Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling creatures that are members of the squirrel family.
Despite there being 25 different species of chipmunks, the eastern chipmunk is the only one found in Maryland.
These creatures are relatively small, weighing between 2 and 5 ounces and growing up to 11 inches long. Eastern chipmunks have reddish-brown fur with alternating black and white stripes running down their back and face.
Habitat
Given their small stature, eastern chipmunk are commonly found forests, shrubs, meadows, fields, and other urban areas that provide abundant shelter from predators. Their most common predators include hawks, owls, snakes, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and even rats.
Within these areas, chipmunks will dig underground burrows that are typically 3 feet deep and 20 to 30 feet in length. These burrows are complete with food storage, nesting areas, escape tunnels, and side tunnels. On account of their small size, their burrows are not very big at all – most tunnels are only 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Plays an Important Ecological Role
Eastern chipmunks spend the majority of their time on the ground foraging for food. These creatures have cheek pouches that expand up to 3 times their normal size, allowing them to store extra food before taking it home.
Chipmunks are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal material. This includes seeds, nuts, berries, leaves, mushrooms, as well as earthworms, snails, butterflies, and worms.
Unknowingly, the chipmunk’s diet allows it to play an important ecological role. By gathering and burying seeds, they aid in the spread and growth of trees and other plants. In addition to seeds, chipmunks also help spread the specific type of fungi needed to help trees survive.
Troublesome for Homeowners
While they are crucial to the growth and development of the environment, chipmunks do not always have such a positive impact on humans.
Chipmunk holes and burrows can lead to structural problems, especially if they are beneath a home, yard, or building. These holes can also result in serious injury if an individual or pet steps into it.
Aside from digging, chipmunks also have a tendency to chew through everything and anything in their way, including bulbs, roots, wires, pipes, and cables. For such a small, innocent-looking animal, the eastern chipmunk has the ability to ruin gardens, yards, homes, and entire electrical systems.
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Humanely
If chipmunks have become a nuisance around your home, there are several effective and humane ways to encourage them to move elsewhere. The goal is to make your property less appealing without causing harm.
1. Remove Food Sources
Chipmunks are drawn to easy meals. Keep bird feeders away from the house, sweep up fallen seeds, and store pet food, grass seed, and bulbs in sealed containers. Harvest garden produce promptly and clear away fallen fruit or nuts.
2. Protect Gardens and Bulbs
Place mesh or hardware cloth over garden beds, flower bulbs, and planters to stop chipmunks from digging. Bury the mesh a few inches underground to block burrow access.
For a natural deterrent, sprinkle cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or a commercial animal repellent made from essential oils around plants.
3. Seal Entry Points
Inspect the foundation, porch, and steps for small openings that could lead into burrows or crawl spaces. Use fine mesh or caulk to close gaps. This prevents chipmunks from nesting near your home without trapping them inside.
4. Contact a Humane Animal Control Professional
If chipmunks continue to cause issues, it’s best to contact a professional who specializes in humane removal. A company like Shumaker Animal Control can safely and responsibly remove chipmunks, assess your property for burrows or entry points, and provide long-term prevention strategies. Their trained technicians use non-lethal methods that respect wildlife while protecting your home and yard.
By choosing humane solutions and professional help when needed, homeowners can manage chipmunk problems effectively without harming the animals or disrupting the ecosystem they support.
Have A Chipmunk Problem? Call the Experts at Shumaker Animal Control
If you think you have a chipmunk problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and pets are not in any danger.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072, visit our website or fill out our contact form for more information.
