When chipmunks are present in large numbers they can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, and foundations . Their burrows can damage pool liners. The act of digging may undermine retaining walls and cause collapse.
Are chipmunks bad to have around your house?
On a residential property, chipmunk burrowing can cause some destructive, structural damage . Since they often choose to dig their tunnels under sidewalks and driveways, near the concrete patios, porches, stairs, retention walls, and the foundation, this activity can weaken the supports leading to damage to these areas.
Can chipmunks be destructive?
Chipmunks are cute, but can be destructive to plants and property . ... Their burrowing can cause damage, threatening your health and property. The most common species in our area is the Eastern chipmunk. It is reddish-brown with five dark stripes along its back.
Can chipmunks ruin your lawn?
Since they’re rarely larger than five inches long and aren’t known to be aggressive, chipmunks usually aren’t a threat to humans or pets. But their burrowing and feeding habits can destroy vegetation and create unsightly holes along lawns . In extreme cases, their burrow holes can damage building foundations.
Can chipmunks damage wood?
When it does, it can damage surrounding items with its chewing and gnawing behaviors . Chipmunks, like all rodents, need to constantly chew on things to wear down their ever-growing incisors. They will chew on wood, insulation, plastic, sheetrock, wiring, and anything else they feel like chewing on.
Should I get rid of chipmunks?
Taking advantage of that misconception, some wildlife control businesses will trap and kill chipmunks for a fee. But this isn’t necessary. If you have chipmunks in your yard, enjoy them . The pleasure they can give will outweigh any problems they may cause.
What smells do chipmunks hate?
- Eucalyptus.
- Cinnamon.
- Garlic.
- Citrus.
- Peppermint.
What do chipmunks hate the most?
Contrary to the noses of humans, chipmunks absolutely can’t stand the smells of certain strong oils like peppermint , citrus, cinnamon, and eucalyptus. Additionally, chipmunks can’t stand the smell of garlic.
Is it bad to have too many chipmunks?
Chipmunks are great to have in the backyard and won’t usually cause problems unless they overpopulate. Typically you’ll find two to four chipmunks per acre . This can increase to as many as 10 per acre if there is enough food and cover.
Will coffee grounds keep chipmunks away?
When using coffee grounds as mulch, your furry pests (e.g., squirrels, chipmunks, and bunnies) don’t want to have much to do with them...so they stay at bay . ... Coffee grounds will also deter slugs...
What is a home remedy to get rid of chipmunks?
Common chipmunk repellents are pureed garlic, hot peppers, or a combination of both . Steep the pureed garlic and hot peppers in 1 cup (240 mL.) of hot, soapy water until the water is cool.
What is the most effective way to get rid of chipmunks?
Trap Humanely
Generally small traps, from 10 to 20 inches long, and with one or two doors are the way to go. Place them around burrows and the places you’ve most often seen chipmunks, baiting the traps with goodies like peanut butter or sunflower seeds. Be sure to check the trap often and re-home the animals promptly.
Will mothballs get rid of chipmunks?
Chipmunks are not fond of mothballs . Place mothballs around the foundation of your house and in any known chipmunk holes. This will not kill the critters, but they’ll begin to notice the neighborhood isn’t very friendly.
Will vinegar keep chipmunks away?
The strong smell of pure apple cider vinegar helps to keep squirrels at bay . It is readily available at almost any store and can be sprayed directly around plants and flower pots without causing any harm.
Can chipmunks chew through concrete?
There are many animals that can chew through cement. The most common include rats and mice. ... Over the years I’ve seen rats, mice, raccoon, opossum, shrews, voles, moles, chipmunks, ground hogs, muskrat, otter and skunk chew through cement or forms thereof.
What are the benefits of chipmunks?
Though they do climb trees in search of food, generally they forage on the ground for seeds, insects and other small edibles, including special fungi that live around tree roots and that are critical to tree survival. Chipmunks help to spread fungi within a forest , just as they help spread seeds.
