The chipmunk AKA “Ground Squirrel” is reddish brown with black and white stripes running down their back.  The chipmunk is 5”-6” long with a tail that’s 3”-4” long and weighs about 3 oz.  Chipmunks use their pouched cheeks to store and carry food to their burrows.  Chipmunks are active during the daytime.  Chipmunks become less active in the winter months and remain mostly underground.  Chipmunks may be seen outside on sunny winter days.

HABITAT / DIET

The chipmunk prefers to live in a deciduous forest or bushy area, but when in our yards chipmunks are known to burrow under porches, sidewalks, and in mulch beds. Chipmunks can be very destructive to retaining walls if they are living or burrowing in them.  Leafy ground cover is a great location to conceal their holes.  The chipmunk constructs a shallow burrow in the ground that they dig and carrying dirt away in their cheek pouches. These burrows and tunnels may have several different entrances and exits.

Chipmunks are omnivores.  Chipmunks feed on seeds, fruits, nuts, grains, bird eggs, immature birds, insects, bulbs and roots to small shrubs.

BREEDING

The male chipmunks emerge first after winter, then 1-2 weeks later the females become active.  Chipmunk mating season can now begin.  Several males may compete for 1 female and will also mate with multiple females.  Chipmunks breed two times a year; February – April and again June – August.  Gestation period is approximately 31 days.  Chipmunks litters sizes range from 2-5 young per litter.  Young chipmunks do not appear above ground until 6 weeks of age.

DISEASE

The chipmunk may carry fleas and ticks.  The chipmunk is a common host of the deer tick which is known for spreading Lyme disease.

CONTROL

The only known effective method is to trap and remove problem chipmunks.  After animal removal services are complete, fill in voids at the dens.  Chipmunks generally don’t leave on their own and noise or odor deterrents have little or no lasting effect.  Continued yard management is a must, chipmunks are rarely a one-time occurrence, as neighboring chipmunks may take over vacated chipmunk burrows.  As the ASAP Critter People say…If you want to get rid of your chipmunk problem…you have to get rid of the problem chipmunk.  Our professionally trained technicians will evaluate your critter issue and determine the best method of removal to safely and humanely remove your problem critter.  For prompt, professional, and courteous service, call family owned and operated ASAP Critter People at 513-941-0258 today!  THE LEADER OF THE PACK!