How to Get Rid of Those Pesky Chipmunks on Your Property
If you find that your home is being plagued with rodents or pests, you are more than likely not alone. Squirrels, opossums, field mice, bugs and spiders, they all tend to find their way into our homes and yards at some point. If you find that you are having to deal with a pest in your yard, like chipmunks to be exact, then we are here to help. In this article, we are going to reveal to you the tips and tricks that you will need when trying to solve your own chipmunk problem. With all of that said, let’s get started.
1. Method To The Madness
When it comes to controlling your chipmunk problem, the best thing to do is to approach it with a method of preventing future chipmunks from coming to your home while also excluding the ones that are already there. Some preventative measures to block them out include getting rid of any rock piles, wood piles, or any other plant buildup that is collecting in your yard, planting certain bulbs that don’t attract any type of rodents or pests, keeping pet food and bird seed away from the backyard where they could potentially get to it, and also placing footers around your foundation and walkways to prevent burrowing.
If you are more concerned about your garden, or find that chipmunks have already reeked havoc on your already planted bulbs, there are other measures that you can take to keep your plants and foliage safe and sound. To keep them from burrowing in your soil, the best thing to do is to plant your bulbs beneath a wire or plastic screen that allows your flowers to grow, but covers the soil to prevent burrowing. Another solution is to plant you bulbs in bulb cages that give you the same solution without covering all of your soil.
On the other hand, if you find that your bird feeders are getting the brunt of the chipmunk issues, we have solutions for that as well. You will want to keep your bird feeders about fifteen to thirty feet away from any of your structures on your property. You’ll also want to make sure to keep seeds picked up hat spill on the ground, as this often attracts them in the first place. If all else fails, try buying bird seed that doesn’t attract chipmunks (one great example is thistle).
2. Repelling And Trapping
Aside from preventative measures that can be instilled in your yard and home for chipmunks, there are also other ways that you can help to exclude them from the area. When it comes to repelling, there are no chipmunk repellents on the market specifically, but you can use similar methods to that of repelling squirrels. This includes the use of mothballs and the use of Thiram near plants and the garden. For a DIY repellent, try using one gallon of water with a teaspoon of Lysol and 3 ounces of epsom salt. You’ll spray the solution around your trouble spots in the yard.
You can also trap and release the chipmunks for a more humane way of getting them away. The guidelines for this are fairly simple — Just use a small cage that is baited with food or other things to attract the chipmunks. Once you catch one, release it immediately. Typically going about 5 miles from your home should do the trick to keep them away from your own home.
When it comes to a chipmunk problem, or any other rodent or pest problem that can come about, there are always solutions for solving the problem in a humane and safe way for everyone. Whether you decide to trap and release, or just take preventative cautions to make your home more chipmunk proof, there is something right for everyone. You will want to make sure to do your research before making any changes, as regulations can vary from state to state (regarding what is legal and what is not). We hope that these tips have helped you to find a solution to your chipmunk issue in your home and yard, and that your garden will be well protected come spring and summer.
