Chipmunks might look cute, but they can cause quite a bit of trouble in your backyard. From digging up gardens to burrowing under patios, these little critters can be a nuisance.
Luckily, there are humane ways to evict them without causing harm. Let’s dive into some effective methods.
Understanding Chipmunks
Behavior and Habitat
Chipmunks are small, striped rodents that belong to the squirrel family. They are primarily found in North America, with the Siberian chipmunk being the only species found outside of this continent. These creatures are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to carry food back to their burrows. Chipmunks are solitary animals and prefer to stay hidden, making their homes in burrows, logs, or bushes.
Why Chipmunks Become a Problem
While they are fun to watch, chipmunks can cause significant damage. They dig extensive burrow systems that can undermine foundations, patios, and sidewalks. Additionally, they often raid gardens, eating bulbs, seeds, and young plants, which can be frustrating for gardeners.
Humane Eviction Methods
Using Humane Traps
One of the most effective ways to remove chipmunks is by using humane traps. These traps capture the animals without harming them, allowing you to relocate them safely. To set a trap, place it near areas of high chipmunk activity and bait it with peanut butter or sunflower seeds. Once trapped, relocate the chipmunk at least five miles away to prevent it from returning.
Removing Food Sources
Chipmunks are attracted to areas with abundant food. By removing food sources, you can make your yard less appealing. Secure bird feeders and clean up fallen seeds promptly. Store birdseed and pet food in rodent-proof containers. Also, harvest fruits and vegetables as soon as they ripen to avoid attracting these critters.
Ultrasonic Deterrents
Ultrasonic deterrents emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to chipmunks but inaudible to humans. These devices can be effective in keeping chipmunks away from specific areas like gardens or patios. However, their effectiveness can vary, and they may not work in all situations.
Natural Repellents
Natural repellents can also help keep chipmunks at bay. Sprinkling substances like hot pepper flakes, garlic powder, or even human hair around your garden can deter chipmunks due to their strong scents. Reapply these repellents regularly, especially after rain.
Physical Barriers
Installing physical barriers is another effective method. Use hardware cloth or wire mesh to protect garden beds and foundations. Bury the mesh at least a foot deep to prevent chipmunks from burrowing underneath. Covering plants with netting can also protect them from being eaten.
Maintaining a Chipmunk-Free Yard
Yard Maintenance
Keeping your yard clean and tidy is crucial. Remove piles of leaves, brush, and other debris where chipmunks might hide. Regularly inspect your yard for signs of chipmunk activity and take action immediately if you spot any.
Long-term Prevention
For long-term prevention, consider planting chipmunk-repellent plants like daffodils or garlic. These plants are less attractive to chipmunks and can help keep them away from your garden. Creating an environment that is less hospitable to chipmunks will reduce the chances of them returning.
Professional Help
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, chipmunks can be too persistent. If you find that the problem is beyond your control, it might be time to call in a professional. Wildlife control experts have the tools and knowledge to handle chipmunk infestations effectively and humanely.
Conclusion
In summary, while chipmunks can be a delightful sight, they can also cause significant damage to your property. By using humane methods such as traps, repellents, and barriers, you can evict these little rodents without causing them harm. Remember, maintaining a clean yard and removing food sources are key to keeping chipmunks away for good.
Shallow burrows for foraging; deeper burrows for nesting, storing food, and hibernation; can be 12-30 feet long with multiple chambers and entrances
Activity
Diurnal (active during the day); hibernate in winter with periods of torpor
Reproduction
Breeds twice a year (spring and summer); 4-5 babies per litter
Communication
Uses chirps and body language for territory defense, mating calls, and warning signals
Hoarding Behavior
Can gather up to 165 acorns in a day; stores food in burrows for winter
Predators
Hawks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, snakes
Unique Features
Large cheek pouches for transporting food; can climb trees and swim
Conservation Status
Generally not at risk; susceptible to forest fragmentation
Chipmunk FAQ: Facts and Figures
Question
Answer
What are chipmunks?
Chipmunks are small, striped rodents belonging to the squirrel family (Sciuridae). They are primarily found in North America, with the exception of the Siberian chipmunk, which is found in Asia
.
How many species of chipmunks exist?
There are 25 species of chipmunks. 24 species are native to North America, while the Siberian chipmunk is found in Asia
.
What do chipmunks eat?
Chipmunks are omnivores. Their diet includes seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, fungi, insects, small frogs, worms, bird eggs, and even baby birds. They also eat cultivated grains and vegetables around human habitats
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How long do chipmunks live?
In the wild, chipmunks typically live 2 to 3 years. However, in captivity, they can live up to 9 years
.
Where do chipmunks live?
Chipmunks inhabit a variety of environments including deciduous forests, woodlands, shrublands, urban parks, and areas with plenty of ground cover such as rocks, logs, and bushes
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Do chipmunks hibernate?
Chipmunks enter a state of torpor during the winter rather than true hibernation. They wake periodically to eat from their stored food supplies
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How do chipmunks communicate?
Chipmunks use a variety of vocalizations including chips, chucks, and trills to communicate. They also use body language and chemical signals for territory defense and mating
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What are common predators of chipmunks?
Predators include hawks, owls, foxes, raccoons, snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and domestic cats
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How do chipmunks store food?
Chipmunks have cheek pouches that they use to transport food to their burrows. They store food in underground caches to eat during the winter months
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What is the typical size of a chipmunk?
Chipmunks range from 4 to 7 inches in body length, with tails that add an additional 3 to 5 inches. They typically weigh between 1 to 5 ounces
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How do chipmunks affect the ecosystem?
Chipmunks play a crucial role in seed dispersal and the spread of mycorrhizal fungi, which are important for forest regeneration. They also serve as prey for many predators
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How can you humanely evict chipmunks?
Humane methods include using live traps, removing food sources, installing ultrasonic deterrents, applying natural repellents, and setting up physical barriers like wire mesh around gardens and foundations
.
When do chipmunks breed?
Eastern chipmunks breed twice a year, in early spring and again in early summer, while western chipmunks typically breed only once a year. Litters usually consist of 4 to 5 young
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What are the signs of chipmunk activity?
Signs include holes in lawns or gardens, uprooted bulbs, seed piles under bird feeders, and small tracks with four toes in the front and five in the back
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What is the geographic range of chipmunks?
Chipmunks are native to North America, with the eastern chipmunk inhabiting the eastern United States and Canada, and the western chipmunks found in the western states and parts of Canada. The Siberian chipmunk is found in Asia
