Not unlike many garden pests, the problem with chipmunks in your landscape is less about eating your plants, and more about that they are living under them!  Most Chipmunks live underground at least part of the year digging a complex system of tunnels and rooms.  The Eastern Chipmunk lives underground all year long. Left undisturbed within five (5) years their homes, a.k.a. dens, can be turned into palatial estates up to 30 feet long with several entrances and chambers!  This doesn't mean they won't stop to feast on some spring flowering bulbs during their adventures in and around your landscaping!

A chipmunk's territory will span less than a half acre and it is unusual for them to travel more than 75 yards from their den. Chipmunks are very territorial and while their defense is mostly vocal, they will defend the area around their burrows aggressively. If you have a chipmunk(s) in your yard you may recognize that familiar "chip, chip, chip" sound they make if you get too close! 

This small mammal is normally a loner, except during mating season, of course. Most chipmunks mate twice per year in early spring and summer.  They give birth after only 31 days to usually three (3) to five (5) babies.  These little guys are normally fully grown in three (3) months are ready to move out on their own.  Young chipmunks are ready to reproduce at about one (1) year after birth. 

Chipmunks are diurnal, or active during the day although you will see most activity during the cooler hours of the daytime. They are heavy foragers, carrying their food back to their dens in their famous cheek pouches.