From burrowing under patios to uprooting garden beds, chipmunks can wreak havoc in both residential and commercial settings. Understanding their behavior and using the right control strategies are key to preventing costly damage and maintaining client satisfaction. 

Understanding Chipmunk Behavior

The most encountered chipmunk species in North America is the Eastern chipmunk, known for its distinctive stripes and cheek pouches. These rodents are frequently found in suburban yards, commercial landscapes, parks and wooded areas near human development.

Chipmunks are burrowing animals. They dig elaborate tunnel systems, often under porches, sidewalks, retaining walls and garden beds. These nests typically include multiple chambers used for storing food, nesting and hibernation. Their activity peaks in spring and fall, as they gather food for winter and seek safe nesting spaces.

Telltale signs of chipmunk activity include small, one- to two-inch-wide burrow entrances near structures or plants, uprooted flowers or vegetables, piles of discarded seed shells and sudden dips in soil caused by tunneling. 

Risks and Damages

Despite their small size, chipmunks can create large problems. Their burrowing can undermine patios, sidewalks, stairs and even home foundations, leading to structural instability over time. In gardens, they dig up bulbs, eat seeds and damage young plants, causing frustration for homeowners and property managers alike. 

Chipmunks are potential carriers of ticks and other parasites that may spread diseases such as Lyme disease. While the risk is generally low, it’s another factor to consider when assessing the impact of an infestation.
Inspection and Identification

A successful chipmunk management plan starts with a thorough inspection. Pest control professionals should examine areas near foundations, decks, rock walls and dense shrubbery – prime locations for chipmunk burrows.

Burrow openings are typically round, about two inches wide and often found near a pile of excavated soil. Unlike mole hills, chipmunk burrows lack mounded soil at the entrance, making them easy to overlook. Listen for chattering sounds and watch for quick darting movements in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. 

Control and Removal Methods

Once activity is confirmed, professionals can choose from several control strategies:

Trapping:

Live cage traps for relocation or snap traps baited with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or oats are effective options. Live trapping allows you to capture chipmunks without harm and release them away from your property, while snap traps provide a more immediate solution for severe infestations. Place traps in areas with high activity, such as near burrow entrances or along travel paths, and check them frequently.

Recommended Products:

• Victor Tin Cat Multi-Catch Mouse Trap with Solid Lid is a live-catch trap that is easy to use and requires no setting.
• T-Rex Plastic Rat Snap Trap gives superior trapping power for chemical-free accounts or special situations.

Repellents: 

Recommended Products:

• Bobbex-R Animal Repellent is a concentrated formula for maximum coverage and cost-effectiveness.
• Messina's Squirrel Stopper Liquid Animal Repellent is the key to keeping squirrels and chipmunks at bay from your garden, home, and structures.

Exclusion and Habitat Modification:

• Seal off entry points to crawl spaces, sheds and porches. Use gravel or wire mesh to block burrow entrances and remove brush piles or bird feeders that attract chipmunks. 

Client Communication and Education

Clear communication with clients is essential. Educate them on chipmunk behavior, the importance of timely intervention and realistic expectations for control. Provide simple maintenance tips such as:

• Removing food sources like birdseed and pet food
• Keeping mulch and shrubbery trimmed away from foundations
• Inspecting property regularly for new burrows

Follow-up services such as seasonal inspections or long-term monitoring can reinforce your expertise and keep infestations from returning. 

Effective chipmunk management requires a combination of knowledge, inspection, prevention and control. By following the strategies outlined above, you can ensure successful outcomes and satisfied clients.

Partnering with SiteOne ensures you have access to the right products, resources and expert support to handle chipmunk issues with confidence. Equip yourself and your clients with the knowledge and tools needed for long-term prevention and satisfaction by visiting your local SiteOne branch or shopping online at SiteOne.com.