How to Identify Squirrels & Chipmunks

They are two of the most common yard pests in North America, so what's the difference between squirrels and chipmunks? Squirrels are the larger of the two, weighing over a pound and standing approximately seven to nine inches tall. Most commonly gray in color, they are easily identified by their substantial, bushy tails, which are roughly as long as their bodies. A squirrel can also be black or rust-colored.

Diminutive chipmunks are only five inches long, from the nose to the tip of tail, and weigh just two to four ounces. They have brown bodies with tan, white, and black striping on their faces and backs. Although they can climb trees like squirrels, chipmunks spend much more time on the ground. They dig holes in yards and live underground, while squirrels live in multiple nests constructed in tree trunks and branches.

Squirrel Damage vs Chipmunk Damage

When comparing squirrels vs. chipmunks, it’s important to consider the types of damage caused by each pest. Even though chipmunks are hole-diggers, squirrel infestations generally cause more problems for property owners. Squirrels are the ones raiding bird feeders for food and are more likely to enter attics in search of shelter and food storage spaces. They also fall into chimneys more often than chipmunks, creating a situation that is time-consuming to remedy.

Chipmunks will sometimes dig holes around a home's foundation, but they rarely come inside. However, if enough of the pests use the hole for a home and expand the size of the burrow, it can weaken the structural integrity of the house. This can also occur under patios and sidewalks, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, due to their small size, chipmunks are sometimes able to breach fenced-in gardens to eat seeds and bulbs. Regardless of the difference between the squirrel and chipmunk , each poses their own set of problems. To make sure yards are protected, homeowners should call the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control.

Learn more about squirrel removal.

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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