Chipmunks are small, striped rodents that may appear cute and harmless, but they can quickly become a nuisance when they invade your garden, yard, or home. Known for their burrowing habits, chipmunks can cause significant damage to your property by digging up flower beds, creating tunnels under sidewalks, and even chewing through wiring. If you’re dealing with a chipmunk infestation, it’s important to address the problem promptly and effectively.
In this article, we will explore various methods for getting rid of chipmunks, ranging from humane traps to deterrents and exclusion techniques. We’ll also cover preventive measures to keep chipmunks from returning in the future.
Understanding Chipmunk Behavior
Before diving into the methods for getting rid of chipmunks, it’s helpful to understand their behavior. Chipmunks are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. They are excellent climbers and burrowers, with their tunnels often extending 20 to 30 feet underground. These tunnels provide shelter and a place to store food, but they can also weaken structures and damage landscaping.
Chipmunks are attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as gardens with seeds, nuts, fruits, and bird feeders. Understanding these habits will help you choose the most effective methods for controlling and eliminating chipmunks from your property.
Signs of a Chipmunk Infestation
Identifying a chipmunk infestation early can prevent extensive damage. Common signs include:
- Holes in the ground: Chipmunks dig small, round holes about 2 inches in diameter. These holes are usually clean with no dirt mound around them.
- Damaged plants: Chipmunks may dig up bulbs, seeds, or roots in your garden.
- Gnawed structures: Chipmunks can chew on wood, wiring, and other materials around your home.
- Chipmunk sightings: Frequent chipmunk sightings, especially near your home or garden, indicate an infestation.
Effective Methods to Get Rid of Chipmunks
There are several methods to control and eliminate chipmunks, ranging from humane traps to deterrents. Here’s how to tackle the problem effectively:
1. Trapping
Trapping is one of the most effective ways to remove chipmunks from your property. There are two main types of traps: live traps and snap traps.
- Live Traps: These humane traps capture chipmunks without harming them. Once caught, you can release the chipmunks far from your home. To use a live trap:
- Choose a small live trap designed for rodents.
- Bait the trap with food that chipmunks love, such as sunflower seeds, peanut butter, or nuts.
- Place the trap near chipmunk activity, such as along pathways or near burrow entrances.
- Check the trap regularly, and once a chipmunk is caught, relocate it at least 5 miles away from your property to prevent it from returning.
- Snap Traps: These traps kill the chipmunk instantly. They are effective but less humane. If using snap traps:
- Place the trap in areas where chipmunks are active.
- Bait the trap with peanut butter or seeds.
- Handle the traps carefully and wear gloves to avoid contact with the rodent.
2. Using Repellents
Repellents can deter chipmunks from entering your yard or garden. Both natural and chemical repellents are available.
- Natural Repellents: Homemade solutions like garlic, hot pepper, or predator urine (fox or coyote) can keep chipmunks away. You can create a spray by mixing water with crushed garlic or hot pepper flakes and applying it around plants and burrow entrances.
- Commercial Repellents: There are many commercial repellents available, including granules and sprays. These products often contain ingredients like castor oil, which chipmunks dislike. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying these repellents, and reapply after rain.
3. Exclusion Techniques
Exclusion involves blocking chipmunks from accessing areas where they can cause damage. This method is preventive and can be combined with other strategies.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and roof for gaps or holes that chipmunks could use to enter. Use caulk, steel wool, or hardware cloth to seal any openings.
- Install Barriers: Use hardware cloth or mesh to cover areas where chipmunks might dig, such as flower beds, gardens, or beneath decks. Bury the material at least 6 inches deep to prevent them from burrowing underneath.
- Protect Bulbs and Plants: If chipmunks are digging up your garden, protect vulnerable plants by placing mesh or wire over the soil. You can also plant bulbs that chipmunks dislike, such as daffodils or alliums.
4. Modifying the Environment
Making your yard less attractive to chipmunks can help prevent infestations. Here are some tips:
- Remove Food Sources: Chipmunks are drawn to food, so keep your yard free of fallen fruits, nuts, and birdseed. Consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders to limit their access to food.
- Trim Vegetation: Chipmunks use shrubs, bushes, and tall grass for cover. Keeping your yard well-maintained and trimming back vegetation will make it less appealing to them.
- Reduce Water Sources: Chipmunks need water to survive. Removing water sources, such as birdbaths or leaky hoses, can discourage them from staying in your yard.
5. Hiring a Professional
If the infestation is severe or if you prefer not to handle the problem yourself, hiring a pest control professional is a good option. Professionals can assess the situation, implement effective control measures, and provide long-term solutions to keep chipmunks away.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve removed chipmunks from your property, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from returning:
- Maintain Your Property: Regularly inspect your home and yard for signs of chipmunks. Keep vegetation trimmed, clean up food sources, and seal any potential entry points.
- Use Repellents Regularly: Even after the chipmunks are gone, continue using repellents around your property to deter new ones from moving in.
- Monitor Bird Feeders: Bird feeders are a common attractant for chipmunks. Use squirrel-proof feeders and clean up any spilled seed.
- Plant Resistant Vegetation: Incorporate plants that chipmunks find unappealing, such as daffodils, into your garden.
Conclusion
Getting rid of chipmunks requires a combination of strategies, from trapping and exclusion to environmental modification and repellents. By understanding their behavior and taking proactive measures, you can effectively eliminate chipmunks from your property and prevent them from causing further damage. Whether you choose to handle the issue yourself or hire a professional, addressing a chipmunk infestation early will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.