Serving Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky

Chipmunk

Chipmunks are often mistaken for squirrels. And just like squirrels they can cause damage to homes and workplaces if allowed to multiply and go unchecked. Don’t let the cuteness fool ya. Before long they will take over your bird feeders, chew on electric, cable, and air conditioner lines. Chipmunks burrow into the ground which can lead to water damage to driveways, patio slabs, and even foundation walls. One misplaced step in a burrow hole can also cause injuries to humans and pets. They consume plants, flower bulbs, seeds or seedlings, and bird seed, grass seed and pet food that is not stored in rodent-proof storage containers. Chipmunks have been known to cause flea problems by bringing them to or attracting them to the area. Snakes are attracted to chipmunks and having large populations of chipmunks in the area can lead to snake issues.

Chipmunks are generally solitary except during courtship or when rearing young.

The home range may be up to 1/2 acre (0.2 ha), but the adult only defends a territory about 50 feet (15.2 m) around the burrow entrance.

Chipmunks are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Chipmunks enter a restless hibernation as winter approaches and are relatively inactive from late fall through winter. They do not enter a deep hibernation but rely on the stash of food they have brought to their burrow. Some become active on warm, sunny days during the winter and most chipmunks emerge from hibernation in early March.

Eastern Chipmunks mate two times a year, during early spring and again during the summer or early fall. There is a 31-day gestation period, and two to five young are born in April–May and again in August–October. The young are sexually mature within 1 year. Adults may live up to 3 years.

Least Chipmunks mate over a period of four to six weeks from April to mid-July. A litter of two to seven pups are born in May or June. A second litter is occasionally produced in the fall. Pups appear above ground when they are four to six weeks old — 2/3 the size of an adult. Young will leave the burrow at six to eight weeks of age.

Common characteristics of Chipmunks in our area:

Eastern Chipmunk tan/brown, 2 tan 5 black stripes on back, 5 to 6” long, weigh 3 ounces

Adult Eastern Chipmunk

Least Chipmunk color varies but is usually yellowish grey, smallest member of chipmunk family, 3 2/3 to 4 1/2 inches long, weighs 1 to 2 ounces.

Adult Least Chipmunk

BugBusters has fixed prices to trap and remove Chipmunks:
$300.00 for one week
$200.00 for any additional weeks.
Prices subject to change without notice.