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Chipmunk against a white background - Keep chipmunks away from your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Chipmunk

Actual Size: 4.5 to 7.3″ from head to the base of the tail.

Characteristics: Reddish-brown fur with a striped pattern along the back, consisting of alternating dark and light stripes

Habitat: Attracted to areas with heavy ground cover. Commonly dig unsightly burrows in lawns and flower beds in which they nest.

Habits:

  • Their cheek pouches can stretch to over three times the size of their head.
  • Known to store food in their burrows for winter use.
  • Causes damage to gardens and fruit trees by devouring their fruits and seeds.
  • Builds nests beneath homes, sometimes gaining access to living spaces.


Chipmunks in Central Arkansas

Chipmunks are small rodents, belonging to the squirrel family, that make their homes on the ground. They are renowned for their burrowing habits and love for nuts. Common throughout the United States, chipmunks frequently trouble homeowners. Chipmunks are equipped with stretching cheek pouches for food storage during foraging. Although less frequent houseguests compared to mice and rats, they will occasionally excavate beneath homes. Their destruction habits extend to gardens and fruit trees, where they nibble on strawberries, plums, apples, and other fruits, targeting both the flesh and seeds.

Chipmunk Habitat

Chipmunks prefer habitats abundant with ground cover, finding comfort in open deciduous forests and the outskirts of wooded areas. They are commonly found amidst logs, trees, stumps, shrubs, and rocks. Additionally, chipmunks inhabit bushy terrain and rocky landscapes, including walls adjacent to homes and other structures. In urban environments, they are notorious for digging up and consuming freshly planted garden seeds and flower bulbs. Their nesting activities often lead to the unsightly excavation of burrows in lawns and flower beds. On occasion, they may even seek refuge in elevated locations like attics.

Chipmunk Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although chipmunks are generally harmless to humans, they can cause disruptions in gardens and may occasionally enter households. The real concern arises when chipmunks dig burrows close to building foundations and beneath structures such as poured cement porches, patios, and walkways, leading to potentially costly damage. Moreover, chipmunks may establish nests beneath homes, gaining access to living spaces, basements, and crawl spaces through gaps and cracks. Their activities can result in structural harm to decks, patios, foundation walls, retaining walls, and concrete slabs. If you are having an issue with chipmunks, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.