Chipmunks are adorable, furry creatures that can often be spotted scurrying around yards and gardens.
But while they may be adorable, they can also be destructive and cause damage to homes.
If you’re wondering whether chipmunks are destructive and what you can do to prevent this damage, then this article is for you.
We’ll take a look at what chipmunks are, the potential damage they cause, how to prevent damage, where chipmunks live, potential health risks, how to remove chipmunks from your home, and how to deal with the damage after it’s been done.
So, read on to learn more about chipmunks and how to protect your home against them.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Chipmunks can be destructive to homes, primarily due to their burrowing and chewing habits.
They may dig tunnels under buildings and foundations, creating structural damage.
They may also chew on wires, plastic, or wood, which can cause further damage.
To avoid these issues, it is best to make sure your home is properly sealed and that potential entry points are blocked off.
What Are Chipmunks?
Chipmunks are small, furry rodents that are native to North America and parts of Europe and Asia.
They are related to squirrels and can be found in many parts of the United States, typically living in wooded areas or near homes and gardens.
Chipmunks are known for their distinctive stripes, which they use as camouflage in the wild.
They are primarily active during the day and spend much of their time foraging for food, such as nuts, seeds, and insects.
Chipmunks also have a unique ability to store food in their cheek pouches, enabling them to stock up on food for the winter months.
Although they can be cute and entertaining to watch, chipmunks can also cause considerable damage to homes.
Potential Damage Caused by Chipmunks
Chipmunks may seem like small and harmless creatures, but they can be surprisingly destructive to homes.
They are known to chew on wires, wood, and other materials, which can be dangerous if left unchecked.
In addition, they can cause substantial damage to the foundation and structure of a home.
For example, chipmunks can dig burrows in the ground, which can weaken the stability of the foundation.
They can also create pathways through walls and other structures, leading to further damage.
Furthermore, chipmunks can carry parasites and diseases that can be harmful to humans if contracted.
For example, chipmunks can carry fleas and ticks, which can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses.
It is therefore important to take action when chipmunks are found in or around a home, as the damage they can cause can be costly.
Preventing Damage from Chipmunks
Preventing damage from chipmunks is essential for protecting your home and loved ones.
The most effective way to keep chipmunks away from your home is by sealing off potential entry points.
This can include filling in small holes or cracks in the foundation of your home, ensuring that windows and doors are securely closed, and installing screens over chimneys and vents.
Additionally, you can reduce the attractiveness of your home to chipmunks by keeping your yard clean and free of food sources such as birdseed, pet food, and fallen fruit.
In addition to sealing off potential entry points, it is also important to take steps to make your home less inviting for chipmunks.
This can include removing food sources such as birdseed, pet food, and fallen fruit, as well as making sure your garbage cans are tightly sealed.
Additionally, you can reduce the attractiveness of your home to chipmunks by keeping your yard clean and free of potential nesting material such as wood and brush piles and leaf litter.
Finally, it is important to take steps to address any chipmunk infestations that have already taken hold.
This can include trapping and removing the chipmunks, as well as sealing off any entry points to prevent future infestations.
Additionally, you can use repellents and other deterrents such as ultrasonic devices to keep chipmunks away from your property.
Where Do Chipmunks Live?
Chipmunks are small, rodent-like creatures that can be found in many parts of the United States.
They are typically found in wooded areas, where they can burrow in the ground and create nests.
However, as cities and suburbs have expanded, chipmunks have become increasingly common in urban and suburban areas as well.
They are particularly fond of yards and gardens, as they provide plenty of food sources and shelter.
Chipmunks can even take up residence in walls and attics, where they can cause significant damage.
As such, it is important to be aware of where chipmunks may be living and what damage they can cause.
Potential Health Risks from Chipmunks
Chipmunks may be small and adorable, but they can be quite dangerous to humans if they are not taken care of properly.
Not only can they cause damage to the structure and foundation of a home, but they can also pose a risk to our health if we are exposed to them.
Chipmunks can carry parasites and diseases that can be transferred to humans, so it is important to take action when chipmunks are found in or around a home.
One of the most common parasites that chipmunks can carry is fleas.
Fleas can cause a range of health problems, such as skin irritations, allergic reactions, and even tapeworm infections.
Additionally, chipmunks can carry mites which can cause itching and rashes.
They can also transmit the hantavirus, which can cause fever, chills, and even death in some cases.
It is important to take precautions when dealing with chipmunks, as these parasites and diseases can be potentially harmful to humans.
Chipmunks can also cause damage to the structure of a home if they are not taken care of properly.
They have been known to chew on wires and other materials, which can be costly to repair.
Additionally, they can cause damage to the foundation of a home if they burrow and make tunnels beneath it.
Therefore, it is important to take action when chipmunks are found in or around a home, as the damage they can cause can be quite costly.
Removing Chipmunks from Your Home
When it comes to removing chipmunks from your home, the best approach is to take preventative measures as soon as you see them.
This includes sealing off any entry points they may be using to get into your home, such as holes in the foundation or gaps around windows and doors.
Additionally, you should clean up any food sources that may be attracting them, such as pet food and bird seed.
Once youve taken preventative measures, the next step is to trap and remove the chipmunks from your home.
This can be done by using live traps, which are available at most hardware stores.
Live traps are humane and effective, and allow you to capture chipmunks without harming them.
Once youve caught the chipmunks, you can either release them back into the wild or take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
If trapping and releasing the chipmunks isnt an option, you may need to contact a professional wildlife removal service.
These companies are experienced in the removal and relocation of chipmunks and other wildlife, and can help you get rid of them quickly and safely.
Finally, its important to remember that chipmunks can cause considerable damage to your home if you dont take the appropriate steps to remove them.
Be sure to repair any damage they may have caused, such as chewed wires or holes in the foundation, and take steps to prevent them from returning.
Dealing with the Damage Caused by Chipmunks
When it comes to dealing with the damage caused by chipmunks, it is important to act swiftly.
The longer you wait, the more destruction they can cause.
To properly deal with chipmunk-related damage, the first step is to identify the source of the problem.
Chipmunks typically enter homes through gaps in foundations, chimneys, and other small cracks.
After you have identified the entry point, it is important to seal it off to prevent further entry.
Once the entry point has been secured, it is important to inspect the home for any damage caused by chipmunks.
This includes scurrying sounds in the walls, chew marks on wires, and other signs of destruction.
If any damage is found, it is important to repair it right away to prevent further damage.
Additionally, it is important to make sure all food sources are secured and inaccessible to chipmunks.
The next step is to take preventative measures to keep chipmunks away from your home.
This can include cleaning up debris around the foundation, trimming back trees and shrubs, and using repellents to deter chipmunks from entering the home.
Additionally, it is important to inspect the home regularly for signs of chipmunks.
Finally, if all else fails, it may be necessary to contact a pest control expert to deal with a chipmunk infestation.
Pest control professionals can safely and effectively eliminate chipmunks from your home and prevent them from returning.
By following these steps, you can effectively deal with the damage caused by chipmunks and ensure your home remains safe and secure.
Final Thoughts
Chipmunks may seem cute and harmless, but they can be destructive to homes, causing damage to wires, foundations, and other materials.
Additionally, they can carry parasites and diseases that can be dangerous to humans.
Therefore, it is important to take action when chipmunks are found in or around a home.
Be sure to do your research to determine the best way to remove chipmunks from your home, and to repair any damage that they may have caused.
Taking the necessary steps to protect your home from chipmunks can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.