The Uninvited Guests: How to Handle a Chipmunk Infestation

Posted on February 5, 2025 by smokywildlife

When we think of chipmunks, the image of an adorable furball darting across the yard or stuffing its cheeks with nuts often comes to mind. But for homeowners and gardeners, these tiny creatures can quickly go from cute wildlife visitors to relentless pests. A chipmunk infestation can wreak havoc on your garden, damage your home’s structure, and even pose health risks.

This blog will explore how to identify, prevent, and address chipmunk infestations while providing Eco-friendly solutions. Whether you’re dealing with chipmunks in the attic, garden damage, or are simply looking for proven chipmunk control methods, this guide is for you.

By implementing proactive measures and knowing when to call for help, you can enjoy a wildlife-free home and a well-protected garden.

Call 615-610-0962 For Professional Chipmunk Removal in Nashville Tennessee

Identifying a Chipmunk Infestation

Signs to Look For in and Around Your Home

Detecting a chipmunk infestation early can save your garden and home from significant damage. Be on the lookout for these tell-tale signs of chipmunks on your property:

Burrows and Tunnels: Chipmunks dig extensive burrow systems, typically near foundations, patios, or in your garden beds. Look for holes about 2 inches in diameter, often without dirt piled up around them.
Chewed Plants or Bulbs: Are pieces of your garden mysteriously disappearing? Chipmunks target flower bulbs, seedlings, and fruits.
Scratching Sounds: If chipmunks invade your attic, you may hear scratching noises, especially in the early morning or late evening.
Scattered Nuts and Seeds: Chipmunks often leave a trail of food items near their feeding zones, like decks, porches, or foundations.

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

The longer a chipmunk infestation goes unnoticed, the more damage they can cause. Early detection allows homeowners to take control before these uninvited guests burrow deeper into the ground, gnaw at structural supports, or destroy prized gardens.

Understanding Chipmunk Behavior

Diet and Living Habits

Chipmunks are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, and occasionally insects. Their small size means they can easily squeeze into tight spaces, from crawlspaces to attic corners. Typically, they build burrows underground, where they sleep, store food, and raise their young.

Why Chipmunks Are Attracted to Certain Areas

Chipmunks are drawn to environments that offer shelter, food, and safety. Some common human activities can unintentionally invite them onto your property, such as:

Feeding birds.
Leaving pet food outdoors.
Planting gardens full of bulbs or fruits they love.
Providing dense shrubs or woodpiles for shelter.

By understanding what makes your property attractive to chipmunks, you can take steps to reduce their appeal.

The Dangers of Chipmunk Infestations

Health Risks Associated with Chipmunk Presence

Chipmunks may carry ticks, fleas, or other parasites that pose health risks to humans and pets. Additionally, their droppings can harbor harmful bacteria. Chipmunks’ proximity to living spaces, such as attics or basements, increases the likelihood of spreading these hazards.

Damage to Gardens, Yards, and Homes

One of the biggest complaints about chipmunks is their ability to cause extensive damage in a short time:

Garden Destruction: Chipmunks dig up flowerbeds and consume bulbs, fruits, and vegetables, leaving gardeners frustrated.
Structural Damage: Their burrowing can compromise the integrity of patios, driveways, and even home foundations.
Property Damage Indoors: Chipmunks in the attic or crawlspace may gnaw on wiring, insulation, and stored belongings. This can lead to electrical hazards or costly repairs.

Eco-Friendly Prevention and Solutions

Natural Deterrents to Keep Chipmunks Away

You don’t need harsh chemicals to deter chipmunks. Here are effective, natural solutions:

Homemade Chipmunk Repellent: Create a spray using a mixture of water, cayenne pepper, and garlic. Apply it near burrows or plants under threat.
Predator Urine: Products that mimic the smell of predators, such as fox or coyote urine, can scare away chipmunks.

Creating an Unwelcome Environment

Chipmunks prefer areas where food and shelter are abundant. Make your property less hospitable by:

Sealing Entry Points: Cover holes and cracks around your home with metal mesh or caulking to prevent chipmunks from sneaking inside.
Clearing Clutter: Remove woodpiles, dense shrubs, or other debris close to your home.
Using Mulch and Gravel: Chipmunks dislike sharp or rough surfaces, making mulch or gravel barriers a protective measure around your yard.

Steps to Protect Your Garden and Home

Secure bird feeders in a way that prevents seeds from falling on the ground.
Cover garden beds with wire mesh or netting to deter digging.
Plant chipmunk-resistant varieties like daffodils, alliums, or marigolds.

Professional Chipmunk Removal and Assistance

When to Consider Professional Chipmunk Control

If your DIY attempts at chipmunk removal aren’t working or the infestation is severe, it may be time to call professional wildlife control experts. Licensed wildlife control operators have the tools and expertise to safely remove chipmunks and prevent them from returning.

Tips for Choosing a Wildlife Removal Service

Look for licensed and insured companies with positive reviews.
Ensure they focus on humane removal methods to protect the animals and your property.
Ask about prevention and follow-up services to ensure long-term success.

Key Points

Chipmunks might be small, but the damage they can cause is anything but insignificant. By identifying infestations early, understanding their habits, and adopting Eco-friendly prevention methods, you can keep your home and garden safe. Knowing when to call for professional wildlife removal services ensures you’ll never have to deal with the stress of a prolonged infestation.

Take charge of your space today! Whether it’s using a reliable chipmunk repellent in your garden or sealing off potential entry points, proactive measures will save you time, effort, and money. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a wildlife removal professional for help.

Are you still having trouble with nuisance chipmunks no matter what you do? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for licensed and insured chipmunk removal service in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. We also provide wildlife control and removal for squirrels, including flying squirrels.

Chipmunk Control: Understanding and Overcoming Infestations

Posted on June 21, 2024 by smokywildlife

Have you noticed small, striped rodents scurrying around your yard, digging holes, and nibbling on your garden plants? You’re not alone. Chipmunk infestations are a common problem for many homeowners and gardeners. These tiny creatures, though adorable, can cause significant damage to your property if not managed properly.

In this blog post, we will explore the behavior and habitats of chipmunks, identify signs of an infestation, understand the potential impacts, and provide effective prevention and control methods. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to protect your home and garden from these mischievous critters.

Overview of Common Chipmunk Species

There are 25 species of chipmunks, but the ones most often found in residential areas are the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. The Eastern chipmunk is the larger of the two, measuring about 5 to 6 inches long (excluding the tail) and sporting a reddish-brown coat with distinctive black and white stripes running down its back. The Least chipmunk is smaller, with a slenderer build and darker stripes. Understanding which species that you are dealing with is the first step in successfully managing an infestation.

Habits, Diet, and Nesting Preferences

Chipmunks are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and insects. In the wild, they store food in their burrows to prepare for the winter months. These burrows, often located near tree roots or rock piles, can be extensive, with multiple chambers for sleeping, storing food, and rearing young.

However, when chipmunks venture into residential areas, they may create burrows under patios, sidewalks, and even house foundations. Their constant need to forage and store food can lead them into gardens and homes, where they can become a nuisance.

Beneficial and Problematic Roles

While chipmunks play a crucial role in ecosystems by dispersing seeds and aerating soil through their burrowing activities, they can also cause significant problems for homeowners. Their burrowing can damage lawns, gardens, and even structural foundations. Understanding their dual role helps us appreciate their place in nature while recognizing the need for control in residential settings.

Signs of a Chipmunk Infestation

Spotting a chipmunk or two in your yard isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, but several signs indicate a more serious infestation. Look for:

Small holes (about the size of a quarter) in your lawn or garden beds.
Burrow openings near foundations, patios, or walkways.
Chewed plant stems or bulbs.
Droppings resembling small, dark pellets.

Distinguishing Chipmunk Activity

It’s essential to differentiate chipmunk activity from other pests like moles, voles, or mice. Chipmunk burrows typically have clean entrances without surrounding dirt mounds, unlike molehills. Observing their activity patterns—daytime for chipmunks versus nocturnal for many other rodents—can also help in identification.

The Impact of Chipmunk Infestations

Damage to Gardens and Structures

Chipmunks’ burrowing can undermine garden walls, patios, and house foundations, leading to structural damage over time. Their digging in flower beds and vegetable gardens can uproot plants and destroy root systems. Additionally, they may chew on garden hoses, irrigation systems, and even electrical wiring, creating hazards and requiring costly repairs.

Health Risks

While chipmunks are generally not aggressive, they can carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or indirectly through contaminated water or soil. They may also harbor fleas, ticks, and mites, posing additional health risks to pets and people.

Chipmunk Proofing and Prevention Methods

Landscaping and Yard Maintenance

To make your property less inviting to chipmunks, consider the following tips:

Keep your lawn mowed and free of debris.
Trim tree branches and shrubs to reduce cover.
Use mulch or gravel around plant beds to deter digging.
Remove food sources like birdseed, fallen fruit, and pet food.

Sealing Entry Points

Inspect your home and garage for potential entry points and seal any gaps or cracks. Use metal mesh or hardware cloth to cover vents, chimneys, and other openings. Ensure that doors and windows close tightly and repair any damaged screens.

Chipmunk Removal and Control

Humanely Deterring Chipmunks

There are several humane methods to deter chipmunks from your property. Motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic repellers, and natural repellents like cayenne pepper or garlic spray can be effective. Additionally, planting certain deterrent plants like daffodils, marigolds, or garlic chives can help keep chipmunks at bay.

Common Chipmunk Removal Methods

Live trapping is a popular method for removing chipmunks. Small animal traps are baited with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or fruit. They are strategically placed near burrow entrances or along known pathways. Once captured, they are relocated far away from your property to prevent their return. Live trapping should only be carried out by licensed wildlife removal operators.

Professional Wildlife Control Services

If you have a severe infestation or prefer not to handle the removal yourself, consider hiring a professional wildlife control service. These experts can assess the situation, implement effective control measures, and provide advice on preventing future infestations.

Conclusion

Chipmunks, while charming, can become problematic when they invade our gardens and homes. By understanding their behavior and habits, recognizing signs of infestation, and implementing effective prevention and control methods, you can protect your property from damage and health risks. Taking proactive measures will help you enjoy a chipmunk-free environment, preserving the beauty and integrity of your garden and home.

Are chipmunks too much of a problem around your home or property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured commercial chipmunk removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife, including squirrels, and serve both residential and commercial clients.

The Ultimate Guide to Chipmunk Removal: Keep Your Yard Safe

Posted on November 7, 2023 by smokywildlife

Chipmunks may look cute and harmless, but these small creatures can cause significant damage to your yard if left unchecked. From burrowing holes that can ruin your landscaping to gnawing on ornamental plants, the havoc they wreak is far from negligible. If you are struggling with a chipmunk infestation and looking for effective solutions, you’ve come to the right place.

Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Chipmunk Removal. Here, we will provide you with comprehensive information on successful chipmunk deterrents and repellents, and practical steps to keep your yard safe, healthy, and chipmunk-free.

Call 615-610-0962 For Chipmunk Removal Service in Nashville TN

Understanding Chipmunks

Before we dive into the methods of chipmunk removal, it’s essential to understand these furry creatures’ habits and behaviors. Chipmunks are small rodents that belong to the squirrel family. They are known for their striped backs and cheeks that they use to store food. Chipmunks prefer to live in areas with plenty of cover, such as overgrown lawns, bushes, or woodpiles. They are most active during the day and can produce two to three litters each year with five to eight offspring in each litter. This rapid reproduction makes it challenging to control chipmunk populations once they have infested your yard.

Signs of Chipmunk Infestation

The first step in chipmunk removal is to determine whether you have an infestation in your yard. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Holes and tunnels: Chipmunks dig burrows in the ground, creating holes or tunnels that are approximately two inches wide.

Damaged plants: These rodents gnaw on flowers, fruits, and vegetables, leaving behind bite marks and damage.

Chewed wires: Chipmunks can also cause electrical hazards by chewing on wires and cables.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to take immediate action to prevent further damage to your yard.

Effective Chipmunk Deterrents

There are several methods you can use to deter chipmunks from entering your yard. These include:

Removing potential hiding spots: Keep your lawn and garden tidy by trimming bushes, cutting back overgrown plants, and removing any debris or woodpiles where chipmunks may hide.

Using repellents: There are various commercial chipmunk repellents available in the market that use scents like garlic or predator urine to keep these rodents at bay. You can also make your own repellents using ingredients like cayenne pepper or peppermint oil.

Installing barriers: Physical barriers can be an effective way to keep chipmunks out. You can use wire mesh or fencing around your garden, plants, and trees to prevent access.

Natural Chipmunk Repellents

If you prefer a more natural approach to chipmunk removal, here are some options you can try:

Planting deterrent plants: Certain plants, such as daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums, are known to repel chipmunks due to their strong smell or taste.

Using predators: You can attract natural predators of chipmunks, such as cats, dogs, or birds of prey, to your yard to keep the chipmunk population in check.

Using sound and light: Some people have had success using ultrasonic devices or motion-activated lights to deter chipmunks. These devices emit high-frequency sounds or flashes of light that are unpleasant for these rodents.

Professional Chipmunk Removal Services

If your chipmunk infestation is severe or you are unable to control it on your own, it may be time to call in the professionals. Licensed and insured wildlife removal and control services offer effective and humane methods of chipmunk removal, such as live trapping and relocation.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you have successfully removed chipmunks from your yard, it’s crucial to take preventive measures to avoid future infestations. Here are some tips to keep your yard safe:

Seal off entry points: Make sure there are no openings or cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, or pipes that could provide access for chipmunks.

Clean up fallen fruits and nuts: Chipmunks are attracted to food sources. Be sure to clean up any fallen fruits or nuts from trees regularly.

Use bird feeders wisely: If you have bird feeders, make sure they are not spilling seeds on the ground, as this can attract chipmunks.

By following these tips and being proactive in your approach, you can effectively prevent future chipmunk infestations.

In Conclusion

Chipmunks may be cute, but they can cause significant damage to your yard if left unchecked. By understanding their behavior, using effective deterrents and repellents, and taking preventive measures, you can keep your yard safe, healthy, and chipmunk-free. Whether you choose to tackle the infestation on your own or seek professional help, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable information for successful chipmunk removal.

Now it’s time to reclaim your yard and enjoy it to the fullest! So, don’t wait any longer. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured chipmunk removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Your Yard

Posted on March 15, 2023 by smokywildlife

Are chipmunks wreaking havoc in your yard? These small rodents can be a nuisance, digging up plants and making burrows that could damage the foundation of your home. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get rid of chipmunks from your property. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about chipmunk removal and control so you can reclaim your yard!

Call 615-610-0962 For Chipmunk Control in Nashville Tennessee

Best Tips for Getting Rid of Chipmunks

Gain Some Chipmunk Knowledge

The first step in getting rid of chipmunks is to identify the type of chipmunk you have. Here in Tennessee, we have Eastern Chipmunks. The Eastern Chipmunk is an endearing animal that can be spotted living in the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada. They are omnivorous animals, eating mostly vegetation such as nuts, acorns, fruits, seeds, and buds. They’ll also sometimes snack on bugs and slugs to supplement their diet.

Eastern Chipmunks can easily be recognized by their five black stripes running along their back and two cheek stripes that meet just behind the head. When frightened or threatened Eastern Chipmunks will stand on their hind legs in order to scan for danger – an amusing sight! For the most part, they are solitary creatures that live in underground burrows which they dig themselves. These burrows serve as places of refuge from predators during winter months as well as protection for nesting sites for Eastern Chipmunks raising young.

Chipmunk Temptations

Once you understand chipmunks in the Smoky Mountain Region, it will be easier to come up with a plan for removal. Next, it’s important to understand why chipmunks are attracted to your yard in the first place. Common attractions include bird feeders, pet food bowls and compost piles. If possible, remove these items from your property as they can act as sources of food for chipmunks (and other pests).

Chipmunk Control

Control methods such as traps, repellents and fencing can also be used to get rid of chipmunks. Traps should be placed near burrows and tunnels, while repellents can be used to discourage chipmunks from coming back. Fencing is also a great way to keep chipmunks out as it acts as a physical barrier between your property and the rest of the outdoors.

Routine Lawn Care

Finally, make sure to practice good lawn maintenance when trying to get rid of chipmunks in your yard. Keep your grass trimmed short and remove any debris or clutter that could serve as shelter for the animals. Additionally, you can try planting certain plants such as lavender oil which are known to repel chipmunks.

Conclusion on Best Practices for Chipmunk Control

By following these steps, you’ll have a better chance at successfully getting rid of chipmunks in your yard. Remember, chipmunk removal and control is a process that requires patience, dedication, and the right methods.

Are you looking for a trusted Nashville critter control service that can help you get rid of armadillos at an affordable price? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured chipmunk removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.

Educational Facts About Chipmunks

Posted on April 27, 2022 by smokywildlife

Chipmunks are certainly cute and funny, but they have a lot more to offer! Learning all about chipmunks is fun because it gives you a greater appreciation for them, plus helps you understand their behaviors. As for property owners and residents, knowing more about chipmunks can give you an advantage when typing to stop them from pillaging your gardens and flowerbeds!

Continue below to review some of the most enlightening, educational facts about chipmunks, and where to get humane critter control assistance for chipmunks in Nashville, Tennessee, and its surrounding counties.

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Chipmunks Come With a Warning Attached

Although you may have already gathered the fact from Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, chipmunks are really cool critters! Adorned with racecar-like stripes, bushy tails, and chubby cheeks, chipmunks are one of the most beloved animals among nature lovers. They are fast, curious, and mission-oriented, making them an entertaining species all year long.

Now, unlike the stars on the big screen, real-life chipmunks should only be admired from a distance. If they get too close, they can become a threat to your lawn, garden, flowerbeds, and even your house. They can’t help themselves, it’s just in their nature! But with smart and humane abatement strategies, you can protect your property from nuisance wildlife tampering, while also enjoying the presence of your neighborhood chipmunks, year-round.

What You Want to Know About Chipmunks

🐿 What They Are

Chipmunks are not squirrels, but they are part of the same family, known as Sciuridae. In fact, the word chipmunk is derived from the native Odawa word, “jidmoonh”, meaning red squirrel. Both chipmunks and squirrels are rodents, as they are part of the Rodentia Order. Here is the full scientific classification breakdown:

↣ Kingdom: Animalia
↣ Phylum: Chordata
↣ Class: Mammalia
↣ Order: Rodentia
↣ Family: Sciuridae
↣ Subfamily: Xerinae

There are more than 25 species of chipmunks worldwide, but only one species does not exist in North America. That is the Siberian Chipmunk.

🐿 What They Do

Chipmunks build underground burrows that can be quite extensive. There, they hoard all of their seasonal findings. They hibernate in the winter, relying on their hoards when food is scare and the climate is cold.

Although they do not break into song like their famous counterparts, they do make some pretty cute sounds. Chipmunks squeak, chirp, and chitter-chatter to one another, communicating about possible threat and predators.

Chipmunks are solitary animals as adults. They traverse alone and do not bother one another when they are out of their burrows. However, chipmunks interact with one another during mating season. Come early April, chipmunks are ready to reproduce.

Chipmunk gestation is an average of 30 days, so babes are typically born between May and June. Mothers birth between 2 and 6 babies between May and June but can deliver up to 8! Baby chipmunks are called pups, kittens, or kits, and they rely on mother’s milk for the first 60 days of their lives! Although chipmunks usually only birth one litter, they will deliver a second if the first is lost.

🐿 What They Eat

Chipmunks are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and meat. The most common elements of their diet include nuts like hazelnuts and acorns, as well as grass, shoots, and general plant matter. Sometimes, chipmunks are known to eat worms, small frogs, bird eggs, and in rare cases, a baby bird.

Chipmunks have roomy cheek pouches that are similar to a hamster. These special cheek pouches let chipmunks stuff their mouths full of delicious findings and carry them back to their burrows for safe-keeping.

Do you have a nuisance chipmunk problem on your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional chipmunk removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve both residential and commercial clients.

How to Keep Chipmunks Out of the Garden

Posted on April 7, 2021 by smokywildlife

Now that spring is in full effect, many of you are thinking about your seasonal gardens. There is no greater feeling than growing a lush, verdant, and bountiful garden full of your favorite herbs, vegetables, fruits, and more. But there is no worse feeling than going out first thing in the morning to harvest your beautiful yields only to find that your garden has been pillaged by hungry chipmunks!

If you have dealt with nuisance chipmunks year after year, especially when tending your gardens, now is the time to finally learn how to keep them out of your garden and away from your house. That’s right; chipmunks can be destructive to more than just gardens, so active abatement is necessary for properties with high volumes of chipmunks.

Continue reading to learn how to get rid of chipmunks, including ways to keep them out of your garden.

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Top Strategies for Chipmunk Control Around the Garden

Not only can chipmunks pillage your gardens, taking everything from your marigolds to your strawberries, but they can also damage the roots, thus preventing any future growth. This is a loss of joy and a loss of money. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get rid of chipmunks in the garden, and further protect your property from additional chipmunk damages.

There are various preventative methods you can use to keep chipmunks out of the garden. The most popular are those that are humane and non-toxic. These methods are safe for wildlife, people, pets, and the surrounding environment. The top three chipmunk abatement strategies include homemade, non-toxic animal repellent, environmental modifications, and automatic sprinklers.

Homemade Chipmunk Repellent

There are a lot of scents, spices, and sensations that chipmunks absolutely hate, and therefore, avoid like the plague. These include naphthalene (moth balls) cayenne pepper, menthol, spearmint, capsaicin, oil of black pepper, piperine extract, and anything else that produces the stinging sensation of hot peppers or mint leaves. Simply add any select combination of ingredients to a plastic spray bottle filled with water, mix well, and presto! You have a homemade, non-toxic animal repellent you can spray around your garden to ward off nuisance chipmunks. Just be sure to keep it away from pets and young children, as it can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Environmental Modifications

You can place moth balls, which contain naphthalene, around the perimeter of your gardens to protect them against nuisance chipmunks. They hate the smell, and if they detect it, they will stay far away. You can also install mesh or wire netting over the top of your gardens, but this is usually recommended in conjunction with another chipmunk abatement strategy, like a repellent. Chipmunks can sometimes find their way through the netting, so spraying it with a homemade repellent can help the chances of keeping them out.

Automatic Sprinklers

Chipmunks, like most animals, do not like to be spray with water without notice. By installing an automatic sprinkler system with motion detection technology, you can give nuisance chipmunks quite the unwanted surprise every time they trespass onto your garden areas. You might also consider placing a tape recording of a barking dog or children playing to trick them into thinking there are threats nearby. This is a good overnight strategy for garden protection.

Are you still having trouble with nuisance chipmunks no matter what you do? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for safe and affordable chipmunk removal in Nashville, Tennessee. We also provide squirrel removal and flying squirrel removal.

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