Chipmunk Control: Eliminating Chipmunks From Your Garden

While TV typically portrays chipmunks as cute, many gardeners know that these small rodents can be as destructive as their larger cousin, the squirrel. Getting rid of chipmunks in your garden is similar to getting rid of squirrels. Chipmunk control requires just a little knowledge.

Eliminating chipmunks with traps

Traps can be an effective way to rid chipmunks from your garden. Since chipmunks are small, you can use the same types of traps for chipmunks that you would for rats. Both snap traps and live traps are an option for getting rid of chipmunks. Snap traps will kill them while live traps will make it so you can transport them to a more suitable location. Be aware that chipmunks are protected animals in some states. Check your local laws before using snap traps for chipmunk control.

Chipmunks are fond of nuts and seeds, so peanut butter and sunflower seeds are good bait for your traps.

Using chipmunk repellent for chipmunk control

A common chipmunk repellent is moth balls or flakes. Chipmunks cannot tolerate the smell of them. Be cautious when using mothballs though. Recent studies suggest that these may be linked to cancer.

Another chipmunk repellent is either pureed garlic or hot peppers or a combination of both. Steeps the pureed garlic and hot peppers in 1 cup hot soapy water until the water is cool. Strain and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Shake and pour into a spray bottle. Spray this on plants you wish to keep the chipmunks from.

Other chipmunk repellent suggestions include castor oil, predator urine and ammonium soap.

Getting rid of chipmunks through landscaping changes

Chipmunks like shrubs and rock walls as they provide convenient places to hide. Removing these types of plants and structures from near your house will make your yard more dangerous and less attractive to chipmunks.
Put up an owl box

Eliminating chipmunks through attracting one of their predators is a way to work with nature to fix the problem. Build an owl box to try to attract these beautiful night time predators to your yard. Owls feed on small rodents like chipmunks. Not only will the owl take care of chipmunk control, but will also control voles, moles, mice and rats.

If all else fails with getting rid of chipmunks

With a little care, you can be eliminating chipmunks from your garden but if all else fails, you can always fall back on plan B, which is to provide food for the chipmunks away from where they are causing damage. The idea is that if they have an easy food source they wonít go after the more difficult ones. While you will not be rid of chipmunks, you will at least be able to enjoy their antics while reducing the damage to your yard.

Contact Information

Gardening Know How
57 Wandle Ave
Bedford, OH 44146