Chipmunks
Tamias striatus
Description
The chipmunk is truly a remarkable creature. Although very small in size
(only 3-4 inches in length and 3-4 ounces in weight, it can carry an enormous
amount of food in its mouth. One biologist counted no less than 13 prune pits in
one chipmunk’s mouth. This kind of storage capacity is necessary because the
chipmunk needs to be able to maintain its mobility while carrying food.
Otherwise it would be extremely vulnerable to its many predators. If you see a
hole in your yard about the size of a silver dollar that goes straight down, you
have discovered a chipmunk den. Often these types of dens will be found when the
chipmunk doesn’t have access to a stone wall.
Like many animals, chipmunks don’t hibernate in the winter time. The closest
they come to hibernation is what is technically called torpor. Topor is a state
of being where the animal slows its metabolism and respiration for short periods
of time. Hibernation, on the other hand, occurs when the animal’s metabolism
drops to an even lower state only to awaken the following Spring. Usually torpor
occurs during periods of extremely cold or harsh winter conditions. Then during
the winter thaws, the animal awakens and goes about its normal activities. In
the chipmunk’s case, this would consist of eating from the vast stores of food
gathered the previous summer. Chipmunks often collect and store more food than
they could possibly consume all winter. It is their tendency to store food that
makes poisoning chipmunks a bad idea, not to mention that it is also illegal.
For the chipmunk may simply store the poison rather than eat it.
If you can watch the chipmunk try to listen for the three distinct sounds
they can make. The first is a loud "chip" like in a robin’s song. This is the
one you will often hear when walking through the woods. It is the chipmunk alarm
sound, warning that a potential danger is near. The second is a "cuck-cuck" that
may be repeated for a few minutes. The third is a loud chip with "rrr" at the
end. These last two seem to be sounds used to defend a chipmunk’s territory from
other chipmunks.
Fortunately, homeowners can live harmoniously with chipmunks. For most
chipmunk damage occurs with gardens, where the chipmunk will dig up and eat
various bulbs. Despite these occasional irritations, the chipmunk is truly one
of the most enjoyed creatures in the eastern forest.
Habitat
If you have stone fences nearby or live near a mature wood lot,
chances are chipmunks are nearby. These adorable little rodents are commonly
found throughout the eastern half of the United States. Many of you may have
noticed that chipmunk populations were way up in 1995. This peak in their
population was obviously due to a moderate winter and excellent mast production
(acorn production) by various hardwoods. Always remember that animals are true
believers in supply side economics. Where there is a supply of food, the demand
will soon rise up to consume the supply.
Damage
Distinguishing
Marks
House
Damage
Typically chipmunks enter buildings through the following ways:
-
dryer vents, (we sell screens to prevent this click productsprevention.php)
- around the front stoop (look for holes where the arrows are pointing)
- up open vinyl siding corners (see hand photo)
- and through/under garage doors.
Before you seal these openings, cover them with newspaper to see
if they are active. If the newspaper remains undisturbed for a five days, (wait
longer in winter time) then you can close the hole as it is no longer being
used.
For equipment to seal these opennings click Sealants.
Landscape Damage
Chipmunks can damage flowers and bulbs in your garden. The easiest
solution is to trap the population down. One of the reasons why people have
these problems stems from their careless use of a bird feeder (or use of birdfeeder
by a neighbor). Food availability allows populations to rise as does harborage.
If you must try a non-lethal method to control chipmunks then fence your garden
with 1/4 inch mesh that extends at least 6 inches below the ground and then
over your plants (yes, chipmunks can climb).
Diseases and Getting Bitten by a Chipmunk
Normally chipmunks are not a potential threat for diseases (at
least that we are aware of at this time). However, according to the October
1999 issue of the Probe, newsletter of the National Animal Damage Control
Association p. 5., a twelve year old girl in Ohio was bitten by a chipmunk that
tested positive for the raccoon strain of rabies in April of 1999. So as we
have said elsewhere, Rabies , avoid
contact with wildlife.
Here is one letter to WDC
Mr. Vantassel,
A friend of mine was bitten by a Chipmunk that came into the kitchen of a private
home. My friend picked up the Chipmunk and it bit him on the hand and ran out
the door when he was dropped. The wound is superficial, however it did break
the skin. I have tried to get him to go to a doctor but he says he's OK. Is
he? I told him that it takes a few days or longer for symptoms to appear. Macho
man that he thinks he is, he still insists he is OK. Thank you for any advice
you can give me.
WDC replied
I can't tell you if your friend is okay. Depends on your state. Some states
have rabies some don't. Certainly chipmunks are not a major rabies vector species.
But even if rabies aren't a threat, and I am not saying it isn't, your friend
needs to consider the lock jaw infection. Have your friend consult a doctor
and the CDC.
Myths
Sorry, there is no plant that will drive away chipmunks. Remember, these animals
are free roaming mammals. If a plant bothers them they only need to walk past
it upwind. Don't bother with mothballs either. All the animal has to do is move
on by it. Think of it from the animal's perspective. The animal can either breath
some funny smelling stuff or freeze to death. However,
those of you who have chipmunks in your home the best control method is
to trap them. (We sell chipmunk traps and instruction on their capture
chipmunkbooklet.php).
We do not recommend relocation, especially in the winter time,
as this is not humane. If you decide to relocate, you should move the chipmunks
at least one mile away from your property. We do not recommend poison
because not only is it illegal in various states but it raises the risk of secondary
poisoning. Chipmunks store food. If you put out poison they may actually store
the poison for the winter rather than eat it. At some point in the future another
creature may come across this store of poison and get sick or killed by it. Mothballs
are also not recommended as the chipmunks will simply push it out of the way.
"Providing responsible and effective solutions to animal damage problems"
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Disclaimer: WDC seeks to provide accurate, effective and responsible information
on resolving human/wildlife conflicts. We welcome suggestions, criticisms to
help us achieve this goal. The information provided is for informational purposes
only and users of the information use it at their own risk. The reader must
consult state/federal officials to determine the legality of any technique in
the reader's locale. Some techniques are dangerous to the user and to others.
WDC encourages readers to obtain appropriate training (see our informational
literature at our Store ), and understand that proper animal damage
control involves patience, understanding that not every technique/method works
for every situation or even 100% of the time. Your use of this information is
governed by this understanding.
We welcome potential users of the information
and photos to simply ask for permission via e-mail. Finally, WDC welcomes
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7/13/06
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