A chipmunk in the walls usually means it entered through a foundation gap, and the fix is trapping it out and sealing the opening. Chipmunks rarely nest in walls, so the job is removal plus a quick check for entry points. Here is what to do.
- A chipmunk in the walls usually wandered in.
- Trap it out with a small live trap.
- Seal foundation gaps so it cannot return.
- Do not poison, since it can die in the wall.
Confirm It Is a Chipmunk
Chipmunks are active during the day, so you hear light scratching and scurrying in the walls during daylight. Mice are active at night, and squirrels are louder and heavier. For more, see Chipmunk in the House: What to Do.
Trap It Out
Set a small live trap baited with peanut butter or seeds near where you hear the chipmunk, or near the foundation gap it used. Chipmunks rarely nest in walls, so one trap is usually enough.
Find and Seal the Entry Point
Check the foundation, sill plate, and where pipes and utilities enter. Chipmunks squeeze through small gaps, so seal every opening with mesh or caulk.
Avoid Poison
A poisoned chipmunk can die in the wall and create an odor problem. Trapping is the cleaner fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Set a small live trap baited with peanut butter near the entry point, then seal the foundation gap. For more, see Chipmunk Removal Cost: What to Expect.
Rarely. Chipmunks prefer to burrow outdoors, so a chipmunk in the walls usually wandered in through a gap.
Light scratching and scurrying during the day. Chipmunks are diurnal, unlike nocturnal mice.
Through gaps in the foundation, sill plate, and pipe entries. Sealing those gaps keeps them out.
