of hand, call a pest control pro or wildlife removal service. They know the local laws and how to handle the situation safely.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Trim trees and bushes so they don’t touch your house. Chipmunks love to use branches as bridges.
Check your foundation, roofline, and vents for any gaps. Seal up holes with materials chipmunks can’t chew through.
Keep your window and door screens in good shape. Clean gutters so water doesn’t damage wood, making it easier for chipmunks to gnaw.
If you clear out brush and ground cover near your house, you’ll give chipmunks fewer places to hide. That makes your home a lot less appealing to them.
Wildlife Control Laws and Regulations
Most states have their own rules about dealing with chipmunks or other wild animals. In some areas, you can’t kill or move wildlife without getting a permit first.
Before you try to remove chipmunks, call your local or state wildlife agency. They’ll let you know what’s legal and might even tell you if you need to hire a pro.
These laws exist to keep you—and the animals—safe. It’s honestly worth double-checking so you don’t end up in trouble.
