Chipmunks might look adorable, but honestly, they can wreak havoc on your home and yard. They dig burrows that mess with your foundation, patios, and garden plants, and they’ll chew on wires or bulbs if they find them.
These little guys can create tunnels stretching up to 30 feet. Over time, that can weaken the structure of your property, which is not something anyone wants to deal with.
You might catch chipmunks digging up your flower bulbs or munching on fruits and nuts in the garden. Their burrowing can damage roots, and sometimes plants just don’t make it.
Sometimes, they sneak into places like attics or walls. If they chew on electrical wiring, that could even start a fire, which is a pretty scary thought.
If you want to keep your garden safe and your home in one piece, it’s smart to learn what chipmunks can actually do. Understanding their habits goes a long way.
Types of Chipmunk Damage
Chipmunks cause all kinds of trouble around your yard and home. They dig tunnels, eat plants, and sometimes go after hard surfaces.
Knowing how they impact different spots on your property helps you catch problems early.
Garden and Landscaping Harm
Chipmunks really love digging and foraging in gardens. They’ll eat flower bulbs, seeds, seedlings, and veggies if you let them.
This leaves some plants weak or even destroyed, and you’ll probably see holes in your garden beds or notice missing seeds.
They also dig burrows underground, which can mess up roots and kill plants. Their digging tends to make gardens look messy and uneven.
If you’re growing veggies or flowers, chipmunks might slow down their growth or ruin your hard work. Barriers or repellents can help keep them away.
Foundation and Structural Issues
Chipmunks don’t just stick to the garden—they dig around your home’s foundation too. Sometimes, their burrows go under porches, patios, or even the main foundation.
After a while, this digging can cause soil erosion and weaken the structures you rely on. You might notice cracks or shifting near burrow entrances.
Chipmunks squeeze into buildings through tiny gaps, like dryer vents or under siding. That can turn into a nuisance fast.
If you ignore chipmunk activity near your foundation, you could end up with expensive repairs. Watching for burrows and sealing up entry points can save you a lot of hassle.
Damage to Lawns and Patios
Usually, chipmunks don’t do as much direct damage to lawns, but their digging leaves holes and uneven spots. That’s a tripping hazard, especially if you’ve got kids or pets running around.
They sometimes chew on wires near patios or garages, which messes with outdoor lights or equipment. If they burrow near pool liners or retaining walls, that can cause some real headaches.
Try to keep your lawn and patio areas clean and free of food scraps or birdseed to make your place less appealing. Natural deterrents can also help keep chipmunks from nesting too close.
If you want more details about chipmunk damage, check out this guide on chipmunk damage.
Identifying and Managing Chipmunk Infestations
Chipmunks can quietly cause damage before you even realize they’re around. Paying attention to the signs and using smart prevention can help you keep your yard and home chipmunk-free.
Recognizing Signs of Chipmunk Infestation
You’ll spot chipmunks in your yard by looking for small holes, about 2 to 3 inches wide, near rocks, sheds, or porches. These holes lead straight to their tunnels or nests.
Check your garden for dug-up flower bulbs, missing plants, or scattered dirt. Sometimes you’ll find seed shells piled near bird feeders—chipmunks love to snack there.
During the day, you might see chipmunks darting around or hear their high-pitched chirps. In crawl spaces or basements, keep an eye out for droppings that look like tiny dark grains of rice.
Prevention and Protection Strategies
To keep chipmunks out, get rid of things they like to hide under—woodpiles, stones, or random debris. Keeping your yard trimmed and tidy also cuts down on insects that attract chipmunks.
Move bird feeders 20 to 30 feet away from the house and clean up spilled seeds so you’re not inviting them in. Squirrel guards or baffles can help keep chipmunks off feeders.
Protect your plants by putting hardware cloth over flower beds before you plant, and make sure it extends a few feet past the edges so chipmunks can’t dig underneath.
Seal up any holes or gaps around your home’s foundation, vents, and siding to block chipmunks from sneaking indoors.
Effective Chipmunk Control Methods
If chipmunks have taken over your yard, you might want to try humane trapping. Set up live traps with peanut butter, nuts, or even a few berries.
Always check your local laws before you start trapping. And seriously, don’t pick up chipmunks with your bare hands—they can bite, and no one wants that.
Some people use electric repellents to keep chipmunks away. Scent repellents aren’t as reliable, but you could give them a shot along with other strategies.
When you’re dealing with a big infestation, especially if you spot burrows near your home’s foundation, it’s probably time to call a professional pest control service. Pros can check out the damage and offer safe removal, plus some repair options.
If you jump on chipmunk problems early, you’ll probably save yourself time, money, and a lot of frustration.
For more info on handling chipmunk issues, check out chipmunk control tips at Today’s Homeowner.
