Chipmunks are cute, but can be the bane of every gardener's existence. They tear up newly planted seeds, snack on fruits and vegetables and burrow holes in your lawn and garden. There are many options to deal with these little pests, ranging from mild to extreme. Only you can decide which one works for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
- 1
Get a pet. Cats and dogs are great deterrents because they love to hunt and chase. The added benefit of a cat is that it will eat the chipmunk.
2Limit the chipmunks' food supply. Chipmunks are voracious eaters, so offering them an alternative food supply only works for a limited time. Coat your garden plant leaves with hot pepper spray. You can make it yourself or buy it at a local garden center. The downside is that it washes off in the rain and needs frequent reapplication.
3Prey on the chipmunks' natural fear. Use a product like fox urine or predators' scents and place around the area you want to keep the chipmunks away from. However, these require frequent reapplication, and the chipmunks can eventually become accustomed to the scent.
4Use a humane trap. Place the trap in a shaded area near where the chipmunks like to hang out (chipmunks hate open spaces) and bait it with a food like sunflower seeds. You're sure to catch a chipmunk. Release the chipmunk somewhere far away.
5The most extreme method is the bucket. Get a 5-gallon bucket and fill it halfway with water. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top so that the bottom is not visible. Use a piece of scrap wood as a ramp up to the bucket and sprinkle that with seeds, too. Set the bucket in an area near the chipmunk's hangout spot. The chipmunk will go in for the seeds but not be able to get out and drown. It's a grisly, but effective, solution.
