Obviously building the original structure on dirt wasn’t the brightest idea, but it has been there for a very long time. I pretty much wrote off the demise of this structure to rotting wood sills in dirt, which I’ve come to realize is only partially correct.
While removing the old wood floor I encountered a maze of endless critter tunnels and several pockets filled with shredded plastic, paper and nut shells. My tenant had commented in the past that she’s always seeing chipmunks coming and going from the shed. I didn’t think much of it since heck they’re only cute little chipmunks.
I’ve pretty much raked the whole garage covering the holes and visible tunnels. The soil under the floor is much looser, stone free, and easier to dig in than the soil outside. The dirt piles that were growing on top of the floor were more what I’m used to = heavy with lots of rocks. Though I’ve never seen a chipmunk move small stones, I’m not convinced that this isn’t part of their behavior.
While unloading the 3/4 stone I notice 2 new holes directly next to one of the uneven cement support blocks placed by a previous owner. Now I understand why all the cement blocks are very crooked. Sure some of it may be that they’re sinking into the old rotting sill beam, but the chipmunk burrows certainly aren't helping.
At the moment I’m being haunted by the ridiculous comment I just read on the
humane society (link) page on chipmunks:
“there are no documented cases of a chipmunk burrow causing structural damage.”
Looking forward to more.
