Although they are among the cutest animals in the world, these little striped natives of Asia and North America tend to destroy garden plants, rob bird feeders, and dig tunnels that could jeopardize the structural integrity of your house and yard.
Although chipmunks rarely cause extensive property damage, they do dig up gardens while harvesting fruits and nuts. Their burrowing can also cause damage to patios, retaining walls, stairs, and foundations.
Why You May Need a Chipmunk Removal Service?
Despite their destructive nature, chipmunks are not usually regarded as a threat to humans. Before you begin the process of removing these critters, you should first determine whether they are truly a nuisance to you and your family.
Sometimes the damage these pests do to your garden or yard is just too great for them to stay. In other circumstances, you may be able to coexist on your land with these small woodland animals.
Chipmunks are a type of ground squirrel. They are ground-dwelling rodents that prefer wooded, forested areas. Although they can be mistaken for tree squirrels due to their similar appearance, they are not the same.
Despite their small size, these rodents are easily identifiable thanks to their distinctive markings. The short, pointy heads of both American chipmunk species are marked with two white stripes. Also, unlike squirrels, they have tan to reddish-brown coats with black and white stripes down their backs.
They, too, carry their bushy tails upright and are much smaller. Although squirrels can reach lengths of up to thirteen inches, chipmunks typically measure five to six inches.
What Do Chipmunks Eat?
Since they are opportunistic omnivores, chipmunks eat both plant and animal protein. Because they are so plentiful in the wild, their main sources of nutrition are nuts, seeds, fruits, berries, and insects. But when their usual food sources are scarce, they have also been known to consume baby snakes, small rodents, and bird eggs.
Throughout the day, chipmunks actively gather food, which they then store in their burrows for later use. They can crack open hard nuts with their powerful teeth, and their keen sense of smell makes it easier for them to find food. All things considered, chipmunks have a varied diet and can adjust to different food sources based on availability.
Are Chipmunks Considered Dangerous?
Given that chipmunks are sometimes kept as pets, it is difficult to say that they are particularly dangerous. Even when you have an infestation, they are a nuisance rather than a danger. The most common issue that homeowners have with North American chipmunks is their proclivity to build tunnels under walkways, stairs, patios, and foundations.
A chipmunk will, however, defend itself by biting or scratching its way out if it finds itself cornered. If you do get bitten by a chipmunk, clean the wound thoroughly and apply an antibiotic cream and bandage right away. Also, seek immediate medical attention if the area exhibits signs of infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified viruses and bacteria that chipmunks are known to carry, including Colorado Tick Fever and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. However, fortunately, chipmunks do not pose a high risk of transmitting infectious diseases. They also have not been found to transmit rabies to humans.
What Controls Chipmunks?
Trapping is the simplest way to control chipmunks. There are numerous humane methods for dealing with troublesome chipmunks, so, try to avoid traps such as snap traps! Humane traps capture chipmunks without killing them, allowing you to relocate them miles away from your property.
For chipmunks, use one- or two-door traps, which are usually 10 to 20 inches long. One-door traps are easier to set and are frequently used by professionals. When setting the traps, wear gloves because any trace of human scent will spook your quarry.
Important Note: Before using traps to remove the chipmunks running loose in your lawn, make sure you are aware of your city’s wildlife ordinances. Different localities have different laws regarding the removal and trapping of wild animals.
Even though chipmunks are excellent diggers and can fit through any opening, you can deter them by understanding what they hate the most. The following are a few of the things that chipmunks hate the most:
Signs of a Chipmunk Infestation
Chipmunks can be identified by sight and by the numerous tunnels they construct. A chipmunk tunnel is only 2 to 3 inches wide and sits flush with the ground; to avoid being noticed by predators, there are no dirt mounds surrounding it.
A chipmunk can enter your home through one of two possible entrances: a branch hanging over a roof that can lead the rodent into your attic, or through a hole in your foundation.
If they are in your yard, you can’t miss them, but if they are nesting indoors, you’ll hear noises akin to squirrels scratching. But if you do hear sounds, it’s probably not a chipmunk but a squirrel or mouse because these small creatures prefer to burrow underground in the ground outside.
Give Us a Call for Effective Chipmunk Removal Service
If all else fails, it is best to seek professional assistance.
Titan Pest Services is a full-service family-owned and operated pest control company. We are experts in commercial and residential pest control.
We eliminate and control pests of all kinds, from the most common to the most exotic.
Our clients include single-family homes, residential condo complexes, luxury hotels, athletic stadiums, airports, food establishments, and many others.
Our reputation is based on trust, dependability, and attentive customer service. We uphold the highest industry standards, seamlessly blending expert exterminator techniques with exceptional customer service.
Please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance keeping your home pest-free.