You’ve probably seen chipmunks darting around your yard or near your house. Maybe you’re wondering if they’re really a problem or just cute little visitors.
Chipmunks can actually cause trouble by digging tunnels that mess up your garden, lawn, and even threaten your home’s foundation. They also chew on plants, flower bulbs, and sometimes even wiring. Left unchecked, these habits can snowball into bigger headaches.
You might spot small holes near walkways, flower beds, or close to your foundation—classic chipmunk handiwork. Their tunnels shift soil and weaken structures over time.
Gardeners especially notice chipmunks nibbling on veggies or flowers. That’s pretty frustrating if you’ve put in the work.
Once you know the damage chipmunks cause, you can take steps to protect your home and yard. Figuring out where they dig and what they eat lets you head off bigger issues later. Curious about the details? Here’s what chipmunks can do to your yard and house.
Typical Chipmunk Damage in and Around Your Home
Chipmunks can create problems both outside and inside your home. They dig tunnels that mess with soil stability, damage garden plants, and might even chew on things indoors.
If you ignore these issues, they can get worse.
Threats to Foundations and Structures
Chipmunks dig two types of burrows: shallow escape tunnels and larger nests. These tunnels usually run under plants, shrubs, and sometimes even near your home’s foundation.
Their digging erodes soil under patios, walkways, or foundations. This can lead to small cracks or shifting over time.
Major foundation damage doesn’t happen often, but if a lot of chipmunks move in, the risk goes up. You might see small holes under decks, stones, or porches.
These openings let water pool and erode the earth even more. If you spot burrows near your home’s base, keep an eye on them and step in before things get worse. For more info, check out chipmunk foundation damage.
Garden and Landscaping Destruction
Chipmunks love gardens. They dig up flower bulbs, seeds, and snack on small fruits like berries.
Their digging leaves holes and dirt piles that can ruin your flower beds and lawn. They also eat leaves, stems, and roots of some plants.
You might find uprooted flowers or chewed-up veggies. Bird feeders attract chipmunks too, and you’ll see seed shells piling up underneath.
All that burrowing causes soil erosion and tiny pits, which weakens your yard’s structure. Try barriers or keep feeders clean to cut down on chipmunk visits. Get more tips at chipmunk yard damage.
Chewing and Nesting Issues Indoors
Most chipmunks stay outside, but sometimes they sneak into crawl spaces or basements through small cracks. Indoors, they chew on wires, wood, and insulation.
This kind of damage can be expensive or even dangerous. Chipmunk droppings in these areas usually mean you’ve got an infestation.
Their nests are messy, with shredded materials scattered around. Chipmunks don’t usually burrow through concrete, but they’ll use any opening they find.
If you hear scratching or spot droppings, check your lower levels for chipmunks. Seal up holes and clear out nesting stuff to stop them from moving in. You can read more at chipmunk home damage.
Identifying, Preventing, and Handling Chipmunk Problems
You can spot chipmunk problems if you know what to look for. Preventing damage usually means blocking entry points and making your place less appealing.
Sometimes, you might need to call in a professional to get rid of chipmunks safely.
Recognizing Signs of Chipmunk Activity
Look for small holes or burrows near your foundation, patios, or stairs. Some burrows go pretty deep—up to 30 feet sometimes.
You might notice mounded soil or dirt pushed out around these spots. Chewed wires, pipes, or garden plants are other clues.
Chipmunks dig up bulbs and chew on ornamental plants. Tracks or droppings in your yard are a giveaway too.
Listen for scratching or scurrying under decks or in walls. If you hear those sounds, chipmunks might have moved in nearby.
Effective Prevention and Exclusion Methods
To keep chipmunks away, start by removing food sources. Adjust bird feeders so seeds don’t scatter on the ground.
Keep firewood and debris away from your foundation. Set up barriers like ¼-inch hardware cloth around garden beds and the base of buildings.
Cover flower beds and bulbs with mesh to protect them. Seal holes and vents with screens or special materials.
Make sure gates and fences fit tightly so chipmunks can’t dig through. Repellents like predator urine or taste sprays can help, but you’ll need to reapply them often.
When to Contact Professional Pest Control
If you notice chipmunks showing up in big numbers, or you see their burrowing start to mess with your patio or foundation, it’s probably time to call in a pro.
A good pest control company will use trapping, exclusion, or sometimes fumigation if it’s really needed.
They’ll check out your property, come up with a treatment plan that fits your situation, and usually do follow-up visits so chipmunks don’t come back.
Most companies give you straightforward pricing and will answer your questions about safety or how well their methods work.
If you’ve tried to handle chipmunks on your own and nothing’s working, or if you just want someone else to deal with it, reach out to a licensed company that knows rodent control.
