Chipmunks harmless or should I be shooing them away?

[Momto2Boyz]

We have an abundance of chipmunks this year. We haven't see our resident owl this year, so we are wondering if something happened to him over the winter and he isn't here for chipmunk and bunny control!

I have a chipmunk that seems to have taken up residence somewhere close to my patio. There is a hole that he runs into right next to the patio. So, I see him constantly hanging out on the patio. Right now, he is usually munching on the helicopter seeds that have fallen out of the tree.

I guess I'm just wondering, if he is harmless or should I try to chase him away. So far, he hasn't bothered any of my plants, and he isn't too bold...he stays away from the kids (I just don't want the kids trying to feed him or anything and get bit...but they've been told to leave him be). So, I really don't mind having him around, since he's cute. I just want to make sure he isn't going to cause any damage to anything in my yard! I looked and lowe's has the stuff you put down to keep him away.

Can anyone think of any reasons that I'm not aware of, that I shouldn't have him living near my patio???

[ahmom]

Harmless.
The only hazard is stepping on their holes.

[frugalwarrior]

Harmless as long as they stay OUTSIDE! They came in winter before last. Munching and munching until I thought I would go crazy. Rolling acorns up and down the rafters in my ceiling. Still I thought it was cute UNTIL- they began eating the wiring!! We put up traps but they weren't interested. Luckily our neighbor next door declared war and caught 26. Yes,26. And we still see them in the yard. Get a cat or two.