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Rodents & Shrews · Pest guide

Chipmunks control

Burrows under patios, steps and retaining walls.

When to call a pro

Chipmunks at a glance

Scientific name
Tamias striatus (eastern chipmunk)
Size
5 to 6 inches body, plus tail (13–15 cm)
Appearance
Small, striped face and back, tail held upright
Where found
Under patios, steps, retaining walls, garden beds
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageModerate
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When chipmunks are active Peak: Apr–Sep
  1. Jan Rare
  2. Feb Low
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Active
  7. Jul Active
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Low
  12. Dec Rare

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Clean 2-inch burrow openings with no soil mound
  • Dug-up bulbs and eaten seeds
  • Sinking pavers or loose steps

Call a professional when

  • Burrows undermining foundations or retaining walls
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Use gravel or L-shaped wire mesh along foundations
  • Keep bird seed off the ground
  • Plant bulbs in wire cages

Our chipmunks guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep chipmunks out

  1. Use gravel or L-shaped wire mesh along foundations
  2. Keep bird seed off the ground
  3. Plant bulbs in wire cages

Often confused or found together

All rodents & shrews
Squirrels Squirrels in the attic, the walls and the bird feeder. Voles Surface runways across the lawn and girdled tree bark. Moles Raised ridges and volcano mounds: why moles are there and what actually works.