How to Get Rid of Chipmunks

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How to Get Rid of Chipmunks: Effective Solutions

Chipmunks may look cute, but they can cause big problems for your property. These small rodents, 5 to 12 inches long, build complex tunnels up to 30 feet long. With up to 20 chipmunks in one yard, controlling them is key for homeowners.

Removing chipmunks can cost between $150 and $600. But preventing them is cheaper. Cleaning up fruits, nuts, and berries helps keep them away. Using humane removal methods and prevention strategies is the best way to fight infestations.

All About Chipmunks

Chipmunks are not usually aggressive but can carry diseases like plague and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They like seeds, insects, and even pet food for food. Knowing their habits helps in controlling them and keeping your yard chipmunk-free.

Key Takeaways

  • Chipmunks can create extensive tunnel systems up to 30 feet long
  • Up to 20 chipmunks may inhabit a single yard
  • Chipmunk removal costs average $375
  • Prevention is more cost-effective than removal
  • Chipmunks can carry diseases harmful to humans
  • Understanding chipmunk habits is crucial for effective control

Understanding Chipmunk Behavior and Habitat

Chipmunks are fascinating creatures that play a key role in our ecosystems. They are known for their unique look and lively behavior. Let’s dive into the world of chipmunks, looking at their physical traits, species variety, and where they live.

Physical Characteristics of Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small, about 9 to 10 inches long and weigh around 3 ounces. They stand out with their striped backs, featuring light and dark stripes from head to tail. These stripes help them hide from predators.

Common Chipmunk Species in North America

In North America, there are many chipmunk species. The Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is common, especially in Missouri’s Ozark region. Another common type is the Least chipmunk, which is smaller. There are over 20 chipmunk species worldwide, each suited to its environment.

Preferred Habitats and Nesting Habits

Chipmunks live in various habitats, like mature forests, suburbs, and cities. They build complex burrows for shelter and to store food. These underground homes can stretch 20 to 30 feet long with many entrances, keeping them safe.

Each chipmunk has its own territory, usually about an acre. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They don’t truly hibernate but sleep lightly in winter. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and small insects, showing how adaptable they are.

Identifying Chipmunk Problems in Your Yard

Spotting chipmunk infestation signs early can prevent a lot of damage. These small rodents may look harmless but can cause big problems in your yard. They can also pose health risks.

Signs of Chipmunk Activity

Look for these signs to know if chipmunks are around:

  • Small holes in the ground, about 2 inches in diameter
  • Damaged plants, especially bulbs and young seedlings
  • Raided bird feeders
  • Shallow tunnels near structures

Types of Damage Caused by Chipmunks

Chipmunks can cause a lot of damage. Here are some common issues:

  • Burrowing under foundations, sidewalks, and patios
  • Chewing on wood trim and siding
  • Eating flowers, fruits, and vegetables from gardens
  • Creating unsightly holes in lawns

Health Risks Associated with Chipmunk Infestations

Chipmunk infestations are rare but can be risky. They may carry diseases like:

DiseaseTransmissionSymptoms
Colorado Tick FeverTick bitesFever, chills, headache
Rocky Mountain Spotted FeverTick bitesRash, fever, muscle pain
PlagueFlea bitesSwollen lymph nodes, fever

Chipmunks rarely go inside homes but can fit through small openings. A yard might have up to 20 chipmunks. This increases the risk of health hazards.

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks: Effective Solutions

Are chipmunks causing trouble in your yard? You’re not the only one. These little critters can dig big burrows, up to 30 feet long and 3 feet deep. Let’s look at some ways to keep them away from your property.

At hardware stores, you can find repellents with thiram or naphthalene. These products make your yard less appealing to chipmunks. Or, try using peppermint oil, citrus, or cayenne pepper for a natural solution.

Trapping chipmunks is another good option. Use live traps with peanut butter or sunflower seeds to lure them. Then, move them at least a mile away from your yard. But, check local laws about trapping and relocating wildlife first.

Electronic deterrents that use ultrasonic sounds can also help. They create a barrier chipmunks don’t like. This method is easy and doesn’t require direct action.

MethodEffectivenessCost Range
Commercial RepellentsModerate to High$20 – $50
Homemade RepellentsLow to Moderate$5 – $15
Live TrappingHigh$30 – $60
Electronic DeterrentsLow to Moderate$40 – $100
Professional Pest ControlVery High$200 – $600

If you have a big chipmunk problem, think about getting professional help. Experts can monitor your property and create a plan to control chipmunks. This can be a long-term solution.

Preventive Measures to Deter Chipmunks

Chipmunk prevention starts with smart landscaping choices. By making your yard less inviting, you can reduce the risk of chipmunk infestations. A few key strategies can help keep these small diggers away.

Landscaping Modifications

Remove wood piles, rock piles, and dense ground cover near your house. These spots are perfect for chipmunks to hide. Prune trees and bushes to make climbing onto your house harder. A plant-free gravel border around your home can also discourage burrowing.

Securing Food Sources

Chipmunks love easy food. Use rodent-proof containers for pet food and birdseed. Think about removing bird feeders or placing them away from your house. Plant bulbs in wire cages to keep them safe from chipmunks.

Installing Barriers

Installing barriers can keep chipmunks out. Use L-shaped barriers of 1/4-inch hardware cloth around your house, sidewalks, and gardens. Bury fences at least 6 inches underground to stop them from digging under. These steps can really help reduce chipmunk activity.

Prevention MethodEffectivenessEase of Implementation
Removing hiding spotsHighEasy
Securing food sourcesMediumModerate
Installing barriersHighDifficult

Chipmunk prevention methods

A chipmunk-proof garden fence with wire mesh and sturdy wooden posts.
 

Using these chipmunk prevention tips can make your yard less welcoming to these pests. Remember, being consistent is key to keeping your property chipmunk-free.

Humane Removal Methods for Chipmunks

Live traps are a top choice for humane chipmunk removal. They capture the chipmunks without hurting them. One homeowner caught up to 34 chipmunks in a year with small squirrel traps.

Relocating chipmunks is a good option, but check local laws first. The Humane Society suggests releasing them at least 5 miles away in good habitats. Chipmunks are most active during the day, making moving them easier than at night.

  • Blood meal from feed stores or garden centers
  • Chestnuts as a natural repellent
  • Cayenne pepper sprinkled around damaged areas
  • A mix of cayenne pepper and baby powder
  • Human hair clippings (suggested by a Mississippi State University study)

Electronic repellent systems cost between $20 and $30 and cover 900 to 1,200 square feet. Liquid repellents like Rodent Defense Spray or homemade mixes with cayenne pepper and olive oil work well but may need to be reapplied.

MethodEffectivenessDuration
Live TrapsHighImmediate
Natural RepellentsModerateShort-term
Electronic SystemsModerateLong-term
Liquid RepellentsHighShort-term

Using these humane methods with good yard care and managing food sources can keep chipmunks away. This way, you don’t have to use harmful methods.

Conclusion

Managing chipmunks well means using many different methods. These small animals can cause a lot of damage, costing about $200 million each year in homes and gardens. Knowing how they act is important for a good chipmunk control plan. Eastern Chipmunks, found in the Smoky Mountain Region, are easy to spot because of their stripes and like to be alone.

To keep your property chipmunk-free, try using a mix of preventive steps. This includes planting things like daffodils and hyacinths to keep them away, making sure food is not easily accessible, and keeping your lawn tidy. If you have a big chipmunk problem, professional wildlife removal services can help. They use traps and move them out safely and humanely.

Dealing with chipmunks is something you need to keep doing. They can have many babies, so you have to stay alert. By fixing holes, putting up barriers, and changing their living space, you can make your yard less welcoming for them. With steady work and the right steps, you can keep your yard safe and enjoy the local wildlife.

FAQ

What are the signs of a chipmunk infestation?

Signs of chipmunks include small holes in the ground and damage to plants and bulbs. They might also raid bird feeders. Additionally, they can damage structures by burrowing under them and chewing on wood.

What types of repellents can be used to deter chipmunks?

Commercial repellents with thiram or naphthalene work well. So do homemade ones made with peppermint oil, citrus, or cayenne pepper.

How can I trap and remove chipmunks humanely?

Use small wire mesh traps baited with peanut butter or sunflower seeds. Move the trapped chipmunks at least 5 miles away to a good habitat. Always check local laws before moving animals.

What landscaping modifications can prevent chipmunk problems?

Remove wood and rock piles, and thin out dense ground cover near your home. A plant-free gravel border around your house helps too. Use 1/4-inch hardware cloth barriers around foundations and gardens to stop burrowing.

Are there any health risks associated with chipmunk infestations?

Yes, chipmunks can carry diseases like plague, Colorado tick fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can be harmful to humans and pets.

How can I protect my plants and bulbs from chipmunks?

Use bulb cages or hardware cloth to cover bulbs. Also, pick chipmunk-resistant bulbs and flowers, like daffodils and hyacinths.

What are some humane chipmunk removal methods?

Humane ways to remove chipmunks include live trapping and relocating them. You can also use electronic repellents that create ultrasonic barriers. Encouraging outdoor cats to hunt them can also help control their numbers.

Nextgen Pest Solutions Chipmunk Trapping Services

Chipmunks can be a formidable opponent. Their gregarious chirping nature as they cavort around your yard can deceptively conceal the damage they are doing beneath the earth’s surface and to your garden and ornamental trees and shrubs. While they prefer to be outdoors and underground, they do occasionally get comfortable in attics, basements, and in wall voids. Nextgen Pest Solutions has the knowledge, expertise, and equipment to remove the chipmunks that are causing damage to your home and garden. Call us today for a free chipmunk removal quote.

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