They may look cute and harmless as they scurry across your yard or poke their heads out from a flowerbed, but chipmunks can create big headaches for homeowners. These small rodents are natural burrowers with a tendency to dig, chew, and hoard in ways that can cause real damage to your property. If you’ve noticed chipmunks around your home, it may be time to pay closer attention—because the trouble they bring often starts underground.
Burrows Beneath the Surface
Chipmunks are notorious diggers. Their elaborate tunnel systems can extend up to 30 feet and often include multiple entrances. These burrows are typically hidden beneath porches, stairs, sidewalks, and garden beds. Over time, these tunnels can compromise the integrity of foundations, retaining walls, and paved surfaces. While the digging itself may go unnoticed at first, the aftermath—cracks, sinking concrete, or collapsing garden edges—can lead to costly repairs.
Chewing on More Than Acorns
Chipmunks have strong teeth and a constant need to chew. That becomes a problem when they gnaw on plastic piping, irrigation systems, wood structures, or even electrical wiring. Their chewing habits can lead to water damage, structural issues, or fire hazards—none of which are small problems.
Unwelcome Guests in Your Home
While chipmunks prefer outdoor spaces, it’s not uncommon for them to explore basements, crawl spaces, or attics—especially when the weather turns cold. Once inside, they’ll bring with them nesting materials, food caches, and potentially parasites. Their droppings can also carry diseases, making their presence a health risk as well as a nuisance.
Garden and Lawn Damage
Chipmunks can wreak havoc on your landscaping, digging up bulbs, snacking on produce, and tearing through flowerbeds. Their foraging behaviors often leave behind disturbed soil, scattered plant debris, and missing blooms. If you’ve invested time and money into your garden, chipmunks may undo it in a matter of days.
What You Can Do
If chipmunks have moved into your yard—or worse, into your home—it’s best to act quickly. DIY solutions like repellents or traps may offer temporary relief, but they rarely address the root of the problem. Professional wildlife removal experts can assess the situation, safely relocate the animals, and help seal up potential entry points to prevent future infestations.
Prevention Is Key
You can reduce the risk of chipmunk problems with a few preventative steps:
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Keep bird feeders away from your home’s foundation.
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Clear brush piles and trim back ground-level shrubs.
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Seal cracks and holes in your home's exterior.
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Use gravel or mesh beneath decks, porches, and garden beds to deter burrowing.
Call the Pros
At Wildlife X Team, we understand how such a small creature can cause such big trouble. Our team uses humane, effective methods to remove chipmunks and protect your property from future invasions. If chipmunks are turning your yard into a construction zone, we’re ready to help you reclaim it.