To get rid of chipmunks, you can use a variety of humane and effective methods both outdoors and indoors:
Outdoor Chipmunk Control
- Remove attractants : Trim tree limbs and shrubs at least 10 feet away from your house and bird feeders to reduce access
. Remove dead tree stumps, rock piles, brush, and yard clutter that provide shelter
- Repellents : Use natural repellents like planting daffodils, onions, hyacinths, and marigolds, which chipmunks dislike
. You can also spray a mixture of cayenne pepper and water on plants to deter them
. Synthetic repellents such as anti-rodent sprays and granular repellents can also be used but need regular reapplication
- Modify bird feeding : Use hot pepper-treated bird seed or add hot sauce to bird seed to discourage chipmunks without affecting birds
. Mount bird feeders on metal poles and place them at least 15 feet from your house
- Physical barriers : Cover downspouts and dryer vents with wire mesh, use hardware cloth to cover seeds and bulbs in flower beds, and install L-shaped footers buried around foundations to prevent burrowing
- Scare devices : Hang shiny objects like pie tins or CDs in trees, or use owl decoys that move or light up to frighten chipmunks away
- Trapping and removal : Use humane live traps baited with sunflower seeds, peanut butter, or nuts to catch and relocate chipmunks if legal in your area
. Check local regulations before trapping.
- Fumigation and lethal control : In some areas, fumigants such as aluminum phosphide tablets or gas cartridges can be used to suffocate chipmunks in burrows, but these are toxic and risky to use near structures or pets
. Shooting with a small-gauge shotgun or .22-caliber rifle is also an option where legal and safe
Indoor Chipmunk Control
- If a chipmunk gets inside, isolate pets, close interior doors, open windows and doors leading outside, and wait for it to leave
- If it does not leave, set humane traps indoors and release the chipmunk outside
Dealing with Burrows and Tunnels
- First, eliminate chipmunks from the area, then fill burrow entrances with dirt, gravel, or used cat litter and pack it down
- Sand capped with quick-dry cement can be used along foundations to prevent re-burrowing
- If problems persist, consider professional pest control services
Prevention Tips
- Seal all cracks and crevices around your home with caulk or expanding foam to block entry points
- Store birdseed and pet food in airtight containers
- Keep your yard clean and free of food sources like fallen berries and nuts
- Surround gardens or homes with gravel moats or wire mesh fences buried several inches underground to deter digging
These combined steps can effectively reduce or eliminate chipmunk presence in your yard and home while minimizing harm to the animals and your environment
