Home Wildlife ​ Chipmunks Diseases and Property Damage

Diseases and Property Damage

Chipmunks can seem harmless at first glance. But these animals can cause a multitude of problems if their population continues to grow on your property.

Can Chipmunks Damage My Property?

Chipmunk burrows can pose a major threat to any structures on your property. These burrows can be up to 30 feet long and several feet deep.
 
With a series of tunnel systems underground, these burrows can cause damage to decks, patios, sheds, and foundations. Burrows that create open spaces under structures may affect the integrity of the structure above it as the dirt settles over time. The larger the infestation, the more potential for extensive foundational damage.
 
Beyond their burrows, chipmunks themselves are known to chew wooden structures of all kinds. That includes any wooden item on your property. Chewing can leave tooth marks and scratches all over your property.

Do Chipmunks Carry Diseases?

Yes, chipmunks can carry diseases. The most common diseases chipmunks are most commonly known to spread include plague, salmonella, and hantavirus.

Plague is a bacterial infection that attacks the immune system. You can be infected with this bacteria via the bites of fleas carried by infected rodents.

Chipmunks spread salmonella the same way, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal discomfort and joint pain.

Finally, hantavirus affects the lungs. People contract hantavirus through close contact with rodent urine or feces. If left untreated, all three illnesses can result in death.

Do Chipmunks Bite?

Chipmunks are not known to be aggressive. In general, they will scurry away if they have the chance to bite you. But if the chipmunk feels threatened or trapped, then it may bite.
 
If not treated correctly, these wounds become infected and lead to tissue damage. Swelling, redness, oozing, and fever are symptoms of infection. The good news is that these pests rarely carry rabies, but it is still a possibility.
 
Another rare outcome from a chipmunk bite is tetanus. However, this is preventable through vaccination. If you are bit by a chipmunk, wash the bite with soap and water. You may need to visit a doctor if the wound gets infected.
 
In order to avoid this painful outcome, avoid picking up or attempting to pick up a chipmunk. Even if injured, a chipmunk can bite you. Instead, call in the help of professionals to remove the animal from your property.
 

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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