Introduction
Do you have cute but pesky chipmunks in your yard or home? While they may seem harmless, chipmunks can cause damage to gardens, landscaping, and even structures by chewing on wood and electrical wires. Additionally, they can carry diseases and attract other pests, such as fleas and ticks. If you want to get rid of chipmunks in a humane and effective way, this guide is for you.
In this article, we will explore various methods for getting rid of chipmunks, including natural repellents, trapping, home remedies, barrier installations, commercial repellents, and professional help. By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and tools to solve your chipmunk problem.
Natural Repellents
One way to deter chipmunks from your yard is by using natural repellents. Here are three effective options:
Planting Herbs
Chipmunks dislike certain herbs, such as mint, lavender, and garlic. By planting these herbs around your yard or garden, you can deter chipmunks from entering. Plus, you’ll have fresh herbs to use in your cooking!
If you have indoor plants that are attracting chipmunks, consider placing a pot of mint or lavender nearby. This may help keep the chipmunks away.
Incorporating Predator Scents
Chipmunks are wary of predators, such as owls and foxes. By using their scents, you can create the illusion that there are predators around, which may deter chipmunks from entering your yard.
You can purchase predator scents in liquid or granular form. Simply follow the instructions on the package to apply the scent around your yard.
Using Mixed Oils
Another natural repellent for chipmunks is a mixture of oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and castor oil. The strong scent is unpleasant to chipmunks and may discourage them from entering your yard. To make the mixture, combine equal parts of each oil in a spray bottle and apply around your yard or garden.
Trapping Methods
If natural repellents aren’t working, trapping may be a more effective option for getting rid of chipmunks. Here are three types of chipmunk traps you can use:
Live Traps
Live traps are humane traps that allow you to catch chipmunks and release them elsewhere. They are usually baited with peanut butter, seeds, or nuts. Once a chipmunk is caught, it can be released in a wooded area far from your home.
Multi-Catch Traps
Multi-catch traps are designed to catch multiple chipmunks at once. They are usually placed along fences or walls where chipmunks are known to travel. The traps are baited with seeds or nuts and can be emptied periodically.
Kill Traps
Kill traps are the least humane option for getting rid of chipmunks, but they may be necessary in certain situations. Kill traps are baited with peanut butter, seeds, or nuts, and once a chipmunk is caught, it is killed instantly. These traps should only be used as a last resort.
Home Remedies
If you prefer a DIY approach, there are several home remedies that may help deter chipmunks from your yard or home. Here are three options:
Coffee Grounds
Chipmunks dislike the smell of coffee grounds, so spreading them around your yard or garden may deter them from entering. You can also sprinkle coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home to keep chipmunks away.
Garlic
Garlic has a strong odor that chipmunks dislike. To use garlic as a repellent, crush several cloves and mix with water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture around your yard or where chipmunks are entering your home.
Peppermint Oil
As mentioned earlier, chipmunks dislike the strong scent of peppermint oil. You can mix several drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and apply around your yard or home to keep chipmunks away.
Barrier Installations
Installing barriers around your yard or home can prevent chipmunks from entering. Here’s how to install a DIY barrier:
Materials Needed
- Hardware cloth
- Wire cutters
- Gloves
- Staple gun
Installation Steps
- Measure the area you want to protect and purchase enough hardware cloth to cover it.
- Using wire cutters, cut the hardware cloth to the appropriate size.
- Wear gloves to avoid being scratched by the sharp edges of the hardware cloth.
- Attach the hardware cloth to the perimeter of the protected area using a staple gun.
Maintenance and Upkeep
It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your barrier to ensure it is secure and free of any holes or gaps that chipmunks can enter through.
Commercial Repellents
If natural repellents and home remedies aren’t effective, you may want to try commercial repellents. Here are three types:
Granular Repellents
Granular repellents are spread around your yard and emit a scent that is unpleasant to chipmunks. They usually need to be reapplied every few weeks to remain effective.
Liquid Sprays
Liquid sprays are applied around the perimeter of your yard or home to create a scent barrier that chipmunks won’t cross. They also usually need to be reapplied every few weeks.
Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant to chipmunks and other pests. They typically need to be plugged in and are most effective when placed near areas where chipmunks are entering your home.
Professional Help
If none of the DIY methods are effective, or if you have a large chipmunk infestation, it may be time to consider hiring a pest control company. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
When to Consider Hiring Professionals
- If your chipmunk problem is severe and DIY methods aren’t working
- If you are not comfortable handling chipmunks yourself
- If you want a more permanent solution to your problem
How to Find and Choose a Pest Control Company
- Research online for local pest control companies
- Read reviews and ask for referrals from friends and family
- Make sure the company is licensed and insured
- Ask for a free inspection and quote before hiring
The Benefits of Professional Help
Professional pest control companies have the experience and equipment necessary to effectively remove chipmunks from your home. They can also provide you with advice on how to prevent future infestations. Plus, you won’t have to handle the chipmunks yourself!
Conclusion
Chipmunks may be cute, but they can cause damage to your yard, garden, and home. By using these natural repellents, trapping methods, home remedies, barrier installations, commercial repellents, and professional help, you can effectively get rid of chipmunks in a humane and effective way.