Chipmunks are small, omnivorous rodents with coloration and markings that vary by species. The two most common types in the United States are the Eastern chipmunk and the least chipmunk, which thrive in deciduous forests, suburban areas, mountainous regions, and shrubby deserts.
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks
Chipmunks are generally not considered a threat to humans It is possible to remove chipmunks from your property. But before you dive into the process of eliminating these critters, decide whether or not they are truly a nuisance for you and your family.
In some cases, these pests may truly cause too much damage around your yard or garden to stay. In other cases, you might be able to live with these little woodland creatures on your property. If a chipmunk infestation creates structural damage on your property or consistently uproots your beloved garden, then it might be time to pursue removal methods.
Exclusions for Chipmunk Control
One of the most effective ways to prevent chipmunk damage is to create exclusions around your home.
Hardware cloth is a useful option to keep chipmunks out of gardens and flower beds. The cloth should be buried several inches below ground and extend for two to three feet above the ground. Chipmunks will have a difficult time breaking through this perimeter to access your garden.
Additionally, you can use wire mesh to prevent chipmunks from entering your home. The wire mesh should be secured to any openings that a chipmunk may be able to squeeze through.
Chipmunk Traps
Finally, you may need to trap and remove chipmunks if the nuisance becomes too much.
Cage traps with fine mesh can be effective with peanut butter as the bait. Additionally, you may use fruit, nuts, or seed to bait the trap. Live traps and snare traps can be an effective tools to remove chipmunks from your property.
Because of chipmunks extensive burrows, trapping them can be time-consuming and expensive. Professional wildlife removal technicians can effective target and trap burrowing rodents. If you need help with chipmunk removal, a Critter Control technician can help you eliminate any chipmunk infestation on your property.
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Both common species of chipmunks have short legs with nimble hands used to grasp and climb, short tails, and expandable cheek pouches used to store food while scavenging. Eastern chipmunks have reddish-brown fur with dark and light stripes on their faces, backs, and tails. Least chipmunks display grayish coats with dark, tawny stripes.
More information about what chipmunks look like.
Least and Eastern chipmunks forage for food such as nuts, berries, seeds, and grains. Forests and areas dense with shrubbery or other ground cover are ideal places for chipmunks to scavenge while avoiding predators. Most chipmunks either burrow underground or make nests in trees and logs, where they stash food in order to survive during winter.
Are chipmunks known to enter homes or yards?
In suburban areas, chipmunks rarely enter homes, but may burrow under the walls, patios, or foundations of houses and cause structural damage. The rodents can squeeze through tight spaces and eat unsecured bird seed or pet food in yards, garages and sheds. Chipmunks may also dig up bulbs and seedlings from gardens. They may also nest in attics.
Do chipmunks harm people or property?
Chipmunks do not attack humans, but their burrows may cause structural or electrical damage to homes and other buildings. Gardens and agricultural areas may suffer from the rodents eating bulbs, seeds, and sprouts. When chipmunks come into contact with human habitations, they can transmit diseases, or parasites and insect pests such as fleas.
Homes often require the use of chipmunk exclusion methods to keep these animals from returning after removal. Whether residents need to protect a garden or seal up a basement, pest control experts can identify the right approach for each case and install the proper barriers to prevent future issues.
To keep chipmunks away from homes and gardens, cover vulnerable areas with hardware cloth or wire mesh and seal any cracks or holes along exterior walls. Moving bird feeders away from homes also discourages chipmunks from burrowing near human dwellings.
The best way to ensure your chipmunk problem is handled legally and safely is to call wildlife removal specialists. Trained in the removal of chipmunks, our animal control technicians not only help eradicate chipmunk infestations but also provide tips regarding the prevention of future chipmunk activity.