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.
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Customer Reviews
It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.
Serivces:
Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
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Chattanooga
I was really impressed by these guys. Got a call within a few hours of making an inquiry. Had a rep out to inspect the situation by the end of the week, and when they laid out the timeline they kept if not exceeded listed times.
Rob, Travis, and Jim were all professional, polite, and courteous and after months of hearing squirrels in my ceiling they are gone and the repair to my flashing looks excellent. Can't recommend these guys enough.
Jeff was incredibly professional and helpful. I'll use them again and would recommend them to anyone.
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Detroit, MI
Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
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Seattle, WA
We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
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New Hampshire
We have a vacation home in
Western Mass and haven’t been there much during the pandemic as we live and work in Atlanta, GA. On our most recent visit we noticed that we had some rodent intrusion as well as some un-welcomed wildlife who decided to make our vacation home their home.
We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
We bought an old cabin last spring , it was used for years as a summer vacation cabin, therefore maintenance wasn’t a priority. After our project to remodel started, we found evidence of
mice droppings.
We immediately called Critter Control and they came and gave us a reasonable estimate to remove all remnants and insulation. They sanitized and replaced with new insulation and sealing up points of entry .
Seeing their professional work made us feel confident and secure that the problem was solved ! Everyone we worked with continued to show professional and respectful work. Highly recommend this company! We continue to use critter control monthly to be sure we are mice and bug free!
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