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How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Safe Fast

Chipmunks, while cute, can sometimes cause significant damage, making removal necessary. Fortunately, there are humane methods for dealing with chipmunks that do not involve poison.

Many repellents used to deter squirrels also work effectively on chipmunks. However, it’s advisable to try gentler, non-lethal solutions first, such as building physical barriers or using trap-and-release strategies.

Below are expert-recommended methods for managing chipmunk issues in a humane manner.

What Does a Chipmunk Look Like?

Chipmunk on a tree branch

Joel Koop / Getty Images

Chipmunks are small rodents, recognizable by their chubby cheeks and distinctive stripes. They are typically 5 to 6 inches long and weigh only a few ounces.

Their fur is brown with white stripes bordered by dark brown or black lines running from their heads down their backs.

These quick-moving animals can often be seen darting around with their short tails raised.

The Damage Chipmunks Can Cause

Chipmunks can create problems in gardens and yards by digging up plants and causing havoc at bird feeders.

One of the more serious issues they pose is their ability to dig deep burrows. Depending on the severity of the infestation, these burrows can compromise the foundation of your home, especially if they are dug under porches, sidewalks, or other structures.

Additionally, chipmunks are avid chewers. They can gnaw on wooden objects as well as electrical wires, potentially disrupting your electricity or internet connectivity.

Signs of a Chipmunk Infestation

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How To Get Rid Of Chipmunks Humanely

How To Get Rid Of Chipmunks Humanely
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There are several telltale signs that chipmunks have taken up residence around your home:

Outdoor Signs:

You may spot chipmunks in your yard, and you’ll likely see their tunnels. A chipmunk tunnel is about 2 to 3 inches wide and lies flush with the ground.

These burrows are often camouflaged without dirt mounds surrounding them, making them harder to spot.

Indoor Signs:

Though chipmunks prefer burrowing outdoors, they can find their way into your home through small openings in foundations, crawl spaces, or patios.

They can also enter from trees overhanging roofs, which can give them access to your attic.

While chipmunks rarely nest indoors, if you hear scratching noises, it is more likely a mouse or squirrel, as chipmunks usually burrow underground.

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks

Chipmunks can cause damage to gardens and yards through burrowing and digging. To prevent this, you can make changes to your yard and use natural deterrents. Here’s how:

Build Barriers

Experts, including the Humane Society of the United States, suggest making modifications to your outdoor space to prevent chipmunks from burrowing and damaging your property. Here are some effective methods:

L-Shaped Barriers: Bury L-shaped barriers made from 1/4-inch hardware cloth (or similar material) around the home’s foundation, sidewalks, porches, patios, decks, and retaining walls. This prevents chipmunks from burrowing near these structures.

Gravel Borders: Surround your home or yard with a plant-free gravel border to discourage chipmunks.

Protect Flower Bulbs: Plant flower bulbs beneath a layer of 1/4-inch hardware cloth or in bulb cages. Cover the cloth with soil to allow plants to sprout through the mesh, while keeping the bulbs protected.

Garden Fencing: Use 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth as fencing around gardens and flower beds to keep chipmunks out.

Use Repelling Scents

While there are no repellents specifically registered for chipmunks, products designed to repel squirrels can also be effective. According to the Humane Society, certain squirrel repellents can work for chipmunks, such as:

Thiram: A fungicide applied to plant bulbs, stems, or bark to deter chipmunks.

For a homemade repellent, mix:

– 1 teaspoon of Lysol

– 3 ounces of Epsom salt

– 1 gallon of water

Note: Always follow manufacturer safety instructions when using any repellent products.

Natural Repellents

If you prefer to use natural options, try these oils, herbs, or spices to repel chipmunks:

– Peppermint (leaves and oil)

– Citrus

– Cinnamon

– Eucalyptus

– Garlic

– Cayenne and chili powder

These scents can help deter chipmunks from your yard or garden effectively.

Trap and Release Method for Chipmunks

One ethical way to manage persistent chipmunks is to trap and relocate them far from your property.

However, it’s important to verify local laws and guidelines before attempting this method, as relocating wildlife may not be permitted in some regions.

If allowed, follow these guidelines for humane trapping and relocation:

Choose the right trap: Opt for a small trap, around 10 to 20 inches long, with fine wire mesh to prevent escape.

Position the trap strategically: Place the trap in areas where chipmunks are active, such as along their travel routes or near burrows. Try to select spots that are sheltered rather than exposed.

Bait the trap effectively: Ensure that chipmunks cannot retrieve the bait from outside the trap. Applying peanut butter directly on the trigger plate often works well.

Monitor the trap closely: Check the trap frequently and relocate the captured chipmunk as soon as possible. Ensure the new location is a suitable habitat, at least five miles away from your home, or in accordance with local regulations.

Plant Aversive Flowers to Deter Chipmunks

Another method to prevent chipmunks from digging up your flower bulbs is to plant varieties that they find unappealing.

Instead of protecting bulbs with hardware cloth, consider planting flowers that chipmunks typically avoid. In addition to peppermint, here are a few options:

– Daffodils

– Allium

– Marigolds

– Lavender

– Sage

Protect Your Bird Feeders from Chipmunks

Chipmunks are often drawn to seeds spilled from bird feeders. To minimize their presence near feeders, you can:

Regularly clean up spilled seeds to reduce ground-level attractions.

Choose seeds that are less appealing to chipmunks, such as thistle. Keep in mind that sunflower seeds are particularly enticing to them.

Place feeders at least 15 to 30 feet from structures to deter chipmunks from approaching.

Follow general squirrel-proofing techniques to prevent both squirrels and chipmunks from accessing your bird feeders.

Maintaining a Chipmunk-Free Yard

Keeping your yard free of chipmunks requires several preventative measures. Follow these important steps to minimize their presence:

Avoid leaving food outside: Refrain from storing pet food, birdseed, or any other food items outdoors unless they’re in rodent-proof containers.

Eliminate hiding spots: Remove piles of wood, rocks, and debris that can serve as cover for chipmunks.

Prune plants near the house: Keep plantings trimmed back from the house to prevent chipmunks from using them as shelter.

Keep firewood and leaf piles away: Store firewood and debris away from the home to avoid chipmunks burrowing underneath, which could potentially lead them near your foundation.

Limit vegetation around the house: Avoid planting trees, shrubs, or other greenery too close to the home, as this may attract chipmunks by providing easy access from wooded areas.

Common Attractants for Chipmunks Outdoors

Chipmunks are often attracted to yards due to various food sources. Some of the most common items that lure them include:

– Seeds from plants

– Birdseed

– Corn, grains, and nuts

– Caterpillars and insects

– Mushrooms

– Pet food

– Flower bulbs and shrub bark

– Carrion (occasionally)

Chipmunks also dig extensive tunnels, sometimes up to 30 feet long, where they nest and raise their young.

Although large infestations are rare due to their territorial nature, you may still encounter a significant number (up to 20) in a single backyard.

Preventing Chipmunk Intrusions

There are several strategies to keep chipmunks from entering your yard:

Deterrents: Consider using motion-triggered lighting or ultrasonic devices that emit sounds to scare chipmunks away.

Reduce attractants: Minimize food sources and hiding spots by following the steps mentioned earlier.

You can also make homemade deterrents by mixing a solution of hot cayenne pepper, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint to spray around your garden. Alternatively, sprinkling used coffee grounds can deter chipmunks while also benefiting acid-loving plants by enhancing soil acidity.

When to Call a Professional

If a chipmunk enters your home or builds a nest in an enclosed space like your garage, it’s best to call a wildlife removal professional. Professionals can safely remove chipmunks without harming them or causing damage to your home.

The average cost for chipmunk removal ranges from $200 to $600, similar to squirrel removal, depending on the extent of the infestation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there any humane commercial chipmunk repellents?

While no commercial repellents are specifically registered for chipmunks, squirrel repellents can be effective in deterring them.

What attracts chipmunks indoors?

Chipmunks rarely enter homes, but they may be enticed by food and can sneak in through cracks in window frames or doorways.

Is it dangerous to allow chipmunks to tunnel near your house?

While chipmunk tunnels rarely cause structural damage, they can lead to issues like soil erosion beneath your home’s foundation over time.

Do chipmunks carry diseases?

Yes, chipmunks and other rodents can carry diseases that may spread through contact or bites.

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks