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How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Your Yard

how to get rid of chipmunks

Chipmunks are cute, there's no denying it. They are extremely destructive and dangerous animals that can be deadly in any place.

Chipmunks can be very painful between chewed-up wires in parked vehicles and rotting plants on the street.

Chipmunks consume fruit seeds, nuts, and even birds and eggs, and this can cause damage when they dig to find food sources.

If you're dealing with a chipmunk infestation, you're probably wondering how to get rid of them. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get rid of chipmunks for good.

In this guide, we'll show you what are chipmunks and how to get rid of chipmunks in your yard using a variety of methods.

What Are Chipmunks?

chipmunk

There are 25 different species of chipmunks that fall under the scientific family Sciuridae. These small rodents are apart of the squirrel family.

There are three types of chipmunks in this family: Tamias (eastern North America), Neotamias (western North America), and Eutamias (Eurasia).

They live in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and even gardens. Chipmunks are mostly active during the day, and they spend much of their time searching for food.

How to Identify Chipmunks?

Chipmunks belong to the squirrel family and include squirrels, woodchucks, marmots, and prairie dogs.

Chipmunks are often mistaken for squirrels but the primary distinctions between squirrels and chipmunks differ.

Unlike squirrels which live in holed trees by woodpeckers or other pests, the chipmunk prefers to live in buried areas and builds complicated tunnels that contain food.

Areas with stumps/logging also have a higher chance of infestation. Chipmunks are gray coloured with black or dark brown stripes down the front.

The underbelly is lighter in colour and they often have a lighter brown foot.

See Also: Squirrels vs Chipmunks: What's the Difference

Do Chipmunks Bite?

Wild animals typically bite only when they feel threatened, but chipmunks almost never act aggressively and will instead try to flee.

When frightened or handled, they may scratch or bite as self-defense.

Though they may look harmless and cute, chipmunks can carry dangerous diseases such as plague, salmonella, and Hantavirus.

5 Signs of Chipmunk Infestation

The best way to tell if you have a rodent infestation is by the damage they leave behind.

  1. Scratching And Scurrying Sounds In Your Walls And Ceilings - If you hear these sounds, it's a good indication that you have chipmunks in your home.
  2. New Water Stains Or Water Damage In Walls And Ceilings - These animals will drink from any water source they can find, including the water in your walls and ceilings.
  3. Gnaw Marks On Wires And Wood - Chipmunks are known for chewing on wires and wood, so if you see gnaw marks, it's a good indication that you have a chipmunk problem.
  4. Droppings In Attics, Garages, Or Entry Points - These animals will leave droppings wherever they go, so if you see them in your attic, garage, or any other entry points to your home, it's a good indication that you have a chipmunk problem.
  5. Damage To Your Home’s Interior Or Exterior - These animals will damage your home in their search for food and shelter. If you see any damage to your home, it's a good indication that you have a chipmunk problem.

What Damages can Chipmunks Cause?

Although chipmunks seldom damage property, they may harm decorative plants as they collect fruits and nuts.

At times, chipmunks dig up and consume spring flowering bulbs and then tunnel under flower beds or porches.

In contrast, there are plenty of documented cases where chipmunk burrows have caused serious structural damage.

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Your Yard

They also eat insects, which can harm your garden. If you're finding that chipmunks are wreaking havoc in your yard, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

Exclusion

One of the best ways to get rid of chipmunks is to exclude them from your property altogether.

This can be done by filling in any holes or burrows they've made, and by sealing up any entry

points they might use to get onto your property.

You'll also want to remove any fallen fruit or nuts from your yard, as these can attract chipmunks.

Be sure to check for entry points around the perimeter of your property, including gaps under fences or decks, and openings around utility lines or pipes.

Chipmunk Repellents

chipmunk repellents

If the exclusion isn't an option or if it's just not working, you may need to resort to repellents. There are a few different types of repellents that you can use, but the most effective one is a sonic repellent.

Sonic repellents work by emitting a high-frequency noise that's only audible to animals like chipmunks. The noise is very annoying and will deter them from spending time in your yard.

You can also try using a taste deterrent like curry powder or cayenne pepper. Just sprinkle it around the perimeter of your yard, and the chipmunks will stay away.

Trapping and Releasing

chipmunk trap

If repellents aren't doing the trick, then you may need to resort to trapping and releasing. This is probably the most effective way to get rid of chipmunks, but it does require a little bit of work on your part.

First, you'll need to find a good spot to set the trap. Look for an area where there's a lot of activity or where you've seen burrows or holes.

Once you've found a good spot, bait the trap with something that chipmunks like to eat like seeds or nuts. peanut butter also works well as bait.

Now all you have to do is wait for the trap to do its job! When it does, simply release the chipmunk into a nearby wooded area and let it go on its way.

Just be sure not to release it too close to someone else's home because there's a good chance it'll just come back!

Read Also: Gopher vs Mole: What's the Difference?

How to Prevent Chipmunks from Living in Your Yard

Although repelling or trapping chipmunks may seem like a good solution, they can still find their way back to your property.

To prevent this issue, use the following methods in combination with repellents:

  • Keep your yard tidy by removing debris, clutter, and overgrown plants where pests can hide.
  • By promptly sweeping up berries, seeds, or nuts from the ground, you will eliminate food sources for wildlife.
  • Keep birdseed and pet food in airtight storage containers.
  • To protect your garden or home from animals, surround it with a "moat" of gravel that is a few inches deep. This will not only stop plants from growing in these places but also make it difficult for animals to dig and tunnel.
  • Install a wire mesh fence around the garden, buried about 8 inches into the soil.
  • You can also bury special L-shaped barriers or footers near your house's foundation and around decks to stop animals from tunneling.
  • To help keep pests out, use caulk or expanding foam to fill in any cracks and crevices leading into your home. Also, try sealing off vents and gutters with metal hardware cloth, or by capping chimneys.

Fortunately, many of the same methods that keep away moles will also help keep other pests such as insects and spiders at bay.

Need to Find a Professional Pest control Service?

pest control expert

If you've tried all of these methods and you're still having trouble getting rid of chipmunks, then it may be time to call in a professional.

A professional pest control service will have the knowledge and experience to get rid of chipmunks quickly and effectively.

They'll also be able to help you prevent them from coming back in the future.

24h Pest Pros is a professional pest control service that can help you with all your chipmunk problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective way to get rid of chipmunks?

The traps are humane, most small traps are between 10 mm long with 1-2 doors. Place them in buried areas and the places of most commonly seen Chipmunks. Keep an eye on the trap regularly and take back any animals you find quickly.

What do chipmunks hate the most?

Contrary to humans, chipmunks cannot tolerate strong scents like peppermint, cayenne pepper, lime juice, spices, and eucalyptus. In addition, chipmunks cannot resist the garlic scent.

How do you get rid of chipmunks forever?

The best way to get rid of chipmunks is by trapping and releasing them in an area far away from your home. You can also use repellents to keep them away. Finally, you can take preventive measures to make your home less attractive to chipmunks.

Final Thoughts on Chipmunks

Chipmunks might be cute, small animals but they can be huge pests for homeowners, particularly in the backyard.

If your lawn and shrubs have been left untreated by chipmunks, or if they have gotten into your home, call the extinguishing service or buy chipmunk-resistant repellents.

Like other rodent species, chipmunks can breed quickly if they become invasive, causing serious health problems.

They can fade into winter, but they can soon emerge in spring. Never let this go without solving. Act immediately to eliminate chipmunks in our garden.

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
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