What is the easiest way to get rid of chipmunks?

Chipmunks can be cute and entertaining to watch, but they can also cause damage in your yard and garden. If chipmunks have become a nuisance, you may be looking for ways to get rid of them humanely and effectively. In this article, we will explore some quick answers to common questions about the easiest ways to get rid of chipmunks.

Why are chipmunks considered pests?

While chipmunks themselves are generally harmless, they can cause a number of problems when they take up residence in your yard or garden. Some of the issues associated with chipmunks include:

• Burrowing holes and tunnels that can damage foundations, patio stones, plant roots, and lawn areas
• Eating and destroying flower bulbs, seeds, and seedlings in vegetable and flower gardens
• Chewing on wiring, vehicle hoses, tubing, and other equipment
• Getting inside homes and buildings through small openings and chewing on wires, insulation, and wood
• Making chattering noises that can become annoying over time
• Leaving small droppings around yards and gardens

For these reasons, many homeowners view chipmunks as unwelcome pests and wish to remove them from their properties.

What is the easiest way to trap chipmunks?

Trapping is generally the quickest and easiest way to get rid of nuisance chipmunks. The most effective trapping techniques include:

• Live cage trapping – Use baited live traps designed for chipmunks, check traps frequently, and release chipmunks at least 5 miles away from your property.
• Kill traps – Chipmunk kill traps like snap traps can be highly effective when properly baited and placed.
• Repeating mouse traps – Standard mousetraps with expanded triggers can work to trap chipmunks.

Trapping is most successful around areas of chipmunk activity and along frequently used routes. Effective bait includes peanut butter, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and raisins. For live trapping, release chipmunks at least 5 miles away to prevent them from returning.

How do you keep chipmunks away naturally?

There are also some natural ways to deter chipmunks from yards and gardens without trapping or chemicals:

• Remove brush piles, rock walls, and other debris they use for hiding spots
• Use hardware cloth or wire mesh to seal any openings greater than 1/4-inch
• Plant marigolds, capsaicin pepper plants, or garlic around vulnerable areas
• Use predator urine like coyote or fox urine to mimic animal threats
• Place owl effigies, aluminum pans that rattle, or oscillating sprinklers to frighten them
• Apply castor oil, cayenne pepper, or ammonia around plants to discourage chewing

Consistency is key when using natural deterrents. Reapply aromas, predators, and irritants frequently, especially after rains.

What kind of chemicals or repellents work on chipmunks?

When natural options fail, chemical repellents may be required to get rid of persistent chipmunks:

• Granular repellents containing capsaicin or allyl isothiocyanate applied around burrows and gardens
• Liquid castor oil sprayed on plants to prevent chewing and digging
• Moth balls or flakes placed around gardens and potential entry points
• Granular lawn insecticides labeled for use against burrowing rodents
• Fumigation cartridges placed in tunnels to smoke out populations from burrows

Always read and follow label instructions carefully when using chemical repellents or pesticides. Try to avoid spraying near food plants or water sources. Reapply chemicals every 1-2 weeks for continued effectiveness.

What dangers or risks are associated with chipmunk removal?

Some potential risks to be aware of when trying to remove chipmunks include:

• Bites or scratches when trapping – Wear thick gloves when handling traps
• Diseases like ticks, fleas, or parasites – Use caution and minimize contact
• Chemical contamination – Keep repellents away from pets, food areas, and water sources
• Non-target poisoning – Avoid using poisons that could harm other animals
• Recurring infestations – Completely close off all burrow entrances and continue monitoring for new activity

Hiring a professional exterminator can help reduce risks associated with do-it-yourself chipmunk removal. Always exercise common sense safety measures when trying to eliminate chipmunks on your own.

How much does professional chipmunk removal cost?

Professional chipmunk control typically costs:

• $75 – $150 per visit for trapping services
• $250 – $500 to trap and seal up burrows
• $300 – $600 for exclusion work such as burrow sealing
• $500 – $1,500+ for advanced exclusion methods and landscape modification
• $100+ per month for ongoing prevention and maintenance

Costs vary based on the size of your property, the extent of the infestation, and the methods used. Get multiple quotes to find the best rates.

Conclusion

In summary, trapping and excluding chipmunks are generally the quickest and most effective control methods. Seal up any openings into your home greater than 1/4-inch, trap actively along travel routes using peanut butter or nut baits, and release chipmunks far from your property. Natural repellents like predator urine, plantings, and irritants can also help deter future chipmunks. For severe infestations, chemical repellents or professional control may be required. Always take safety precautions against diseases and chemical contamination when removing chipmunks yourself.

With persistent monitoring and proactive control measures, you can successfully get rid of nuisance chipmunks and prevent ongoing damage in your yard and gardens.

Chipmunks are cute little creatures, but they can cause big problems if left unchecked in your yard or garden areas. Their burrowing and feeding behaviors make them troublesome pests for many homeowners. Getting rid of chipmunks requires diligence and an integrated approach combining habitat modification, exclusion tactics, trapping, and repellents. Here is some more in-depth information on effective DIY methods and professional services to eliminate chipmunks from your property.

Exclusion Techniques

The first line of defense against chipmunks is excluding them from areas where they are unwanted. Sealing up potential entry points into your home is crucial. Use hardware cloth, steel wool, caulk, concrete, or other permanent materials to close openings greater than 1/4 inch. Pay special attention around foundation walls, vents, windows, and under doors. Installing door sweeps, sealing gaps around pipes and wires, and checking siding for gaps are also important.

In yards and gardens, exclusion tactics involve removing the elements chipmunks need like cover and burrow sites. Eliminate brush piles, rock walls, woodpiles, and junk that provide shelter. Chipmunks will dig under sheds, porches, and patios, so seal foundation perimeters with wire mesh or concrete. Hardware cloth can also be buried 12-18 inches deep around garden perimeters when installed properly to prevent burrowing.

Habitat Modification

Eliminating food sources and suitable habitats will also help control chipmunk populations. Here are some tactics:

• Remove bird feeders and fallen fruit that provide food
• Reduce mulch depth to 2-3 inches and use gravel or stone in key areas
• Trim vegetation and branches to reduce cover and access to roof lines
• Plant fragrant herbs like lavender, sage, and thyme that repel chipmunks
• Replace attractive landscaping like rock walls and brush piles

Making your landscape less suitable will encourage chipmunks to look elsewhere for ideal burrow and nest sites. Starving them of food sources will also limit breeding and survival.

Trapping Techniques

Trapping is one of the most effective DIY chipmunk removal methods once they gain access to your property. Common trapping options include:

Live Cage Trapping

• Use chipmunk-sized live traps baited with peanut butter, seeds, nuts, or fruit
• Place traps along travel routes or near active burrows
• Check traps frequently
• Release chipmunks 5+ miles away to prevent them from returning

Kill Traps

• Standard snap traps can be triggered by chipmunks when enlarged with cardboard
• Chipmunk kill traps like the Kat Sentry are designed specifically for them
• Effective when strategically placed in confined spaces like tunnels

Repeat Mouse Traps

• Mouse traps like Victor can be lined up and triggered repeatedly
• Place them along runways with triggers lined up
• Peanut butter or nut baits work best

Check all trap types at least twice daily and rebait frequently. Capturing and eliminating chipmunks quickly reduces breeding and further damage.

Natural Repellents

For mild chipmunk problems, natural repellents may provide adequate deterrence:

• Sprinkle repellent plants like catnip, garlic, or capsaicin around gardens
• Apply castor oil, chili powder, or ammonia near burrows and gardens
• Use predator urine like coyote or fox urine to mimic threats
• Place dog or human hair in mesh bags near gardens to deter chipmunks
• Install ultrasonic repellers, solar powered stakes, or pinwheels to frighten them

The effectiveness of natural repellents varies greatly based on concentration, location, and application technique. They require persistence and frequent reapplication, especially after rains.

Chemical Repellents

Natural repellents won’t solve severe chipmunk infestations. In these cases, chemical repellents are stronger and longer-lasting:

• Apply castor oil, garlic, or capsaicin liquid sprays around plants
• Use ammonia, vinegar, or chili pepper powder soil drenches in gardens
• Place moth balls, flakes, or capsicum granules in problem areas
• Apply insecticidal grub control products to burrows per label instructions
• Use burrow fumigants to smoke populations out of tunnels

Always read and follow product labels when using chemical repellents. Avoid using them near children’s play areas, pets, or food gardens.

Professional Chipmunk Control

For severe chipmunk problems or complex exclusion projects, calling a professional exterminator is advised. Professional services include:

• Garden cleanups and burrow location services using technology like thermal imaging
• Advanced exclusion services using one-way doors, tube traps, or burrow sealing with foam or mesh
• Targeted burrow fumigation, trapping, or baiting programs to quickly reduce populations
• Commercial-grade chemical repellents, traps, and fencing solutions
• Post-treatment inspections and maintenance services
• Wildlife-friendly removal and prevention education

Professional exterminators have the tools, training, and experience to solve persistent chipmunk problems. They can also minimize risks associated with disease exposure or improper chemical use. Expect to pay around $250 – $1,500+ depending on your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

To summarize effective chipmunk removal methods:

• Exclude chipmunks by sealing off all possible indoor entry points and burrow access
• Modify habitats by removing food sources, vegetation cover, and burrow sites
• Trap actively along travel routes and burrows using appropriate live traps or kill traps
• Use natural repellents as a first line of defense for light chipmunk pressure
• Apply chemical repellents for consistent, long-term chipmunk control
• Call professionals for advanced exclusion work or severe infestations
• Be vigilant about monitoring and maintaining control measures

Controlling chipmunks takes persistence and an integrated pest management approach. But through proactive exclusion tactics, habitat modification, trapping, and repellents, you can successfully get chipmunks out of your yard and keep them away in the long run.