Ten Humane Ways to Get Rid of Chipmunks
Virginia has years of experience with gardening and wild pests in Florida, New Hampshire, Kansas, Maryland, Australia, and South Texas.
Chipmunks - Cute But Destructive
If chipmunks are making you crazy, consider these ways to protect your plants and property without actually killing the cute crittters. Maybe they're digging up all your tulip bulbs, nibbling on the strawberries, and making holes all over the yard. Perhaps it's even worse... chipmunks can undermine foundations for patios and homes. Chipmunks can get into attics and chew on wiring.
At first you thought the scurrying, little creature was fun to have around, but changed your mind when you saw the damage it did. If the family is set against killing it, then you need a humane way to prevent the damage. I've hunted high and low for ways to get rid of chipmunks for this kind of situation. Here's what I've found. Take your pick of methods or work your way down the list to get rid of your pesky chipmunk problem in a humane way.
(chipmunk photo by Virginia Allain)
zazzle
Graphic Cedit: Screech a Zazzle card
Scare Them Away - Use an Owl Decoy or a Hawk
A garden owl with a head that swivels and eyes that light up should strike fear into the heart of any chipmunk. Some of these owls use electricity, some use batteries and some use wind power to move their wings. Just click on any owl to see reviews and links to the rest of the owls on Amazon. One should be just what you need for your garden pest problems.
If you're in a hurry, choose one that has PRIME next to it. With Amazon Prime, you get the product in just 2 days.
Use a Scent That Chipmunks Won't Like
Foxes mark out their territory, so if you don't have a real fox, you can mimic one. Chipmunks don't want to hang around where a fox might be looking for a snack (like a tasty chipmunk).
Fox Urine to Drive away Chipmunks
Get a Chipmunk Trap - Trap the Chipmunk and Take It Away (far away)
My favorite story from someone who used this trap was about a chipmunk her cat brought into the house. It set up housekeeping under the refrigerator. (I bet it was enjoying the dry food in the cat's dish)
Anyway, she caught it right away when she got a havahart trap.
Trapped Chipmunk - Ready to Go to a New Home
Captured chipmunk is ready to move to a new territory.
Here's an Example of Trapping and Releasing a Chipmunk
Be aware that chipmunks can have diseases such as rabies.
When relocating a chipmunk, travel far enough that you put a major barrier between the release area and your home. This could be a river or a good-sized highway. The strong instincts of the chipmunk are to return to its stash of food.
I find a trap works the best for me. Several of my neighbors use them as well. Baiting it with peanut butter seems to work fine.
Check on eBay. I see some real bargains on there. Just keep checking back if you don't see exactly what you want.
Catch Multiple Chipmunks with a Chipmunkinator
Check out my comparison test pitting the Havahart against the Chipmunkinator. Find out which one is capturing the most pesky chipmunks since the test started.
Go High-Tech to Repel Chipmunks - Deter Them with Ultrasonic Sound
Where Are You Having Problems with Chipmunks? - Vote in the poll
A New Repellent for Chipmunks - I have no personal experience with this one, so let me know how well it works for you
I used to suggest mothballs
but no longer do. These can be a carcinogen for people and dangerous to small children who might pick one up and eat it.
Try Hot Pepper Wax to Deter Chipmunks
Try the Cat Urine Method to Drive Chipmunks away
Put used kitty litter in the hole where the chipmunks run in and out. If you don't have a cat, maybe a friend can donate some smelly kitty litter. Obviously you wouldn't use this for getting the chipmunks out of your house. This is an outdoor method.
I'm figuring that this works on the same principle as the fox urine. The chipmunks don't want to be around where there are predators like foxes or cats. This is a cheap method to try. If it doesn't work with your particular critters, try one of the other methods offered on this page.
Fill Indoor Holes with Expanding Foam to Keep out Chipmunks
I Can't Personally Guarantee All of These Methods for Deterring Chipmunksks
I've tried some myself and have talked to others about methods they've used. I wish you success with the method you select but keep in mind that each situation has different factors affecting it.
If All Else Fails, Try Applying Some Humor to Your Situation
Buy this postcard from Zazzle and post it around the yard.
Questions and Answers about Chipmunks
Ask your question in the comment section at the end of this page. I'll try to find the answer for you.
Check Out These Issues and My Suggested Solutions
- Laura Apr 19, 2013 @ 3:50 pm
We filled a hole in our sunroom with the foam, but he/she chewed right through it. It took a couple days (and we would hear it crunching and gnawing on it), but there it was this morning at 7:00 scurrying through the dining room and out into the kitchen . . . it's either behind the fridge or went under the door to the basement. I had to leave for work, but I got my husband up and he brought the Havahart into the kitchen. I haven't heard from him so don't know if he caught it. I told him this time to stuff the