How do chipmunks typically cause damage?

Chipmunks primarily cause damage by burrowing under structures and consuming plants. This behavior can result in significant structural issues, as their burrowing can undermine foundations, porches, and other constructions, leading to potential costly repairs. Additionally, their diet mainly consists of seeds, nuts, and fruits, and when chipmunks target garden and yard plants, they can cause considerable damage to landscaping and gardens. This makes their tendency to dig and consume plant material particularly problematic for homeowners and gardeners.

While nesting in attics may not be a typical behavior associated with chipmunks, they tend to prefer outdoor habitats. Stealing birdseed from feeders and digging up lawns can occur, but these actions do not typically result in the same level of structural damage or the destruction of plants that burrowing does. Thus, the primary concern with chipmunks in relation to property damage centers around their burrowing habits and their impact on plants.