Chipmunks look cute but can be destructive inside and out

Anyone plagued by chipmunks would agree that the cute cartoonish Alvin, Simon and Theodore made great TV, but the real-life versions undermine walkways and threaten to chew your wiring.

While these rodents seem playful and often are a source of visual enjoyment, their presence can be quite dangerous. Their burrowing can cause damage, threatening your health and property.

The most common species in our area is the Eastern chipmunk. It is reddish-brown with five dark stripes along its back. Adults are about 8-10 inches in length. They weigh about 3 or 4 ounces.

They mate twice a year, early spring and summer or fall. They have two to five babies per litter and may live up to three years. Population densities can vary from two to 10 per acre.

Eating habits

They eat flower bulbs, seeds, seedlings and birdseed, along with grains, nuts, berries and insects. They are also known to nosh on worms, green plants and mushrooms.

Chipmunks are most active during early morning and late afternoon. They are relatively inactive from late fall through the winter months. They have a partially active hibernation, awakening to feed on stored caches.

They spend a lot of time in their burrows, of which there are two styles. The shallow ones are primarily for hiding during the day. Deep ones are used for winter refuge and evening sleep.

Another issue

Tree squirrels are also an issue. The most common species in our area include gray, red and flying squirrels. These rodents naturally live in trees, but will often gain access into a structure through vents, broken windows, knotholes and construction gaps under eaves and gables.

These openings into our structures allow them to nest in attics and garages. They can also gnaw their way inside on exterior walls and timbers. They have a known ability to destroy wooden shakes and shingles, with cedar being their preferred material.

Most squirrels have two litters each year, early spring and late summer. The number of young ranges between three and eight. They feed on nuts, seeds, buds, leaves, bulbs, bark, insects and fruit.

They are prime suspects in damaging trees, gardens and plants.

Protect your home

Preventing wildlife from gaining access to our homes is the key. They are opportunistic creatures, taking advantage of building or construction flaws. All areas leading into the structure must be identified and properly sealed.

Common points of entry are breaks in the roof line. These include dormers and ridge vents.

The four components of urban wildlife management include inspection and analysis, sanitation, exclusion and trapping or removal. An inspection will help determine what exactly is making all that racket in your attic or eating your flower bulbs.

Sanitation is often a fundamental cause. Poorly maintained bird feeders top the list, especially in early spring and late fall. Other sanitation considerations include sloppy firewood storage, heavy perimeter vegetation and overhanging trees, allowing ease of access.

Correcting these issues is basic maintenance. Once an inspection is performed, all entry points can be located and sealed. A variety of materials, from wood, metal, etc. will often be needed.

One-way rodent doors, allowing exit only, can be temporarily installed until the problem is corrected. These are available in many stores or online. Professional guidance or assistance may be required.

The last step, should it be required, would be trapping. Trap options include live catch or lethal ones.

Not all structures can easily be wildlife-proofed. Building elements, materials, quality of construction and overall condition are a few roadblocks to success.

Obstacles can include attached decks and porches with no access to the underside. In addition, crumbling foundations also offer a welcome mat for wildlife.