Although chipmunks are native to woodlands, they thrive in suburbia. The Ohio State University Extension calls the eastern chipmunk "one of the most common wildlife nuisances."
Identification
The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is common to much of the U.S. They weigh about three ounces and are five or six inches long. Their most distinctive features are the black, brown and white stripes running lengthwise down their backs.
Effects
Chipmunks eat bulbs, fruits and young plants, but their most costly behavior is burrowing, which can cause structural damage to sidewalks, stairs or even foundations.
Misconceptions
Chipmunks do not chew wood, so they are not a hazard to trees, porch posts or walls; only their burrowing causes damage. The Oregon State University Extension considers at least one species--Tamias townsendii--to be beneficial to woodland ecosystems.
Considerations
If chipmunks have become a nuisance, contact your local agricultural extension agent. If burrows are extensive enough to damage your house, they are probably overpopulated for the habitat.
Prevention/Solution
Make your yard less inviting to chipmunks by moving bird feeders 15 to 30 feet from your house; chipmunks love to eat spilled birdseed. They prefer continuous cover, so do not plant shrubs or ground covers in a continuous line between your yard and nearby wild or overgrown areas.