Chipmunks can be cute little creatures, but they can also be a nuisance, especially when decide to invade your yard. And you’re fed up because they drive you crazy, right?
In your mind, you just think about ways to get rid of them. But before you start trapping or using another way, you need to understand a little more about them.
Here’s how to get rid of chipmunks in your yard by using these methods :
- Trapping;
- Poisoning;
- Repellents;
- Physical barriers.
If you’ve been dealing with chipmunks and are looking for ways to get rid of them, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to get rid of chipmunks, as well as some prevention tips so they don’t come back. Let’s get started!
Is a Chipmunk a Squirrel?
Chipmunks are small, striped rodents that are members of the squirrel family. They are found in North America and parts of Asia. There are many different species of chipmunks, but the most common one is the eastern chipmunk.
These lovely creatures are usually brown or reddish-brown with light and dark stripes running down their backs. They have big, fluffy tails and small, pointy noses. They are usually about 5 to 6 inches long and weigh around 4 ounces.
Chipmunks are most active during the day and love to eat nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and even other small animals. They are very good at storing food in their cheek pouches and can often be seen carrying around acorns or other nuts.
While they might seem like harmless little creatures, chipmunks can cause a lot of damage to your yard. They dig holes in the ground which can ruin your lawn and gardens.
How do I keep chipmunks from eating my vegetables?
They also eat plants and vegetables, which can be a problem if you’re trying to grow a garden. If you have a bird feeder, they will likely eat from it as well.
The best way to start is by identifying their food source and eliminating it. You can also set traps or use repellents. If all else fails, you may need to call a professional exterminator.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get rid of chipmunks in your yard. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of these pesky creatures:
- Trapping;
- Poisoning;
- Repellents;
- Physical barriers.
1. Trapping
One of the best ways to get rid of chipmunks is by trapping them. You can buy a live trap at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to bait the trap with something that will attract the chipmunks, such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or berries.
Once the chipmunk is trapped, you can release it into the wild far away from your home. You can buy a live trap at your local hardware store or online.
2. Poison
This one is more radical. We don’t recommend killing the animal! But If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can do it, by using poison to kill the chipmunks.
There are many different types of poisons available, so be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions. This method should only be used as a last resort because it can be dangerous to other animals and even humans if not used correctly.
3. Repellents
Many different types of repellents available will help keep chipmunks away from your home. You can buy these at your local hardware store or online.
Repellents usually come in the form of granules, sprays, or devices that emit ultrasonic sound waves. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions before using any type of repellent.
4. Physical Barriers
You can also keep chipmunks away by creating a physical barrier around your property. This can be done by installing a fence or by covering any gaps or holes in your existing fence. If you have a deck or porch, you can also make sure there are no gaps or cracks the chipmunks can use to get under it.
Identifying Their Food Source
There are several reasons why chipmunks are attracted to your yard. Including:
- The presence of food;
- A safe place to build a nest or den;
- An abundance of trees or other tall structures;
- A water source.
If you can identify the reason why they’re coming to your yard, you can take steps to eliminate it. For example, if they’re coming for the birdseed, you can switch to a chipmunk-proof bird feeder. If they’re looking for a place to build a nest, you can trim back trees and shrubs.
Eliminating Their Food Source
One of the best ways to get rid of chipmunks is by eliminating their food source. If you have a bird feeder, take it down. If you have a lot of trees and shrubs in your yard, trim them back. If you have a garden, put up a fence to keep them out.
You can also make your yard less inviting by removing any sources of water. If you have a pond or fountain, cover it with wire mesh so they can’t get to the water.
How Do You Get Rid of Chipmunks Naturally?
Chipmunks can be eliminated naturally by using several methods. You can try making a homemade repellent, trapping them, or evicting them. Using more than one method will likely be most successful.
How to make a homemade repellent:
Ingredients: 1/4 cup of cayenne pepper, 1/4 cup of ground black pepper, 1/4 cup of garlic powder, and water.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and add just enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste around the perimeter of your yard or garden. Reapply after heavy rains.
Other natural ingredients we can use are:
- Peppermint oil: Mix 10 drops of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water and spray around the perimeter of your yard;
- Cloves: Place whole cloves around the perimeter of your yard or garden;
- Cinnamon: Spread cinnamon around the perimeter of your yard or garden;
- Hot peppers mixed with garlic in a liquid solution.
Pure garlic also seems to be very effective as a chipmunk repellent. You can either place cloves of garlic around the perimeter of your yard or make a garlic spray by mixing 10 cloves of minced garlic with 1 cup of water.
Bring In a “Predator”
Getting an owl box is an effective method of getting rid of chipmunks. Owls are one of the few predators that will eat chipmunks. By placing an owl box in your yard, you can attract owls to your property and allow them to do the work for you.
You can buy an owl box online or at your local hardware store. Be sure to place it in a high spot, such as on a fence post or in a tree.
You can also build your owl box which is a very fun project to do.
This way will not only take care of chipmunk control but will also help the local owl population and be a fun project for you and your family.
Do Coffee Grounds Repels Chipmunks?
There is no definitive answer to this question as chipmunks can be quite unpredictable. However, many people believe that sprinkling coffee grounds around your yard or garden can help to deter these critters from coming near.
If you decide to try this method, be sure to use fresh grounds and reapply them regularly, as stale coffee grounds will not have the same effect.
Does Vinegar Repel Chipmunks?
Vinegar is an acidic substance that is used to repel a variety of animals, including chipmunks. When applied to areas where chipmunks are active, they will be deterred by the strong scent and taste of the vinegar.
To use vinegar as a repellent, simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then, apply the solution to areas where chipmunks are present. Be sure to reapply every few days, as the smell of vinegar will dissipate over time.
You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture, such as peppermint or citrus. These oils will further deter chipmunks with their strong scent.
Squirrels do not like the strong smell of vinegar
Another way to use vinegar as a repellent is to soak rags or cotton balls in the solution. Then, place the soaked items around your yard in areas where chipmunks are present. Be sure to replace the rags or cotton balls every few days, as they will dry out quickly.
There are many ways to get rid of chipmunks in your yard, but the most effective methods involve using more than one approach.
With the tips and methods I showed you, you will be able to keep these pesky little creatures away for good and they won’t be bothering you or your yard anymore. So don’t wait, put these methods to use and get rid of those chipmunks today!
I hope you like this article on How to get rid of chipmunks in your yard. Thanks for reading!
