Why Are Chipmunks a Problem?
They’re more a nuisance than a crisis, but the biggest issue homeowners face is their propensity to engineer a system of tunnels under walkways, stairs, patios and foundations.
Critter Control says chipmunk burrows can cause issues around your property and can sometimes be up to 30 feet long and several feet deep. The adorable animals are also known to chew wood, which can cause damage around your home.
Another common complaint: chipmunks dig through flower beds and uproot vegetable patches when foraging for food. Like squirrels, they can also steal bird seed from feeders.
Are Chipmunks Dangerous?
Chipmunks aren’t particularly aggressive. They elude predators with speed and agility, quickly darting and ducking into a hole or scaling up a tree.
Bites
If cornered, a chipmunk will defend itself by scratching or biting its way free. In the rare event that you do sustain a chipmunk bite, immediately clean the wound thoroughly, then apply an antibiotic cream and bandage. If the area shows signs of infection, seek medical attention right away.
Disease
Chipmunks aren’t considered high risk for spreading infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified certain viruses and bacteria known to be carried by chipmunks, including Colorado Tick Fever and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fortunately, chipmunks have not been known to transmit rabies to humans. Warning: Do not attempt to hand-feed a chipmunk. If you do, you’re just asking for trouble.
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