Chipmunks Create $9,000 in Landscape Damage for Milford Family

It started with a tiny hole…

Then a few more. The bricks seemed a little loose, but it wasn’t until the walkway started caving in that Mary and Steve realized something was terribly wrong.

What they thought were a few harmless chipmunks scampering around the yard turned into a $9,000 repair bill—and weeks of headaches.

Mary and Steve’s Story: From Cute to Catastrophic

Mary and Steve, homeowners in Milford, had worked for years to perfect their front yard. They installed a charming brick walkway leading to the entrance of their home—classic red bricks set in a herringbone pattern over compacted gravel and soil. It was meant to last decades.

“I thought they were adorable,” Mary said. “We’d see them darting across the lawn or popping out from the bushes. We even joked about naming them.”

But under the surface, something more sinister was happening. The chipmunks weren’t just playing—they were digging. And they were dismantling the walkway from below.

Chipmunks are incredibly efficient burrowers. Their tunnel systems can be over 30 feet long, with multiple chambers and escape routes. In Mary and Steve’s case, the rodents dug directly beneath the walkway’s structural base. Over time, their relentless tunneling displaced the compacted gravel and earth supporting the bricks.

Over time, as the chipmunks excavated soil and gravel from beneath the bricks, the structural base that kept everything level and intact began to shift. Without support, the bricks collapsed. First, a corner of the walkway dipped. Then, several bricks came loose. Eventually, the entire section of the walkway had to be torn up and rebuilt—after the burrows were addressed.

“When we got the estimate for repairs, I couldn’t believe it,” Steve said. “It was over $9,000 just to fix what the chipmunks had done. And we hadn’t even gotten rid of the chipmunks yet.”

The worst part? The damage could have been prevented with a few precautions.

The Hidden Threat: How Chipmunks Damage Hardscapes

Chipmunks aren’t aggressive. They aren’t venomous or known to bite. In fact, many homeowners enjoy seeing them around. But beneath that innocent appearance is a rodent capable of causing thousands in damage—often in areas you least expect.

Here’s how it happens:

1. Burrowing Under Foundations

Chipmunks prefer to dig near structures, as they provide shelter and protection from predators. They often target:

• Patios

• Sidewalks

• Retaining walls

• Steps and porches

These areas are often supported by compacted soil and gravel. As chipmunks tunnel underneath, they remove and displace these materials, creating air pockets that weaken the structure’s base.

2. Water Intrusion and Erosion

Once a burrow exists under a hardscape, water can follow. Rain seeps into the tunnels, accelerating erosion and causing further displacement of the support materials. This leads to uneven settling, cracking, and eventual collapse.

3. Secondary Rodent Infestations

Chipmunk tunnels don’t go unnoticed. Their burrows attract other small animals, including mice, voles, and even rats. Once established, these rodent colonies can create extensive networks under your property.

4. Damage to Utilities and Landscape Lighting

In some cases, chipmunks have been known to damage underground wires, drip irrigation lines, and landscape lighting systems as they expand their tunnels. They may even nest in utility boxes or junctions.

Real Stories from the Field

Mary and Steve aren’t alone. At Huntsman Wildlife, we’ve seen cases where chipmunks caused:

• Drainage issues due to burrow-induced water pooling

• Damage to paver edging and garden walls

• Cracks in concrete steps from undermined footings

One homeowner in Indian Hill lost a section of their backyard retaining wall after chipmunks burrowed beneath it over a single summer. “The wall just started leaning,” the homeowner said. “We thought it was shifting naturally—until we saw the tunnel network behind it.”

The takeaway? These animals may be small, but the scale of destruction they cause is anything but.

How Huntsman Wildlife Services Can Help

At Huntsman Wildlife, we know exactly how chipmunks operate—and how to stop them before they wreak havoc on your property. Whether you’re already dealing with hardscape damage or you want to take proactive steps to prevent it, we offer a range of services designed to protect your landscaping investment.

1. Rodent Control

Our professional team efficiently and ethically removes chipmunks and other small rodents from your property. We use targeted trapping methods that comply with state and local regulations without the use of dangerous poisons and toxicants.

2. Geomesh Installation

To keep chipmunks and burrowing rodents out of critical areas, we install specially designed geomesh barriers along walkways, patios, and retaining walls. This creates a protective barrier that rodents cannot penetrate, helping to preserve the stability of your hardscaping for years to come.

3. Brush and Habitat Management

Rodents thrive in overgrown or cluttered environments. Our brush removal and habitat management services reduce hiding spots and food sources around your yard. This not only deters chipmunks but also improves overall yard aesthetics and reduces other wildlife harborages like skunks and snakes.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

We don’t just solve the problem once—we help you keep it from coming back. With scheduled inspections and maintenance plans, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is being monitored by wildlife professionals.

Don’t Let a Chipmunk Cost You Thousand

Mary and Steve learned the hard way that even cute animals can do big damage. You don’t need to wait until bricks are collapsing or your walkway is unsafe.

Take action today to protect your hardscape—and your wallet.

With a quick consultation, our team can identify at-risk areas, begin trapping and removal, and install preventive measures that protect your property long-term.

Why Huntsman Wildlife?

We’re not just wildlife control—we’re property protection experts.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Licensed and insured wildlife professionals

• Specialized equipment for hardscape protection

• Environmentally responsible practices

• Fast, local response teams

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Milford and surrounding areas reclaim their landscapes from damaging wildlife—before it’s too late.

Your brick walkway, your patio, your retaining wall—they’re all investments in your home’s beauty and value. Don’t let them fall victim to wildlife damage.

Click the link below to schedule your FREE consultation with Huntsman Wildlife.

You’ll get:

• A full property assessment

• An action plan tailored to your yard

• Peace of mind that your investment is protected

*Written by Jake Allen (Client Acquisition Specialist/Huntsman Wildlife)