fbpx

3 Most Reliable Ways To Identify Chipmunk Droppings

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

Chipmunks are adorable creatures that we see once in a while in our yard. But if you see chipmunk droppings around your house lately, then you might be under the threat of an infestation. 

Let us find out what does chipmunk poop look like and how to identify chipmunk droppings.

What Does a Chipmunk Look Like?

Chipmunks are tiny species of ground squirrel that can be found throughout North America. They are easily identifiable by their characteristic stripes and bushy tails.

Chipmunks live in burrows, which they dig themselves, and eat a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects.

chipmunk droppings

They are a common sight in yards and gardens, where they often feed on birdseed or other food sources. Chipmunks typically only grow to five or six inches long and weigh about three ounces.

In addition to the white stripes on their head and back, chipmunks have black and white lines running down through the length of their backs. Their small, pointy heads also distinguish them.

Though it might be hard to identify the small creature that flashes across your yard, there are certain ways to tell if you have chipmunks. First and foremost, they typically stand on their hind legs to feed, which will give you a good view of their characteristic stripes.

Additionally, their droppings resemble those of a small bird and will be about 1/4 inch in diameter.

Chipmunks do not poop – Myth Buster.

Squirrels are members of the family Sciuridae, a family that includes small or medium-size rodents. The squirrel family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, flying squirrels, and prairie dogs amongst other rodents.natural habitats,

The most generally held misconception about chipmunks is that they do not defecate. Most people believe that since they haven’t witnessed them pooping or saw their droppings in your yard.

However, this is a misconception, as chipmunks do poop. It’s just that you don’t get to see it very often. If you’ve ever seen a chipmunk, you’re probably aware of how susceptible they are to predators.

These small animals have no protection against larger predators, and the only way to keep them safe is to stay out of sight.

As a result, chipmunks develop specific excrement chambers inside their burrows; they don’t defecate anyplace else but in this latrine location.

Similarly, chipmunks who live in nests rather than burrows tend to pick a latrine spot that is far from where they depart. This is done to guarantee that no predators detect the chipmunk’s existence by the aroma of their feces.

What do chipmunk droppings look like?

Chipmunk droppings are very similar in shape and size to rat droppings. They will be about the same color as well, so if you see any rodent droppings, it is likely from a chipmunk.

chipmunk poop pictures
chipmunk poop pictures

However, chipmunk droppings are easy to identify because they are shaped like pellets and measure less than one centimeter long. They have pointy ends and are typically black or dark brown in color.

Chipmunk droppings are so small that they resemble the shape of a rice grain. They are typically black or brown in color and have a wet, shiny surface.

Difference Between Rat and Chipmunk Droppings

In this outdoor close-up image with copy space, an Asian/Indian chipmunk/squirrel eats peanut left for animals and birds on the fencing wall of a house by people.

Chipmunk and rat droppings can look very similar, but there are a few key differences. Chipmunk droppings are typically larger in size and have a smoother texture than rat droppings.

Additionally, chipmunk droppings will often contain seeds and other small bits of food, while rat droppings will not.

Chipmunk droppings look different from rat droppings. Rat droppings are larger and have a distinctive smell. Chipmunk droppings are smaller and do not have a distinctive smell.

Chipmunk droppings have a smooth surface. They may also be slightly lighter in color than rat droppings. However, the most reliable way to identify chipmunk feces is by their size and shape.

Let us take a look at the various ways in which we can differentiate the droppings of these two animals.

Size and Shape

It might appear that the rat’s and chipmunk’s feces are the same size. However, a closer examination reveals that chipmunk feces is smaller than rat poop.

A rat’s feces is considered to be 3/4th of an inch in size, whereas a chipmunk’s poop is just 3/8th of an inch.

Another significant distinction between the two is their form. Chipmunk excrement has the form of a rice grain due to its tiny size and thickness. Rat dung, on the other hand, is larger and oblong in form.

Colour

Another good method for distinguishing chipmunk poop from mouse feces is to look at the color of the waste. Chipmunks and mice are both omnivorous creatures. However, chipmunks appear to eat more fruits and nuts. As a result, chipmunks tend to have paler feces.

Rats, on the other hand, are more opportunistic hunters. Rats have been observed eating anything from microscopic insects to plant roots, vegetables, and trash.

Their feces is a dark brown. It’s worth noting that rat poop isn’t as dark as it appears. It’s only that the feces is so dark that it seems black.

Distribution

Beautiful squirrel eats pine nuts.

You don’t always get to view a chipmunk’s excrement. Chipmunks like to remain stealthy since they are practically defenseless against predators.

Chipmunks have unique toilet sites inside their burrows where they defecate the majority of the time. They seldom come out of their burrows to defecate. Even if they had to defecate outside, they would do it in a secure larine location.

This is not the case with rats, which, unlike chipmunks, are not as discreet when it comes to pooping. Rats urinate wherever they are, and they will even defecate while moving around.

In most situations, rat excrement may be seen dispersed or spread out along the path it takes, much like a trail.

Is it possible to know the extent of infestation from the poop?

Chipmunk droppings can give you a good indication of the level of chipmunk infestation in your area. By analyzing the size, shape, and color of the droppings, you can get an idea of how many chipmunks are present.

You can also look out for certain other signs of chipmunk activity, such as burrows or damage to property.

If you find fresh poop regularly in a specific area, the chances are that there is a chipmunk nest somewhere around. The shape and size of the droppings can also give you an indication of how severe the infestation is.

If you find a heap of fresh and dry poop, it is likely the latrine site of a chipmunk family.

Is chipmunk poop dangerous?

Chipmunk excrement, like other omnivore and carnivore waste, is hazardous. Chipmunk scat is likely to include lethal infections and viruses due to its omnivorous diet and sometimes scavenging.

Humans seldom come into contact with chipmunk turds because they do not defecate in the open. However, if you have pet buddies at home, you must exercise extra caution. Chipmunk feces poses a high risk of illness transmission to your pet.

These are some of the most prevalent illnesses that may be caught through chipmunk dung.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is a bacterial ailment caused by Salmonella germs, which are typically found in chipmunk turds. Though not lethal, salmonellosis symptoms and afflictions can continue for over seven days.

Diarrhea, fever, stomach pains, and vomiting are common symptoms. The illness is transferred by direct contact with chipmunk poop-contaminated food or drink.

Leptospirosis

Another bacterial illness that may be caught from chipmunk feces is leptospirosis. Because the virus is mostly spread through the air, the odds of developing leptospirosis are slim.

Inhaling airborne dust from disintegrated chipmunk excrement is the most common way to contract it.

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a highly infectious viral illness spread by breathing virus particles through rat urine, droppings, or saliva.

As previously stated, the odds of catching infections are quite low owing to the chipmunk’s discreet style of pooping.

How to safely remove chipmunk poop?

Chipmunk droppings can be a health hazard if they are found in large numbers. They should be cleared off if they are found in a major latrine site.

In order to get rid of them safely, it is best to burn them. Chipmunks are known to carry fleas and other parasites, so it is important that you take the necessary precautions when dealing with their droppings.

Disinfectants should be sprayed after the chipmunk poop is cleared to kill any lingering bacteria.

How to get rid of chipmunks?

Baby squirrel editable stock photo

Chipmunks can be difficult to get rid of because you may not know their presence until it’s too late. They are small and fast, so they can be hard to spot. However, there are certain things you can do to try and get rid of them.

One is to try and block their entrance points into your home or property. You can also use traps or repellents to try and get rid of them.

Another way is to place a Havahart trap near their entry point and release them far away from your home. You can also use deterrents such as ammonia or pepper spray to keep them away.

However, before taking any steps, it is important to remember that every organism on this planet has the right to live. If possible, try to relocate the chipmunks instead of killing them.

If relocation is not an option or if the chipmunks are causing significant damage, then there are various methods you can use to eliminate them.

Let us take a look at some of these methods.

Plan ahead

Chipmunks can be a real nuisance, especially when they start to invade your home or property. While there are various ways to eliminate them, prevention is always better than cure.

There are certain things you can undertake to make your home less appealing to chipmunks and help keep them away.

There are some ways in which it can be done to deter chipmunks from infesting your property, but ultimately the best way to deal with them is to plan ahead and take preventative measures before they become a problem.

There are some things you can do to help prevent chipmunks from taking up residence on your property.

Trim your plants and bushes, so they are not as inviting, place L shape footers along the foundation of your house, and remove wood or rock piles that provide cover for chipmunks.

Use repellents

Chipmunks can be pesky creatures to deal with and can cause a lot of damage, especially if they are in large numbers.

There are various repellents that can be used to keep them away, including both chemical and natural options. It is important to find the right repellent for your specific needs and situation.

Some repellents can be made at home using ingredients found around the house, such as peppermint oil, garlic, or cayenne pepper.

However, it is essential to note that not all repellents work for all animals, so make sure to do your research before trying any homemade remedies.

Trapping and releasing

Chipmunks can be a nuisance and often cause damage to property. Trapping and releasing them can be the best solution to controlling them from your property.

Make sure you release them far away from your home and check local laws before trapping any chipmunks.

There are various ways to eliminate them, but the most humane way is to trap them and release them to a far-off place.

Make sure you use a trap that will not hurt or injure the chipmunk and always resort to humane methods.

Before doing so, it is important to be aware of the laws in your area concerning trapping and releasing chipmunks. There may be certain types of restrictions on how many you can trap or what type of traps you can use.

How do you control a chipmunk infestation?

Chipmunks can be a nuisance, as they love to invade homes and gardens. They are also fast workers, so blocking their travel routes is one way to get rid of them. You can also try repelling them with scents or loud noises.

They can also cause damage to crops. There are various ways to deter them, including fencing and wiring your property, as well as trapping or baiting them.

They can get inside through small cracks and holes, and once they’re in, it can be difficult to get them out. If you’re concerned about them coming in, remember to constantly close your doors, seal any breaches around your property, and place screens on your doors and windows.

You can also try using deterrents like ammonia or peppermint oil. If all else fails, you may need to call a professional pest control company to help you get rid of the chipmunks.

Summary

Chipmunk droppings are small and dark. They are typically as big as a raisin and have a smooth surface. One way to identify chipmunk feces is by the animal that deposited them.

They can be cute little creatures, but when they start to leave their droppings all over your property, it becomes an annoyance.

Not only is the sight of chipmunk feces unsightly, but it can also lead to infestation and damage. If you ever come across such an issue, make sure to handle it properly to prevent any further issues.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.