Chipmunks are small rodents that become backyard nuisances primarily through their extensive burrowing habits and constant foraging. They dig complex tunnel systems that can undermine patios, sidewalks, and home foundations, creating structural concerns. They also raid bird feeders, consume flower bulbs, and disturb garden beds in their search for food. Managing a chipmunk problem requires implementing humane deterrence methods, starting with making your property less appealing.
Eliminating Attractive Food Sources
The first step in discouraging chipmunks is to remove the readily available food sources that draw them to your yard. Chipmunks are attracted to seeds, nuts, and berries, making bird feeders a significant draw. To mitigate this, switch to seeds they find less palatable, such as Nyjer or pure safflower, which have a bitter flavor but are still enjoyed by most birds.
Use feeders equipped with seed-catching trays or baffles to prevent spillage onto the ground, where chipmunks prefer to forage. Any stored bird seed, pet food, or wild animal feed should be kept in airtight metal or thick plastic containers that chipmunks cannot chew through. Removing piles of debris, such as brush, woodpiles, or overgrown ground cover, eliminates sheltered areas where they can safely hide and build burrows.
Physical Exclusion and Barrier Methods
Once food sources are managed, physically block access to vulnerable areas, especially structural entry points and gardens. Chipmunks can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so any gaps leading into sheds, porches, or foundation crawlspaces must be sealed using durable materials. The most effective material for exclusion is galvanized hardware cloth with a mesh size of no more than 1/4 inch.
This small mesh prevents the rodents from passing through and is too strong for them to chew. For gardens or to protect a foundation from burrowing, this hardware cloth should be buried vertically in the ground. A depth of six to twelve inches, with the bottom edge bent outward in an “L” shape, will create a subterranean barrier that deters them from digging underneath. Seal any small cracks in concrete or masonry with a durable sealant or caulk to prevent them from exploiting minor weaknesses.
Sensory Repellents and Deterrents
Sensory deterrents work by using strong tastes or odors that chipmunks find unpleasant, making a treated area undesirable to them. One common type is a capsaicin-based spray, which utilizes the compound found in chili peppers to create a harmless but irritating taste barrier on plants or bulbs. These taste-based products must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or watering, to maintain their effectiveness.
Odor-based repellents, such as granules or sprays containing predator urine, work by mimicking the scent of a natural threat like a fox or bobcat. Applying these products around burrow entrances or along the perimeter of garden beds can trigger an instinctive avoidance response in the chipmunks.
Safe and Legal Removal Options
When exclusion and repellents fail to resolve a persistent problem, trapping and removal may be considered. Live traps, which are small cage traps measuring approximately 3x3x10 inches with fine wire mesh, are the most common humane method. These traps should be baited effectively with items like peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or nut meats placed toward the back to ensure the trap triggers correctly.
Check traps frequently, at least once every 24 hours, to prevent the captured animal from undue stress or exposure. Before attempting to relocate any trapped wildlife, homeowners must check local and state regulations. In many jurisdictions, the transportation and release of trapped nuisance animals are illegal without a specific license, often requiring the animal to be released on the property or humanely euthanized.