Hi, there! It is Nicholas Martin, and today I will tell you about what different types of chipmunk baits and poisons exist and how to choose the one that will take care of your chipmunk infestation problem once and for all.
First, let us see what we are dealing with. On the surface, chipmunks seem like cute, innocuous little things poking around a pile of fallen leaves in search of acorns and dried fruits. However, most people will be amazed at the amount of damage these critters can do if they are left to feed and breed as they please.
From digging 30-feet long burrows underneath your house and compromising the structural integrity of the building to destroying your cherished garden and neat lawn, an extended family of these rodents can bring tons of chaos and disruption into your life.
Wonder how to poison chipmunks? I have carefully evaluated all the different chemical baits for chipmunks available today and chosen what I believe to be the top-5 most optimal choices in terms of their price and performance.
If you do not mind spending some extra money to get the desired effect sooner, Havoc Rodenticide Rat & Mouse Bait should be able to meet and exceed all your expectations. The toxic ingredient in the composition of the bait is brodifacoum.
This highly potent one-feed poison is considered to be the best poison for chipmunks among professionals. It kills rodents within just a few days by causing extreme dehydration. Dehydrated rotting carcasses do not smell as bad, so no need to worry about using the poison indoors.
When poisoned, the little critters are likely to leave the insides of your home and go looking for a source of drinking water outside. That is where death will catch up with them.
The poisonous packets are easy to use and can brave any weather. The only downside is the price, which is somewhat higher than for other poisons.
Pros:
Cons:
much less decaying smell from carcasses;
no need to use a bait station indoors;
quick action;
works effectively on larger yard pests such as possum
May be a rather pricey choice;
May pose a threat to some non-targeted wildlife.
2. Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx: Best Chipmunk Bait for Small and Big Rodents
Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx has been many homeowners’ go-to chipmunk bait food for years. This weather-proof bait is made to resist mold and moisture, so it easily survives any storm without losing any of its top-notch qualities.
Another neat thing about the Tomcat’s product is how easy it is to use the bait. You place the packets where you have previously been seeing chipmunks and wait for the rodents to find them, attracted by the smell of the food-grade ingredients and quality taste enhancers.
This economical chipmunk killer acts fast. When you use it to kill rodents inside your house, better couple it with a trap to pin down the poisoned animal; otherwise, you risk not locating the rotting carcass soon enough. Also, if you are concerned about relay toxicity, there are safer options.
Pros:
Cons:
effective under any weather conditions;
affordable price;
suitable for indoor use;
kills bigger vermin too;
compatible with different bait stations.
toxic for children and pets in the house.
3. Farnam Just One Bite II Bar: a Powerful Chipmunk Poison Bait for Year-Round Protection of Your Yard
All types of rodents fancy the Farnam’s Just One Bait chunks. While the bars seem large, their soft texture and unique shape with nibble ridges make it easy for even the smallest vermin to get their teeth into the tasty treat.
This type of bait to catch chipmunks uses bromadiolone, which is a potent blood-thinning rodenticide with a much faster action compared to other poisons. Bromadiolone is a very convenient choice if you have to deal with warfarin-resistant rodents who survived first-generation anticoagulants. Once the pest has ingested a lethal dose, the death usually comes within 3-4 days.
Pros:
Cons:
it can be used without a trap;
a second-generation anticoagulant that acts faster than other poison baits;
rodents adore the firm and chewy composition of the bait bars;
nibble ridges make for easier biting.
may unintentionally attract and kill other animals, use bait stations;
not available in some US states (LA and Minnesota).
4. JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide: an Effective Chipmunk Killer Bait for Year-Round Pest Control
Bait Block Rodenticide by JT Eaton is one of the most powerful options available today. Whether it is a large chipmunk infestation or just a few rats you have spotted in your garage, the package of 144 blocks should be enough to help you get rid of the rodents quickly and bring peace to your yard and home.
The poisonous component is diphacinone, which toxic effect accumulates over a few days and kills the vermin once it has eaten enough. Such a delayed action means that when a predator catches the poisoned animal, the likelihood of secondary poisoning is much lower.
Also, there is no need to set a trap when you want to eliminate rodents living in your yard. However, for the indoor application, using one is advisable. This way, you can be sure a rodent will not die somewhere in the house where you cannot find it quickly.
Pros:
Cons:
the peanut butter scent is appealing to chipmunks, squirrels, moles, rats, and mice;
the 144 blocks should suffice for a long time;
a very economical choice;
the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.
if the bait is used indoors, it is hard to predict where and when the rodent will die;
the poison requires multiple feedings to work.
5. Victor’s Mole & Gopher Poison Peanuts: Gets the Problem of Underground Pest Infestations Solved in No Time
Victor’s poison peanuts for chipmunks is a branded product trusted and favored by many generations of gardeners and householders. These chipmunk poison pellets are primarily aimed at gophers and moles, but can reliably cope with a massive chipmunk infestation in your yard too.
The unique conoid design makes the bait canister extremely convenient to use. It allows you to easily make holes in the ground and access burrows and tunnels made by the nasty rodents without even touching the poison. The flip side here is that you cannot apply the poison to eradicate above-the-ground vermin.
Pros:
Cons:
it keeps your lawn intact due to the handy cone design;
touch-free baiting and poisoning;
can target other vermin infestations too.
suitable for underground eradication only;
poisonous for kids and domestic pets.
Buyer’s Guide: Tips on How to Choose and Use Different Toxic Chipmunk Baits
If you decide to go up against chipmunks and stop a shameless home invasion, there is a lot you can do. Depending on how big the infestation is, you can choose between the traditional snap-and-kill traps and live traps, ultrasonic or scented chipmunk repellents, toxic fumigating agents, and, of course, poison-based baits. The latter is usually the last line of defense for when the situation has got out of hand and requires you to take emergency actions.
One can quickly get confused when trying to choose from a wide variety of chipmunk poisonous baits available today. Read on to learn more about what different baits do and how to choose the one that will meet all your requirements.
Why Use a Chipmunk Poisonous Bait in the First Place?
If you have already tried every civilized imaginable method to lure the chipmunks away from your property without killing them, but nothing helped, it is time to think of a more radical way. Lethal chipmunk traps are efficient but also take too to do the job long when the population of chipmunks is large.
An easier way would be to scatter around synthetic rodenticide baits that attract rodents with their tasty scent and kill them within a few days.
How to Choose the Best Chipmunk Poisons/Baits?
Poisoning the little intruders in your home or yard is often the only way to eradicate the chipmunk infestation problem. Today, this market offers a wide range of products that come in different forms and sizes, act fast or release poison over time, are safe to apply inside your home, or designed for outdoor use only.
Choosing the right one will depend on how big the problem is, how much time you have to solve it and how much money you are willing to spend on it.
Here is a quick overview of the most popular types of poisoned baits for chipmunks:
Chipmunk poison pellets or nuggets are very easy to use. Just scatter these around your yard in the places where you have previously seen the nasty pests;
Poisoned peanuts in a cone-tipped canister are perfect for when there is a visible burrow in your garden. Simply stick the bait inside the tunnel, and the rodents will find it soon;
Poisonous bait chunks or blocks are very convenient to use outdoors as they often are moisture-resistant and can survive any bad weather. Indoors, these can be used separately from a bait station or together with it for the safety of your house pets;
Rodenticide bars can be safely located in damp places. The only downside is that they are too big to be used with regular bait stations, so you will need to make sure your kids and pets cannot reach them.
How to Use Chipmunk Poison Safely for Pets?
Always combine your bait with a bait station if there are any pets in your house. For one, these poisoned baits are made to be appealing to more than just rodents – a dog can easily be attracted by the smell of peanut butter. Secondary poisoning is also a major concern for pet owners. The amount of poison in these bait blocks is often high enough to kill a cat that finds and eats the dead vermin.
When used with a station, the bait can only be accessed by who it is meant for. The design of the station also does not let the dying animal leave the trap to be later eaten by your pet.
It Is Time to Take the Matter of Chipmunk Control into Your Own Hands
All of the said – chipmunk baits are equally potent, even though their unique properties may slightly differ. Choosing one will depend mostly on your individual needs and expectations. I, myself, favor JT Eaton’s Bait Block Rodenticide for its ease of use, affordable price, and reduced risk of secondary poisoning.
However, if you need instant results or are dealing with an extensive underground infestation, one of the other options may be a better deal.
Have you ever had the problem of chipmunk invasion? What did you do to get rid of the annoying critters? Do you have a favorite method of pest control and eradication? Feel free to reach out to me and share your thoughts in the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you!
Hi! All my life I’ve been fighting urban and agricultural pests. Although the vast majority of orders relate to insects, I also receive many requests on how to catch chipmunks and prevent further attacks in the future.
In this article, I want to tell you everything about the best chipmunk trap models available on the market and explain why trapping chipmunks is the best control method. I combined reviews with practical advice to make the content as useful as possible. As a bonus, I reply to the most frequently asked questions of my readers and customers.
Below are reviews of 6 traps that I regularly use and recommend to my clients. Each of them proved to be highly efficient and provides the highest value-for-money.
1. Kensizer Small Animal Humane Live Cage – Best Humane Chipmunk Live Trap
This live cage is the best classic solution that I’ve ever tested. It features a simple mechanism that shuts down the box when the pest reaches the bait on a trigger plate. Due to the highly responsive trigger, the system works perfectly well even on careful animals that try to steal the bait without pressing the trigger.
The cage design lets you avoid long setting up. You can adjust the whole thing in less than a minute without instructions. If not, the manufacturer will send you a video tutorial.
The aluminum mesh is sturdy enough to resist rodents’ bites so that you can reuse it numerous times in a row. If you catch something stronger than rodents, and they break the mesh, the company will replace the product. The only disadvantage is the absence of 2-door models by the brand.
Pros:
Cons:
smooth mechanism;
replacement warranty;
easy to set up;
sturdy aluminum mesh;
available in 2 sizes.
no 2-door model.
2. Intruder 16525 the Better Rodentrap – Best Snap Trap
This simple plastic device is the cheapest on my list, but it works surprisingly well. To activate the mechanism, you have to press the small lever until you hear the click. There’s a small trigger plate inside that releases the strong spring that shuts the snap on rodent’s head, leaving no chances for it to escape.
The item is made of non-absorbent plastic that doesn’t damage critters’ skin and ensures bloodless and odorless catches. Just push the lever to release the catch and dispose of it.
The drawback of the plastic system is that it can break quite easily if you use it frequently. That’s why I don’t recommend the item to professionals who need an extra durable solution. If you need it to fight the infestation on your land, be sure to get the needed result.
Pros:
Cons:
bloodless process;
the easiest setup;
extremely cheap item;
non-absorbent plastic and stainless steel.
may shut down accidentally.
3. Rugged Ranch the Chipmunkinator – Great for Multiple Catch
Chipmunkinator is a professional solution that lets you catch up to 20 pests at once. I know that it sounds impossible for such a small construction, but it really is.
The mesh container has 2 one-way doors that let rodents in and make it impossible for them to escape. Using the release door on top, you can easily let them get out, when you take them far enough from your area. In addition, no setup and assembly are required!
Pros:
Cons:
lets you catch up to 20 pests at once.
easy to release critters;
the mesh is impossible to break with teeth;
2-door system.
it’s hard for animals to move inside this cage.
4. Rolling Log Mouse Trap – Clever Chipmunk Bucket Trap
Although this tool looks like a piece of metal, it’s incredibly effective against all types of rodents. You just have to adjust it on a bucket, so that it could rotate easily. It’s also necessary to make the top of the bucket easily accessible using wooden bars. Critters climb up the bars to reach the magnet, and when they step on the rolling log, they fall down into the bucket filled with a small amount of water.
The log is much lighter that a small mouse, so it always works without denial. This item is cheap and lets you catch as many rodents as a bucket can contain. I recommend it to both professionals and household owners. It’s 100% safe for any animal, and you don’t have to learn how to adjust complicated mechanisms to set it up.
The safety rules are the same as usual – don’t leave the catch inside for too long in order not to let animals suffer from stress too much and release them only on legal lands.
Pros:
Cons:
100% secure for animals;
elementary setup;
provides multiple catch;
humane remedy;
cheap solution.
no bucket and wood bars in the package.
5. Victor M240-3A Electronic Rat Trap – Leader of Electronic Chipmunk Traps
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This item is highly effective against rodents, but there are several nuances that you should consider before setting it up. First of all, make sure that there are no animals that can get inside instead of chipmunks or rats. If there are squirrels and other small non-pest animals in your area, you should consider a more humane item.
Victor M240-3A is equipped with an electro shocker that kills with high voltage. That’s why you must use it very carefully. I recommend to place it on attics, roofs, and in basements, away from children, pets, and other innocents.
You should also remove carcasses as soon as possible not to attract predators and clean the device for the next victim. This item is very controversial and even scandalous, but I can’t deny it’s high efficiency against rodents. Use it wisely, and you will succeed.
Pros:
Cons:
impossible to escape;
powered with 6 batteries;
one-click setup;
many kills on a single charge.
not humane;
dangerous for small pets and non-pest critters.
6. FABU Walk the Plank Mouse Trap – Self-Rechargeable Humane Chipmunk Trap
This item works similar to the rolling log, but you can install it on a container of any size. The plank is made of eco-friendly materials, including wood and acrylic. The rechargeable level mechanism works very simply. You have to mount it on a bucket or any other container and put a bait on the edge of the plank.
When the target goes for it, the plank drops it down into the container. The magnet on another side of the plank recharges it immediately, so it’s always ready to catch the next creature. It’s totally safe for your pets and children as it’s designed only for small pests.
The manufacturer provides a full money-back guarantee so that you can return your package anytime if you’re not satisfied with the result. However, it’s an unlikely scenario. I haven’t got any problems with this item at all. The only minus of the wooden construction is that you can’t place it outside if it’s raining as the wood may soak rainwater and expand.
Pros:
Cons:
safe for pets;
self-recharging mechanism;
provides an unlimited number of catches;
natural materials;
full refund guarantee.
may soak water if you place it outside.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right trap type, you should consider the size of your problem, your budget, and your attitude to trapping chipmunks in a humane way. Usually, the cheapest option is bucket traps, while electronic devices are the most expensive.
The difference in price tags isn’t very notable when you need to catch 1-2 pests, but if you need multiple catches, you’d prefer to save and buy several cheaper options instead of one expensive.
Cage-type chipmunk live trap is the most popular as it shows the highest catch rate. Still, I’m convinced that other trap types have lower rates because they’re used less frequently. I’ve tested many snap and bucket traps along with classic cages, and the final results were always different. The fact is that rodents always come to taste the bait, so a properly adjusted mechanism will always do its job.
How to Trap Chipmunks: Tips for Successful Trapping
After choosing the right trap type, you have to learn how to trap and determine trap placement. It must be installed in the place of the highest chipmunk activity. These small animals are very shy, so they usually hide in secure places. You should look for them below structures in your yard, below bushes and trees, in sheds and attics, near fences and burrows.
If you notice that chipmunks travel along fences and walls, you should place a two-door trap on their way. It’s one of the fastest ways to intercept rodents if it’s possible to see their favorite paths. If you use a 1-door trap, it must be placed at the end of a path, while the 2-door cage must be located in the middle of it with both doors open.
The rules for placing bucket and snap traps are pretty much the same. You should locate them in places that look secure for pests and fix a tasty magnet on the trigger plate. I usually use unshelled peanuts or peanut butter. The second option has a stronger smell, which makes pests leave their burrows earlier, but they can also attract ants.
Be ready that setting up a trap can take a while as the parts of your particular model may require thorough balancing. To make sure that everything works right, you should test the mechanism using a stick or any other object that has size and weight similar to a chipmunk.
Even the best chipmunk trap requires proper setup, so always follow the unique instructions to achieve the wanted result. When the animals are trapped, carry traps gently and relocate them at least 5 miles away from your place. Before doing it, you should check if your local laws permit relocation. If you use lethal devices, dispose of carcasses carefully.
Using Traps vs Using Poison
In fact, there are 6 common chipmunk control methods. Traps and poisoning are the most popular of them. However, poisoning is not considered a humane remedy against infestations as it’s always lethal. Traps aren’t always safe for rodents too, but you can always choose the type that won’t harm pests and will let you set them free in the wild.
Poisons can also be harmful to other animals and your pets if they take a remedy by accident. Although pest poisoning is legal in most states, I recommend you to choose traps to avoid unwanted effects on the population.
FAQ
Can I Use Mouse Traps for Chipmunks?
My experience proves that mouse and rat traps can be very effective against chipmunks as well. However, such solutions as a chipmunk bucket trap may require you to use bigger buckets that you need for mice. The reason is this type of rodent has stronger legs that let it jump high enough to get out of average buckets without difficulties.
How to Trap a Chipmunk Without Killing It?
The most humane way to trap chipmunks is to use one and two-door traps or bucket traps. In both cases, you have to relocate trapped animals as soon as possible as they can’t live long in stressful conditions without food. Take them to a forest and let go.
What Bait to Use to Trap Chipmunks?
The best baits for chipmunks are sunflower seeds, peanut butter, unroasted peanuts, cereal, prune pits, corn, and popcorn. To boost the efficiency of the bait, you should place it not only inside the trap but near it as well. This way, the smell will spread better. But don’t put too many goodies outside to keep the pests hungry and curious enough to get inside.
How Long Can Chipmunks Be Left in a Trap?
Using both humane and lethal chipmunk traps, you should take rodents out as soon as possible. If you leave a chipmunk in a humane chipmunk trap for too long, it will become anxious and can die of dehydration and starvation. In the second case, you must dispose of dead pests not to attract predators and to avoid the rotting smell from traps located inside buildings.
How to Remove Chipmunk from a Trap?
If you use cage-type traps, you can simply open one of the doors to let the animal get out. The same works with buckets. I also recommend you to wear gloves to protect your hands from bites. Sometimes it’s necessary to take scared animals out manually, so it’s an important rule to follow.
Attention and Patience
Now you know how to choose the most effective bait and how to trap chipmunks. However, you should also be very attentive as these rodents are extremely clever when it comes to their safety. By choosing the right decoy from my list, you make the first step to preventing the infestation successfully.
Don’t hesitate to make sure that pests don’t start breeding around your place. If you see a chipmunk in your yard from February to April and from June to August, you must get rid of it as fast as possible as these are typical breeding seasons for most types of chipmunks.
If you have any questions after reading, you’re welcome to ask me in the comments. Have you already chosen any trap type? Did it help you to solve the problem? Share your experience with me and other readers below!
How to Trap Chipmunks (Kansas State University): https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/natural-resources/agent-articles/nuisance-wildlife/how-to-trap-chipmunks.html
Chipmunk Control (The University of Georgia): https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C910&title=Chipmunk%20Control
Hello! As an entomologist and pest control consultant, I’ve been dealing with all types of pests that infest household and commercial buildings around the US for over 25 years already. This time I will tell you about the proper use of remedies against chipmunks and share reviews of the best chipmunk repellents.
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Although chipmunks are so cute and cuddly, they can cause damage to a wide range of items around your yard. Fortunately, there are many effective, humane remedies against these tiny, quirky animals.
Read on to learn everything about repelling chipmunks, and you will be able to prevent an infestation using chipmunk repellents. Have you identified critter damage on your land? It’s time to stop it then!
I’ve tested multiple repellents over the last few years, but only these 6 items showed high efficiency for their price. Below, you will find the best solutions to protect households on both commercial and private basis.
Composed of: garlic, dried blood, whole egg solids, clove, fish oil, onion and wintergreen
Lasts: up to 2 months per application
Item Weight: 2.33 pounds
Product Dimensions LxWxH: 0.4 x 0.19 x 0.81 inches
Pack of 1(pack may vary)
Bonide Repels-All Animal liquid repeller is a concentrate of safe natural ingredients. It lets you make 2 gal of ready-to-use repeller from just 32 oz of the concentrate.
It means that even the smallest 32 oz pack is enough to cover a large field. If you need a professional chipmunk deterrent for frequent use, you can order up to 5 gallons per canister.
Pros:
Cons:
safe for animals and people;
perfect for covering large areas;
easy to dilute;
it can be used on most plants.
prohibited to use on and near edibles.
2. Bird B Gone MMRTH1 Hawk Decoy – Most Creative Repeller
Note: Hawk Decoys are hand painted so they will never be identical
Designed for outdoor use
Believe it or not, but this hawk scarecrow is not just a unique piece of garden decor. It imitates a hawk realistically, making rodents run away to escape. Using this device alongside with more traditional treatments, you can ensure that chipmunks won’t return.
Pros:
Cons:
incredibly realistic design;
effective rodent and bird repellent;
hand-painted body;
nice garden decor.
should be used together with other remedies.
3. Molemax Sonic Spike Repeller – Autonomous Ultrasonic Repeller
This ultrasonic repeller is totally autonomous as it includes a solar battery that charges within 3-4 hours and remains active up to 5-7 days. It means that dark rainy days won’t stop it from repelling chipmunks away.
The minor package includes 4 repellers that can cover up 4,000 square feet. You can use it as an effective preventive measure after treating the area with liquids and granules.
Pros:
Cons:
safe for pets;
totally autonomous;
heavy-duty water-resistant construction;
sound penetrates the soil.
some pests can be sustainable to the noise.
4. Ortho Animal B Gon – Best Chipmunk Repellent Liquid with a Sprayer
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This natural chipmunk repellent consists of safe active components, such as rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint oils, as well as whole egg solids. Such a ‘cocktail’ exudes scents that repel chipmunks and other small animals.
You can spray the liquid lightly around using the built-in sprayer (in 24 oz version) or the remote sprayer (1 gal version). It’s safe for plants and flowers, as well as for all types of outdoor and indoor surfaces.
Pros:
Cons:
includes a convenient sprayer with a plastic pipe;
available in 24 oz and 1 gal packs;
covers up to 4,000 square feet;
safe for animal health;
effective up to 30 days.
prohibited to use on and near edibles.
5. I Must Garden Squirrel Repellent – All Natural Chipmunk Deterrent
This universal spray lets you protect most items around your place, including plants (flowers, tomatoes, fruit trees, bulbs, pumpkins, etc.), furniture, decking, and all types of vehicles. It repels most types of rodents really fast and prevents them from damaging your property. Unfortunately, only the smallest pack includes a sprayer.
Pros:
Cons:
secure for all animals;
can be used in cars and trucks;
only natural components;
no foul odors.
you should buy a sprayer separately.
6. BRISON Ultrasonic Pest Repeller – Best Indoor Electronic Chipmunk Repellent
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This electronic device produces -25/64Hz ultrasonic noise that wards off small animals without harming them. Rodents that hear this noise, try to escape from the area as soon as possible. However, they may return again, so it’s important to keep the device on for at least 3 weeks to ensure that the infestation has gone.
Pros:
Cons:
low energy consumption;
secure for children and pets;
silent for pets and humans;
money-back guarantee;
plug-and-use design.
cannot cover more than 1 room;
ineffective outdoors.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best chipmunk repellent, you have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each item. There are liquid, granular, and electronic remedies, and chipmunk poisons are not one of them.
Liquid products are effective when temperatures outside don’t fall below 40°F. They also require reapplication and become inactive after heavy rains. The advantage of most liquids is that they ward off not only rodents but many wild and homeless animals too. If your land is exposed to raccoons, skunks, and rats, liquids will be helpful against them too. Use them to protect outdoor surfaces, such as plants, gutters, woodpiles, bulbs, etc.
Unlike liquid products, granules can be used independently from climate conditions, and the effect lasts much longer. Sprinkle them around indoor and outdoor areas to scare pests from burrowing and hiding in selected areas.
There are 2 types of electronic repellents. The first electronic chipmunk repellent type uses sudden bursts of water to scare away animals, while the second produces scary ultrasonic noise that makes rodents run away. You can locate them anywhere as an additional measure for granular or liquid treatment.
How to Repel Chipmunks (Tips for Successful Repelling)
Before getting rid of rodents, you have to identify areas of damage. The most common places of activity include attics, patches of vegetables, plants, and seedings, home foundations, bird feeders, lawns, and structures around the yard.
As soon as you detect all their favorite locations, choose a repellent, and apply it as directed. It’s always necessary to reuse remedies to maintain the result. If you select a liquid item, spray it generously and always repeat the procedure after rain. If you use an electronic device, set it to the highest sensitivity.
The final step is to remove everything that may attract critters to your land. You should clean the area of food and water sources, gather all fallen nuts and berries, remove birdbaths, get rid of wood and junk piles, seal entries to the foundation. If you don’t want to remove bird feeders, place them away from structures, and use thistle instead of birdseed.
Using Traps vs. Repellents
Trapping and relocating chipmunks are both ethical and effective remedies. However, local laws of your state may prohibit the relocation of wild animals. You must check the laws of your region to figure out whether you have the right to use live traps or not.
If it appears impossible or too difficult, you can fight the infestation by using one of the repellents from my chipmunk repellent reviews. All the repellents are secure for the health of rodents, your family members, and your pets. However, you shouldn’t use them on plants that you are planning to eat. It’s also important to understand the impact of all wildlife repellents to make the right choice.
FAQ
Is It Possible to Repel Chipmunks Without Killing Them?
Repellents are not only very effective but also very humane as they don’t expose animals to danger at all. Using repellents, you likewise keep critters away from the stress that is usually caused by trapping and transportation. There’s no need to kill chipmunks to keep them away!
How to Repel Chipmunks from the House?
Use the best electronic, chemical, or natural chipmunk repellent following the instructions, and you will achieve the needed result. Of course, no one is insured against reinfestations, so you should also do everything that you can to make your yard unattractive to rodents. That’s the only way to protect yourself from the problems in the future.
What Plants Repel Chipmunks?
Garlic is the most effective among plants that repel chipmunks. Plant as much of it as you can to achieve the long-lasting effect. Another popular natural remedy is spearmint. This plant looks hazardous for both chipmunks and red squirrels that are also unwanted dwellers for any household.
How to Repel Chipmunks from the Car?
The first thing that you have to do if you detect an infestation within your vehicle is to start driving it more frequently. The noise will scare the rodents away for a long time. To prevent reinfestation, you can locate cedar mulch in places where they cannot damage parts of the car.
You can also sprinkle critter ridders. You should repeat the procedure every 30 days and clean the car of poops as smelling it can be bad for your health. You should also contact your insurance provider to ask for financial help as many companies consider vehicle infestation to be a biohazard.
Does Vinegar Repel Chipmunks?
Yes, White vinegar is a popular grandma’s repellent that can help you to make rodents leave their burrows. You have to continuously pour vinegar into their holes and around them to achieve the needed effect. I recommend you to use tested repellents by top manufacturers anyway as they always show faster results. You can use it before you have time to buy a professional remedy.
Now that you know how to keep chipmunks away, you can easily prevent an infestation if you live in the area with high chipmunk attack probability. Moreover, you are aware of how to repel pests that are already invading your land. Using my chipmunk repellent reviews and repelling tips, you can develop a winning strategy and solve the problem forever.
Remember to follow the unique instructions attached to the product you use as improvisation is unacceptable when you deal with such foxy rodents. Show them that your land is unsuitable for comfortable living, and breathe easily.
So what repellent did you choose? Did it help you to solve the problem? Join the discussion in the comments below and tell everyone about your case.
References:
Identifying critter damage in the garden and landscape (Gretchen Voyle, Michigan State University Extension): https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/identifying_critter_damage_in_the_garden_and_landscape
Repellents and Wildlife Damage Control (The University of Georgia): https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1021&title=Repellents%20and%20Wildlife%20Damage%20Control
By far and away, the biggest problem with chipmunks is that many of us underestimate them. It is totally normal to be in two minds about these little creatures, as they are not simply adorable, they may easily ruin your garden. Chipmunks look like little squirrels with black stripes on their backs. They are native to North America and widely spread there, accustomed to people.
These rodents may devour plants in your garden one by one, while you will be trying to catch them. I want to share my experience as an entomologist, and pest control consultant, here with you. I am going to discuss humane methods to get rid of chipmunks as well.
Everything You Need to Know About Chipmunks
Chipmunks or Tamias Striatus (eastern chipmunk) dwell on the territory of Northern America and are rodents that belong to the Sciuridae (squirrels) family. However, you can’t call them squirrels, as they are entirely different species. Scientists recorded 16 types of chipmunks in the USA. The main signs of American chipmunk:
Its body is up to 6 inches long;
There are 5 black and 2 tan links on its back;
It lives in suburbia or woodlands.
Chipmunks vs. Squirrels
Before we discuss how to kill chipmunks or kick them away from your home, let’s talk about the difference between squirrels and chipmunks. Both rodents can be a pain in the neck if you ask me, but we are currently talking about chipmunks. Some of them may look similar, but that’s only natural as they belong to one family.
For example, even though chipmunks and ground squirrels have similar coloring, they are still different from tree squirrels with their round-shaped and furry tale. The main difference is in length and coloring:
Chipmunks are 6-12 inches maximum in length, while the squirrel is 12-20 inches in length with a tale;
Squirrel does not have stripes on the fur;
The tale of the squirrel is round, while chipmunk’s tail is straight;
Squirrels are gray in the USA, while chipmunks are light-brown with stripes and white bellies;
Squirrels can easily dwell in the city parks, building nests on trees; chipmunks prefer woods and living in the ground, where they make holes. So, if you were wondering do chipmunks live underground, the answer is, yes. They decorate holes with moss and leaves.
They eat similar food, but squirrels may consume more. Both rodents have small pointy ears. And yet, it is extremely hard to mistake one for another.
Dangers That May Be Caused by Chipmunks
Although chipmunks look like characters undervalued by Disney, they are anything but harmless. Like any rodents, the family that includes rats and mice, these cuties can easily carry multiple diseases that may spread to humans. Don’t try to catch it with your bare hands, as it may bite you with particles of rabies or plague on its teeth.
Since chipmunks’ teeth are constantly growing, they have to chew almost everything around them, including walls, pipes, boxes, clothes, furniture, and pictures. Once you have them in your house, it is better to act fast. While the loss of favorite clothes may be sad, chipmunks chewing wires inside the house’s walls are extremely dangerous.
What Attracts Chipmunks to Your House?
If you want to attract chipmunks to your yard or invite them to your house, you will have to follow the next steps. Before we start, I want to point out that while these creatures are easy to summon, they are incredibly hard to get rid of. Anyway, I recommend using practical knowledge, to make a perfect bait:
Plants with seeds. Chipmunks are in love with sunflowers and their seeds. You may also try coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, Coreopsis. When the weather gets colder, chipmunks feed on seed heads, left by gardeners.
Fruits. These rodents adore berries. If you want to attract them, you can place cranberries, hawthorns, dogwood that is flowering, and crabapples. They also enjoy peaches, apples, cherries, and pears. To cap it all, chipmunks will eat all fruits and berries in case they are hungry.
Nuts. Usually rodents can’t live without a good amount of nuts. They prefer walnuts, beeches, hickories, oaks, and everything that can be chewed. If you have nuts somewhere around, you can arrange a simple trap to catch chipmunks.
Insects. Chipmunks eat various small insects. You can lure them with wildflowers and grass so that chipmunks will be really appreciative for this;
Water. Rodents can’t survive without the proper amount of drinking water. Sooner or later, they will be attracted to the bowl of water.
Chipmunks also eat tiny birds and birds’ eggs. They don’t mind consuming frogs and snails as well. Even worms will be good for the chipmunk if there are no berries and nuts. And don’t forget that they love to chew furniture. They do not have preferences, but they can easily possibly find oak of the highest-quality and price that will be a delicious course to serve.
What chipmunks hate the most:
The lack of leaves and garbage at your yard. Cleaning up your house means that rodents can’t hide anywhere.
They will really appreciate it if you leave at least one big pile of old leaves;
The lack of bushes in the garden. Rodents like to hide in berry bushes. They can use the bush as a temporary nestle;
Daffodils and garlic are definitely among the most hateful things on earth for chipmunks. It’s like an old proverb says – one garlic a day, keeps a chipmunk far away. Ok, there is no such a proverb, but you may consider planting both of them in the garden;
The lack of water. If you love to feed birds, keep their feeders off the ground, in some unreachable place for chipmunks.
How to Identify Whether You Have Chipmunks
It’s a tricky question. The first thing that comes to mind is to follow the furry creature that is running back and forth around your house and yard. Yet, sometimes they can be too ingenious to get caught.
Sooner or later, you will see the obvious signs of chipmunks in your yard or house. They will leave chewed fruits, flowers, and furniture. Take a good look under your feet. If there are holes in the ground, it is time to catch little rodents. The obvious signs are:
It sounds easier than it is. Chipmunks are smart and fast. Their small sizes give them an advantage as they may easily hide from anyone. There are numerous ways of how to catch a chipmunk. Here are my top favorites:
There are natural repellents like hair clippings, for example. The smell of human beings scares away rodents. While you will get rid of chipmunks, nitrogen that your hair contains will serve a good deal, being a well-known fertilizer.
Electronic repellents are non-toxic, they spray water and spread ultrasonic pulses that scare animals away from the lawn.
Liquid repellents. As for the liquid repellents, they can be toxic and non-toxic, so the choice is yours. Spray them on the specific areas in the yard.
DIY repellents. You may do the homemade version by mixing cayenne pepper and water together. Add a tablespoon of olive oil inside, and shake it before you apply the substance.
And my favorites are dry repellents. Their action lasts longer. They will prevent rodents from getting inside your house, and you can actually put them anywhere.
Chipmunk Traps. We have already discussed with you what chipmunks love to eat. Now, when you have perfect bait, you can arrange a self-made trap or buy one from the local store. The trap is considered to be the humane way to get rid of rodents. You don’t have to kill them. Once they are trapped, take them far away from your house and release them.
Poisons. A poison for chipmunks can be bought at the store or made at home. I prefer to use poison that is specially developed by professionals. This way, you will not accidentally do yourself harm and will have some guarantees of quality. You have to check out all the places with the poison. I do not recommend this method if you have chipmunks in the walls. They may simply die in there, and it will be impossible to get rid of them.
Exclusion. This is one of the oldest methods that you can choose. Seal all the holes in the walls and cut the access to the wires and gas pipes. I also suggest making sure that all your TV lines, vents, and electricity cables are hidden and unreachable for rodents. Check all the rain gutter downspouts, by pumping the water inside. Chipmunks love to nestle there. After that, cover them or secure them with the DIY fence, rodents can’t climb.
Shooting. This is another option on the list. However, I don’t recommend you doing it. It is legal to hunt chipmunks in every state, in case you are wondering. You have to be a good shooter and use an air rifle or 22 caliber rifle. At the same time, you have to check out whether it is legal to shoot a firearm in the place where you live.
Preventing Chipmunks
It is easier to prevent something than to deal with consequences. So, even if you don’t have chipmunks at home, I still recommend following the next steps:
The L-shaped footers around your house, porch, and sidewalk will cut the way for chipmunks;
You have to get rid of all the small rocks and wood on your lawn. Do not leave hiding spots for rodents;
If you have enough money and time, you can surround your territory with the gravel border free of plants;
Plant small bulbs of flowers under the wire or in a plastic container, like a cage, so that chipmunk wouldn’t be able to dig it through;
Don’t forget to plant daffodils among other flowers to scare the rodents away; Cut the trees whenever they are reaching your house. Chipmunks can easily climb them, and nestle at the top of your house;
Keep bird seeds unreachable for rodents, and if you can, avoid keeping food outdoors.
FAQ
1. How Many Chipmunks Live Together?
While these rodents are not exactly the friendliest ones in the animal kingdom, they can still peacefully coexist with each other. Sometimes chipmunks even create a colony of some kind. It includes up to 10 members. During their mating season, they interact with each other more than during the rest of the year. On average, only one rodent lives in a burrow, except for when the mother takes care of her small children.
2. When Do Chipmunks Come Out of Hibernation?
Everything depends on the climate chipmunks live in. In the Northern states, rodents hibernate from late October to the middle of March. In the central part of the USA, chipmunks can go to hibernation only in winter. They do not sleep during the whole three months actually, they wake up each several days to feed, raise the temperature of their bodies, etc.
3. Can Chipmunks Cause Damage?
Chipmunks may look adorable and tiny to cause any damage. And this is what many people say when the first chipmunk appears in their yard. If you also face this problem, believe me, after some time, you will call me asking to get rid of chipmunks in your yard! The damage they may cause:
The holes they make around the lawn can damage the foundation of the house, sidewalks, barns, and so on;
Their teeth are long and require lots of chewing. Once they are close to the furniture, you can say goodbye to it;
Chipmunks may climb into the holes at the walls and get to the wires. You probably can imagine what may happen after they chew them;
These creatures can carry various diseases on teeth. Have you ever heard of the plague? What about other deadly viruses?;
They can mess with the flower bulbs that you’ve recently planted;
These animals are capable of eating the entire harvest for which you were waiting so eagerly.
4. What Are Common Methods of Chipmunk Control?
The first thing you need to do is to keep chipmunks far from your house. You can use repellents, traps and fences to protect your home. Make sure that all the hardware is unreachable to rodents. Use baits to attract chipmunks to a specific spot and trap them. According to the law, you can’t release these animals near yours or your neighbor’s house. You have to take the cage at least 1 mile away from houses before you release the creature.
If you can’t deal with chipmunks yourself, I recommend you to call professionals. They will get rid of rodents for you. There are local control services you may contact.
5. How to Seal a Chipmunk Hole?
There are numerous ways to seal chipmunk holes. All of them can be made even by amateurs, free of charge. Here are my 3 favorite recipes on how to get rid of chipmunk tunnels:
You have to cover all the holes in the lawn. Search for small ones. You need to search for holes under rocks as well;
Push dirt into the holes to seal them temporarily. You can use soil to pack chipmunks nestles with it. Do it with each hole you see in your yard;
Put gravel above the hole. Thus, rodents will not be able to dig through it. I suggest mixing gravel and soil for a better effect;
The fence is always a great idea. But this time, make sure that it is at least 8 inches deep into the ground, so chipmunks will not be able to dig under it;
Seal holes in the walls. This is actually one of the primeval things you have to do. Make sure that there are no holes left in the building.
DIY Recipes on How to Keep Chipmunks Out of Garden?
We have already discussed numerous ways of how to fight against rodents. Now let’s discuss how not to let them settle down in your yard or at the house. Here is the list of most hateful smells for chipmunks:
The smell of humans scares them away. I suggest you use your hair or clothes with your smell when fighting the chipmunks;
The urine of foxes, dogs, or other predators will definitely force them to stay away from your yard; Cinnamon, peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus, and garlic are also on the list.
Can Chipmunks Ruin the House?
If you have noticed chipmunks digging holes around foundation, it is a sign that you have to act fast. There are two types of holes that chipmunks dig: the smaller one is for summer, the deeper one is for winter. Both of them are not wide in diameter, as the rodent itself is not that big. Although chipmunks look rather adorable and harmless, holes must be sealed immediately. Chipmunks may cause damage to the whole structure. The more they dig holes and chew the wood and wires, the bigger damage they cause.
If you are worried about the safety of you and your family, you need to take measures immediately. I advise you to put a fence around the foundation of the house. You don’t have to wait until chipmunks appear. Find out whether you live in the area of rodents’ habitat, and take preventive measures before it is too late.
Do Mothballs Work on Chipmunks?
In numerous cases, mothballs help to get rid of not only chipmunks but squirrels and other rodents. The naphthalene in mothballs has an intense odor that chipmunks can’t stand. As they have a good sense of smell, they can feel mothballs from afar and will keep the distance. However, I don’t recommend using mothballs. Naphthalene is a chemical that may be dangerous for animals and humans. It may cause nausea, dizziness, liver diseases, and stomach problems. You have to keep away mothballs from ventilation and far away from children and pets. If you have bought the pack, you need to read instructions carefully, as there is a difference between mothballs.
Top 6 Chipmunk Removal Products
With the first evidence of chipmunks in house, I recommend you take measures. Here are my most bellowed and trusted products. There are many more of them, and if you have found something that is missing, you can make your suggestions in the comments.
1. Kensizer Small Chipmunk Trap – the Best Humane Chipmunk Deterrent
Small Chipmunk Trap by Kensizer is one of the leaders among humane traps for chipmunks. It does not kill rodents after they are trapped. Once the animal touches the bait, the cage is locked down. The size of the product is 10.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches. In case you need more length or height, there is a large choice of options at the store. Kensizer developers produce live traps and are incredibly popular on the market.
The trap is made from Aluminum. It is lightweight. After the chipmunk got trapped, you have to remove it from the trap somewhere far from your house and use the cage again. It is easily washable. The mechanism in the cage is sensible.
Pros:
Cons:
Humane way to get rid of rodents;
Lightweight;
Durable;
Sensitive trigger.
Does not kill chipmunks.
2. Intruder 16525 The Better Rodentrap – the Leader Among Snap Traps that Eradicate Chipmunks
The 16525 The Better Rodentrap from Intruder is a snap trap that kills chipmunks in a clean and fast way. The trap is made of stainless steel of high quality. It has a powerful trigger mechanism that immediately closes the trap, once the rodent is inside. All you need is to find the perfect bait, like seeds or nuts.
It is a reusable product. After you get rid of one chipmunk, you can clean the trap, put another bait inside, and wait for the next chipmunk to get in. The rodent suffocates inside, without leaving blood traces. After you notice the first signs of chipmunk infestation, you may order one trap. If there are more rodents in your house, you can buy several of them.
Pros:
Cons:
Powerful trigger inside;
Weightless and small;
Affordable price;
Durable.
This trap actually kills chipmunks.
3. JT Eaton 166004 709-PN Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait – the Deadliest Poison to Eliminate Chipmunks
The 709-PN Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait made by J T Eaton is a top-selling product. It has a flavor of peanut butter and attracts rodents with a good sense of smell. It also kills rats and mice, so if you have them, this poison should be spread in places visited the most by the rodents. Make sure that there are no holes in the walls, or you will have dead animals trapped inside.
There are 144 blocks of rodenticide in the pack. Each weighs 1 ounce. Even one block can kill a small chipmunk. There is an expiration date of 1 year. You have to check it before ordering the product.
Pros:
Cons:
Acts almost immediately;
144 blocks in a pack;
Kills mice and rats as well;
Affordable price.
If the chipmunk dies in the wall, the whole house will stink until you remove the corpse.
4. Rugged Ranch the Chipmunkinator Trap – Live Chipmunk Removal Option
If you don’t want to kill chipmunk in your yard, there is a trap from Rugged Ranch. It can catch over 20 of rodents at one time. There is a 2-door entry for animals to come in, but it is impossible for them to go out.
The trap is made of solid materials. It is reusable and does not contain chemicals. You can use Chipmunkinator Trap in your yard and at the house.
Pros:
Cons:
Reliable structure;
Catches up to 20 rodents at one time;
Does not kill animals.
It is more expensive than similar products.
5. Plantskydd Animal Repellent – Organic Formula to Fill Chipmunk Holes
Target Species: Deer, Rabbits, Elk, Moose, Hares, Voles, Squirrels, Chipmunks and Other Herbivores
This Animal Repellent by Plantskydd scares away even big animals, like moose and deer, elk, and numerous other herbivores. At the same time, it does not destroy your plants. This repellent works on 1 750 square feet territory. There are no animal parts inside, only 100 percent dried blood.
The repellent was created in the USA. There is a guarantee period. It does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Pros:
Cons:
Scares away various rodents and big animals;
Is not harmful to your plants;
Easy to use;
Organic materials only.
It is not the cheapest product.
6. Thanos 8X Solar Sonic Repellent Spikes Traps – the Helpful Organic Chipmunk Repellent
No products found.
Specifications:
Color: Green
Material: Plastic
Item Weight: 1.59 pounds
Package Dimensions LxWxH: 11.57 x 5.28 x 5.08 inches
Target Species: Moles, Groundhogs
If you want a humane way to get rid of chipmunks, 8X Solar Sonic Repellent Spikes Traps by Thanos is your choice. It gets rid of multiple rodents without killing them. The device is charged by solar energy. All it needs is 4 hours under the sun, and it will work for 5 days in a row.
The product covers a diameter of 40 feet. If you have an acre of land, you will need 12 solar repellers. The pack includes 8, but you may not need to cover such a large area. There is a guarantee that offers money back if the reseller doesn`t show results in 60 days.
Pros:
Cons:
Scares away chipmunks;
Easy to remove and transport;
Durable;
The 60 days money back guarantee.
It costs more than similar repellers.
Pick Your Ideal Option
You don’t have to decide straight away which measure is the best for you. Some people prefer to scare chipmunks away, others start a hunting season with a rifle. I gathered the most beneficial products on the list above and shared all my tips and tricks with you. If you want to try out several recipes and products, you can do this.
Those readers who have already followed my advice or used the products I recommended, please write your honest opinions about them. Did you like them? Were they helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
References:
Eastern Chipmunk (Indiana Department of Natural Resources): https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5695.htm
Diseases directly transmitted by rodents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/direct.html
Mice, Voles, Chipmunks, and Moles (College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources): http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/mice–voles-and-moles_8_199447496.pdf
Mothballs – Regulation, Proper Uses and Alternatives (National Pesticide Information Center): http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/mothball/regulation.html
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