Getting rid of chipmunks involves a combination of exclusion, habitat modification, trapping, and deterrents. Here are some effective steps to manage and eliminate chipmunks from your property:
1. Seal Entry Points
- Inspect Your Home: Check for gaps and openings around the foundation, doors, windows, and vents where chipmunks can enter.
- Seal Openings: Use caulk, steel wool, or hardware cloth to seal small openings. For larger gaps, use sturdy materials like wood or metal to block entry points.
2. Modify Habitat
- Remove Food Sources: Chipmunks are attracted to food sources such as birdseed, pet food, and fallen fruits. Keep these items secured and clean up any spills.
- Trim Vegetation: Trim back shrubs, bushes, and trees that are close to your home. This reduces hiding places and access points for chipmunks.
- Remove Debris: Clear away piles of wood, rocks, and other debris where chipmunks might nest.
3. Use Repellents
- Natural Repellents: Spray areas with a mixture of water and cayenne pepper or use commercial animal repellents that contain ingredients like peppermint oil or predator urine.
- Ultrasonic Devices: Install ultrasonic repellents that emit sounds unpleasant to chipmunks but inaudible to humans. These can be placed in gardens, garages, or near entry points.
4. Install Barriers
- Fencing: Use hardware cloth or mesh fencing to create barriers around gardens, flower beds, and other areas you want to protect. Bury the fencing a few inches underground to prevent burrowing.
- Netting: Cover fruit trees and berry bushes with netting to prevent chipmunks from accessing the produce.
5. Trapping
- Live Traps: Use live traps to capture chipmunks humanely. Bait traps with sunflower seeds, peanut butter, or nuts. Once caught, relocate the chipmunks at least 5-10 miles away in a suitable habitat.
- Follow Local Regulations: Check local wildlife regulations before trapping and relocating chipmunks, as some areas have specific rules about wildlife relocation.
6. Use Deterrents
- Predator Decoys: Place decoy owls or snakes around your property to scare chipmunks away. Move them regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Install motion-activated sprinklers in gardens or areas where chipmunks are a problem. The sudden burst of water will startle and deter them.
7. Professional Help
- Pest Control Services: If the chipmunk problem is severe or persistent, consider contacting a professional pest control service. They can provide more advanced solutions and ensure that the problem is handled effectively.
Tired of using products and solutions that just don't do the job? Give us a call and let our chipmunk control experts help quickly eliminate any type of pest or rodent.