How to Get Rid of Chipmunks: Effective and Humane Methods

Introduction

Chipmunks, with their adorable stripes and tiny paws, might seem harmless at first glance. However, these small rodents can wreak havoc in your garden, chew through wires, or even sneak into your home.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of chipmunks without resorting to cruel methods, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through effective and humane ways to manage chipmunk problems while keeping your property safe and your conscience clear.

Understanding Chipmunks: Why They’re a Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why chipmunks might be causing trouble. Chipmunks are small, burrowing rodents native to North America. They’re active during the day, love to dig, and have a knack for storing food in their cheek pouches. While they’re cute, their behaviors can lead to issues like:

Garden Damage: Chipmunks dig up bulbs, eat plants, and raid bird feeders.
Structural Problems: Their burrows can weaken patios, walkways, or foundations.
Home Invasions: In rare cases, chipmunks enter homes through small openings, causing messes or chewing hazards.

According to the University of Missouri Extension, a single chipmunk can dig burrows up to 30 feet long, with multiple chambers for food storage. This makes them surprisingly destructive for their size. Knowing their habits is the first step to effectively managing them.

Why Choose Humane Methods?

When figuring out how to get rid of chipmunks, it’s tempting to reach for traps or poisons. However, humane methods are not only kinder but also safer for pets, children, and the environment. Humane solutions focus on prevention, deterrence, and relocation rather than harm. Plus, they align with growing public interest in ethical wildlife management—over 70% of Americans prefer non-lethal pest control, according to a 2023 survey by the Humane Society.

Let’s explore practical, compassionate strategies to keep chipmunks at bay.

Step 1: Make Your Yard Less Inviting

Chipmunks are drawn to food, shelter, and easy hiding spots. By modifying your yard, you can discourage them from sticking around. Here’s how:

Remove Food Sources

Chipmunks love seeds, nuts, berries, and pet food. Cutting off their food supply is a key step in how to get rid of chipmunks.

Secure Bird Feeders: Use chipmunk-proof bird feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close when a chipmunk climbs on. Place feeders at least 10 feet from trees or structures to prevent jumping.
Clean Up Debris: Rake up fallen fruit, acorns, or seeds from your yard. Chipmunks are less likely to stay if there’s no easy meal.
Store Pet Food Indoors: Don’t leave pet food outside, as it’s a chipmunk magnet.

Eliminate Hiding Spots

Chipmunks thrive in cluttered environments where they can hide from predators. A tidy yard is less appealing.

Trim Vegetation: Keep grass short and trim shrubs near the ground to reduce cover.
Clear Piles: Remove woodpiles, brush, or rock stacks where chipmunks might nest.
Seal Burrows: Fill abandoned burrows with gravel or soil to discourage reoccupation.

Use Plants Chipmunks Dislike

Certain plants naturally repel chipmunks due to their smell or taste. Incorporate these into your garden:

Daffodils: Their toxic bulbs deter chipmunks.
Marigolds: The strong scent keeps rodents away.
Alliums: Garlic and onion plants are unappealing to chipmunks.

By making your yard less hospitable, you’re taking a big step toward solving the chipmunk problem.

Step 2: Use Natural Repellents

If chipmunks are still lingering, natural repellents can make your property less appealing without harming them. These methods are safe, affordable, and easy to apply.

Spicy Deterrents

Chipmunks dislike strong smells and tastes, especially spicy ones. Here’s how to use them:

Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper around plants, burrows, or entry points. Reapply after rain.
Garlic Spray: Blend garlic with water, strain it, and spray it on plants or soil. The odor repels chipmunks.
Hot Sauce Mix: Mix hot sauce with water (1:4 ratio) and spray it on areas chipmunks frequent.

A 2022 study from Cornell University found that capsaicin-based repellents reduced rodent activity by up to 60% in treated areas. Just be cautious when applying near edible crops to avoid spicy-tasting produce!

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can deter chipmunks without toxic chemicals.

Peppermint Oil: Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near burrows or entry points. Refresh every few days.
Eucalyptus Oil: Similar to peppermint, eucalyptus has a strong scent chipmunks avoid.

Always dilute essential oils and avoid direct contact with pets or children.

Predator Urine

Chipmunks are prey animals and will steer clear of areas that smell like predators. You can purchase coyote or fox urine from garden centers or online. Sprinkle it around your yard’s perimeter, but follow safety guidelines, as it can be potent.

These repellents are a humane way to encourage chipmunks to move on without causing harm.

Step 3: Set Up Physical Barriers

Sometimes, the best way to get rid of chipmunks is to physically block them from problem areas. Barriers are effective for protecting gardens, structures, or specific plants.

Fencing

A small fence can keep chipmunks out of gardens or flowerbeds.

Use Mesh Fencing: Install ¼-inch hardware cloth or wire mesh around garden beds. Bury it at least 6 inches deep to prevent digging.
Height Matters: Fences should be at least 2 feet tall, as chipmunks are agile climbers.

Protect Bulbs

Chipmunks love digging up flower bulbs like tulips. To protect them:

Plant in Wire Cages: Place bulbs in wire mesh cages before planting.
Add Gravel: Cover bulbs with a layer of gravel to deter digging.

Seal Entry Points

If chipmunks are entering your home or garage, inspect for small openings.

Check Foundations: Look for cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, or vents.
Use Caulk or Steel Wool: Seal openings with caulk or stuff them with steel wool, which chipmunks can’t chew through.

These barriers create a chipmunk-free zone without harming the animals.

Step 4: Use Humane Traps for Relocation

If prevention and repellents aren’t enough, humane traps are a great option for how to get rid of chipmunks. Live traps allow you to capture and relocate chipmunks safely.

Choosing the Right Trap

Look for a live trap designed for small rodents, available at hardware stores or online. Popular brands include Havahart and Tomahawk.

Size: Choose a trap about 16 inches long and 6 inches wide for chipmunks.
Bait: Use peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or fruit to lure them in.

How to Trap and Relocate

Follow these steps to trap chipmunks humanely:

Place Traps Strategically: Set traps near burrows, feeding areas, or runways (paths chipmunks frequently use).
Check Regularly: Check traps every few hours to avoid stressing the chipmunk.
Relocate Safely: Release chipmunks at least 5 miles from your home in a wooded or natural area, as they’re less likely to return. Check local regulations, as some areas have rules about wildlife relocation.

In a 2024 study by the National Wildlife Federation, humane trapping and relocation reduced chipmunk populations in residential areas by 85% when combined with habitat modification.

Tips for Success

Handle with Care: Wear gloves to avoid direct contact and reduce stress for the chipmunk.
Release Promptly: Don’t keep chipmunks in traps for long to avoid dehydration or panic.
Clean Traps: Wash traps with soap and water after each use to remove scents.

Humane trapping is effective and ensures chipmunks can thrive elsewhere.

Step 5: Deter with Technology

Modern technology offers additional tools to deter chipmunks without harm. These devices are easy to use and can complement other methods.

Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that chipmunks find uncomfortable but are inaudible to humans.

Placement: Position devices near problem areas, like gardens or patios.
Solar-Powered Options: Choose solar-powered models for eco-friendly deterrence.

A 2023 review in Pest Control Journal found ultrasonic devices reduced rodent activity by 40–60% in outdoor settings, though results vary based on terrain.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers startle chipmunks with a burst of water when they enter a protected area.

Coverage: Ensure the sprinkler covers the entire problem area, like a garden or lawn.
Maintenance: Check water levels and batteries regularly.

These devices are humane, eco-friendly, and double as lawn irrigation.

Step 6: Maintain Long-Term Prevention

Once you’ve gotten rid of chipmunks, keeping them away requires ongoing effort. Here are some long-term strategies:

Regular Inspections: Check your yard and home for new burrows or entry points monthly.
Reapply Repellents: Refresh natural repellents like cayenne or peppermint oil every few weeks.
Encourage Natural Predators: Attract hawks or owls by installing nesting boxes. Cats can also deter chipmunks, but monitor outdoor cats to avoid harming wildlife.

Consistency is key to ensuring chipmunks don’t return.

What Not to Do: Avoid Harmful Methods

When learning how to get rid of chipmunks, it’s important to avoid methods that are cruel or dangerous:

Poisons: Rodenticides can harm pets, wildlife, or children and may lead to dead chipmunks in hard-to-reach places, causing odors.
Lethal Traps: Snap traps or glue boards cause unnecessary suffering and aren’t more effective than humane traps.
Flooding Burrows: Pouring water or chemicals into burrows can harm the environment and other animals.

Sticking to humane methods is safer and more ethical.

When to Call a Professional

If chipmunks persist despite your efforts, it might be time to call a wildlife control expert. Professionals can:

Identify hidden burrows or entry points.
Use advanced humane traps or exclusion techniques.
Ensure compliance with local wildlife laws.

Look for companies certified by organizations like the National Pest Management Association, which emphasizes humane practices.

Conclusion

Dealing with chipmunks can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can protect your property while treating these creatures kindly.

By making your yard less inviting, using natural repellents, setting up barriers, employing humane traps, and leveraging technology, you can effectively address how to get rid of chipmunks. Long-term prevention ensures they stay away for good.

With patience and persistence, you’ll enjoy a chipmunk-free space without compromising your values. Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know what worked for you!