Chipmunks may look cute and harmless, but when it comes to your home’s foundation, they can be surprisingly destructive. These small rodents are expert burrowers and love to dig near house foundations, patios, garages, and crawl spaces. Over time, their tunneling can lead to:
- Soil erosion
- Foundation instability
- Cracked concrete or walkways
- Pest infestations from other animals
Ignoring them could cost you thousands in repairs down the road. The good news? There are proven, humane ways to keep chipmunks away from your home’s foundation — and we’re diving into all of them below.
1. Understand Chipmunk Behavior and Burrowing Habits
Why Chipmunks Choose House Foundations
Chipmunks are drawn to house foundations for one reason: shelter. The area around your home provides warmth, protection from predators, and often a steady food source from nearby gardens or bird feeders. Foundations are ideal places to dig their extensive tunnel systems, which can run several feet underground.
What Damage Can They Cause
Though small, chipmunks can cause big issues over time:
- Weakening structural integrity by shifting soil
- Damaging underground wires or pipes
- Allowing water to pool near the foundation increases the risk of leaks and mold
Understanding their behavior is the first step toward effective prevention.
2. Seal Off Entry Points and Foundation Gaps
How to Inspect for Gaps and Cracks
Walk around your house and inspect the foundation closely. Look for:
- Gaps around pipes
- Cracks in the concrete
- Holes near the ground or under the siding
Chipmunks can squeeze through tiny openings — even ones as small as 1.5 inches.
What Materials Work Best to Seal Them
Use a combination of materials:
- Concrete caulk for small cracks
- Expandable foam around pipes and vents
- Steel wool or mesh to block burrow openings (they can’t chew through metal)
Make this a yearly habit — especially in early spring and fall when chipmunks are most active.
3. Remove Food Sources That Attract Chipmunks
Bird Feeders, Pet Food, and Gardens
Chipmunks love seeds, nuts, fruits, and grains. Common attractions around your yard include:
- Bird feeders with sunflower seeds
- Uncovered pet food bowls
- Fruit or vegetable gardens with low-hanging produce
- Compost piles with organic waste
How to Make Your Yard Less Inviting
To discourage chipmunks:
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders
- Harvest garden produce frequently
- Clean up fallen fruits and seeds
- Store pet food indoors
Less food means less reason for chipmunks to stick around.
4. Use Gravel Barriers Around Foundation
Why Gravel Deters Burrowing Rodents
Chipmunks prefer soft soil that’s easy to dig through. A thick gravel layer — especially around the base of your home — can make digging too difficult, discouraging them from starting a burrow.
Installation Tips
- Dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide around your foundation.
- Fill it with coarse gravel or crushed rock.
- Extend gravel zones under decks or porches if needed.
This is a passive but highly effective strategy.
5. Install Physical Barriers or Hardware Cloth
Using Mesh Around Crawl Spaces and Decks
If you have a crawl space, deck, or shed, these areas are prime real estate for chipmunks. Install hardware cloth (a type of wire mesh) to block off access points.
Protecting Foundation Vents and Openings
Install metal mesh over:
- Foundation vents
- Dryer vents
- Utility pipe entries
Make sure the mesh is galvanized and rust-resistant, and the holes are small enough to block rodents.
6. Apply Natural Repellents (Smells They Hate)
What Repels Chipmunks Naturally
Chipmunks are sensitive to certain scents, including:
- Peppermint oil
- Garlic
- Cayenne pepper
- Ammonia
- Used coffee grounds
Spray around the foundation, garden beds, and known burrow entrances. Reapply every few days or after rain.
7. Use Ultrasonic or Motion-Activated Devices
How They Work to Scare Chipmunks Away
Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that annoy chipmunks but are inaudible to humans. Motion-activated sprinklers startle them with sudden bursts of water, encouraging them to move on.
Best Placement Practices
- Place near chipmunk activity zones
- Aim toward garden edges, decks, or crawl spaces
- Check the battery or solar power source frequently
These tools are non-lethal and don’t require constant maintenance.
8. Maintain a Tidy Yard
Trim Shrubs, Remove Woodpiles
Chipmunks love cover. Overgrown bushes, woodpiles, and tall grass offer shelter. Keep your yard trimmed and clear of clutter to remove hiding spots.
Eliminate Nesting Areas
- Remove brush piles
- Store firewood away from the house
- Keep mulch to a minimum near foundation walls
A clean yard is a chipmunk-free yard.
9. Call Professional Wildlife Control (If Needed)
When DIY Isn’t Enough
If chipmunks have already tunneled near your foundation, or if damage is already visible, it’s time to bring in professionals. Wildlife control experts offer:
- Humane trapping and relocation
- Foundation assessments
- Burrow treatment and prevention
Humane Removal and Long-Term Prevention
Reputable services use non-lethal traps and offer full prevention plans. They can also install foundation mesh and trench barriers for long-term peace of mind.
Conclusion: Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late
Don’t let these tiny creatures turn your home into their burrow. While chipmunks may be cute, their habits can cause real damage if left unchecked. Thankfully, with a mix of smart landscaping, repellents, and physical barriers, you can prevent them from settling near your foundation.
Start with a foundation inspection today, and take proactive steps using these 9 proven methods to keep chipmunks far away from your property. Prevention is always cheaper than repairs.
