Ten Humane Ways to Get Rid of Chipmunks
Ranked #293 in Pets & Animals, #8,874 overall
Chipmunks - Cute But Destructive
If chipmunks are making you crazy, consider these ways to protect your plants and property without actually killing the cute crittters. Maybe they're digging up all your tulip bulbs, nibbling on the strawberries, and making holes all over the yard. Perhaps it's even worse... chipmunks can undermine foundations for patios and homes. Chipmunks can get into attics and chew on wiring.
At first you thought the scurrying, little creature was fun to have around, but changed your mind when you saw the damage it did. If the family is set against killing it, then you need a humane way to prevent the damage. I've hunted high and low for ways to get rid of chipmunks for this kind of situation. Here's what I've found. Take your pick of methods or work your way down the list to get rid of your chipmunk problem in a humane way.
(chipmunk photo by Virginia Allain)
Contents at a Glance
- Scare Them Away
- Use a Scent That Chipmunks Won't Like
- Get a Chipmunk Trap
- Here's an Example of Trapping and Releas...
- Additional Traps to Choose from for Catc...
- Go High-Tech to Repel Chipmunks
- Where Are You Having Problems with Chipm...
- A New Repellant for Chipmunks
- Try Mothballs to Keep away Chipmunks
Scare Them Away
Use an Owl Decoy or a Hawk
A garden owl with a head that swivels and eyes that light up should strike fear into the heart of any chipmunk. Some of these owls use electricity, some use batteries and some use wind power to move their wings. Just click on any owl to see reviews and links to the rest of the owls on Amazon. One should be just what you need for your garden pest problems.
Get a Chipmunk Trap
Trap the Chipmunk and Take It Away (far away)
Havahart 0745 Live Animal Professional Style One-Door Chimpunk, Squirrel, Rat, and Weasel Trap
All summer long we had a daily stream of chipmunks, mice, and birds flowing into the house courtesy of our cats, which brought them in through the dog flap. The chipmunks often took up residence under the refrigerator and one was under there so long that I started feeding it, too. I tried for weeks to catch it with the mouse-sized Havahart trap, but it never worked. I finally realized that the chipmunk was probably so large for that trap that when the door shut it never shut entirely because the chipmunk's body was in the way.
I went online to see if there was a bigger trap and I found the chipmunk-sized one. I ordered it and within 30 minutes of getting it and setting it up I heard the "Snap" of the trap. Sure enough, I finally had safely trapped the chipmunk. I delivered him to the arboretum across the street, where I hope he lived happily ever after. (review by Morgan on Amazon)
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Here's an Example of Trapping and Releasing a Chipmunk
When relocating a chipmunk, travel far enough that you put a major barrier between the release area and your home. This could be a river or a good-sized highway. The strong instincts of the chipmunk are to return to its stash of food.
Additional Traps to Choose from for Catching Chipmunks
Click on the item to see all the reviews.
Go High-Tech to Repel Chipmunks
Deter Them with Ultrasonic Sound
P3 International P7816 Attack Wave Ultrasonic Pestrepeller
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 02/16/2012)
Keep pests out of your house! The Attack Wave Pestrepeller is an effective, user friendly and environmentally safe way to combat rodents. The device produces strong sound pressure in the air, attacking the auditory and nervous systems of rodents causing them to abandon their food sources and shelters. The ultrasonic sounds continuously penetrate up to 5,000 unobstructed square feet. In addition, the Attack Wave Pestrepeller utilizes automatic wave variation, minimizing the chance that pests become immune to the sound. Inaudible and harmless to humans and common pets*, this unit operates totally chemical and battery free, making it the easiest way to keep bugs on the run. Do not use in the presence of Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, and other rodent pets. (product description from Amazon)
Where Are You Having Problems with Chipmunks?
Chipmunk Greeting Card by natures_edge
A New Repellant for Chipmunks
I have no personal experience with this one, so let me know how well it works for you
Bonide 238 1-Quart Shot-Gun Repels-All Animal Repellent Ready To Use
Amazon Price: $9.07 (as of 02/16/2012)
Read the reviews carefully on Amazon as this has a pretty strong odor apparently.
It works by irritating the paws and nasal passages which drives the animals away from the area. It can also irritate family pets who use the yard. Good if you want to keep out the neighbor's dog, but not-so-good if you have your own dog.
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Try Mothballs to Keep away Chipmunks
Willert Home Prod. E30 Enoz Para Moth Balls
Amazon Price: $3.64 (as of 02/16/2012)
Our neighbors advised us to put moth balls around the cottage and under it when it was closed for the winter season. This was to deter chipmunks and mice from coming in. Haven't had trouble from those when I open it in the spring so maybe it is the mothball treatment. Air the place out well. The smell is unpleasant for humans and maybe not healthy either.
Try Hot Pepper Wax to Deter Chipmunks
Bonide Products Inc Qt Rtu Hot Pepper Wax 127 Animal Repellent
Amazon Price: $8.83 (as of 02/16/2012)
Hot Pepper Wax is not just a good natural insect repellent, it's a GREAT rabbit and squirrel repellent, too (according to the manufacturer). I'm figuring if it deters a squirrel, it will deter a chipmunk.
Try the Cat Urine Method to Drive Chipmunks away
Fill Indoor Holes with Expanding Foam to Keep out Chipmunks
I Know, I Promised 10 Ways to Deter Chipmunks
I'm sure by now, you've found one that works and you won't need a tenth method.
If All Else Fails, Try Applying Some Humor to Your Situation
Buy this postcard and post it around the yard.
Warning BEWARE OF THE CHIPMUNKS Postcard by warningsignshirts
Chipmunk Crossing Xing Sign
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 02/16/2012)
Chipmunks Are Plentiful
Take a Look at All the Photos on Flickr
Click on any photo to see it larger.
Which Humane Method for Getting Rid of Chipmunks Sounds Best to You?
Gold Question Mark Poster by sosnip
What Problems Are You Having with Chipmunks?
Chipmunk Mousepad by penart
Browse other Chipmunk Mousepads
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ColwoodWheelWorks
Jan 29, 2012 @ 3:49 am | delete
- I live in England where chipmunks can be bought at "Pets At Home". They are not native to England and (unless one escapes) they are not seen in the wild.
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KonaGirl
Nov 28, 2011 @ 5:45 am | delete
- My cats keep the chipmunks away and my father-in-law uses a trap to catch them and releases them in the woods. Great lens! Blessed.
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Luv2help
Nov 24, 2011 @ 1:04 pm | delete
- Your lens reminds me of my neighbor's technique of using pans in her figs trees to rid it of pests. It's driving me crazy!
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WildFacesGallery
Nov 21, 2011 @ 9:19 am | delete
- This probably doesn't count as humane but I have a pack of barn cats and we have no chipmunks, or squirrels. Also thins out the little birdie population though too. :( Lots of good ideas to try. Blessed.
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DebMartin
Nov 19, 2011 @ 6:05 pm | delete
- I love chipmunks. They hang out and keep me company during my time at fish camp. They have learned my patterns and always know when to show up for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Thanks for providing humane options for those who are bothered by them.
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ElleDeeEsse
Nov 19, 2011 @ 5:28 pm | delete
- These are so cute I can't imagine them being a nuisance. My parents had issues with bandicoots and tried all sorts of ways to deter them. I suggested enjoying their presence since their only real crime was digging holes in the lawn
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Ruthi
Nov 18, 2011 @ 4:17 pm | delete
- No chipmunk issues for me ... I love the furry little critters! I can watch them scurry around for hours.
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thomasaden
Nov 15, 2011 @ 5:50 am | delete
- Chipmunks are really cute creature. But on the same time they can be dangerous due to some diseases like rabies so one should be more careful of them. Chipmunks are small animals not insects so we should not kill them but try to take them away from our premises. This lens is really rich in information about doing this.
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skiesgreen
Nov 10, 2011 @ 10:45 pm | delete
- They look cute from a distance but I can sure see the problem. We don't have chipmunks but the galahs chew up houses along the eastern side of Australia and they squawk like crazy. Guess we are in their natural habitat after all. Nice lens and I wonder how you collect red fox urine or do people have it naturally around their house?
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andreaberrios
Oct 24, 2011 @ 12:10 pm | delete
- Very nice lens.. I like the approach, I love the chipmunks!
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mrducksmrnot
Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:50 pm | delete
- As I grew up with a 1600 acre wooded backyard the little chipmunk was always my friend and would always alert me to other dangers. I really like your idea of humane removal. Try to catch several before relocating so you keep the family or partial family intact. After all Dave never isolated Alvin from his brothers (:>)) A great lens .
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gardener
Oct 17, 2011 @ 6:27 pm | delete
- I now resort to the non-humane approach.
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gottaloveit
Oct 13, 2011 @ 5:48 am | delete
- I'm having a heck of a time dealing with these little critters again. Seems like my allowing the first one free feed at the bird feeder spread the word. They're fighting off the birds AND raccoons now!
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ModernChakra
Oct 5, 2011 @ 8:17 pm | delete
- I currently live in an apartment, but my parents house is just a few blocks away and when I go and visit, my father is always going on about the chipmunks and how he is wages a war against them... Hopefully next year it will be a battle of wits and he can use this page as a guideline to humanely take care of the problem. I personally like the little guys...emailing this along.
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feliciasfavs
Sep 22, 2011 @ 3:24 am | delete
- It's really funny how mothballs not only repel chipmunks and moths but humans too! Spent the whole day cleaning out someone's closet with 2 opened boxes of mothballs. I'll leave that up to your imagination.
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writer_villa
Sep 21, 2011 @ 8:53 am | delete
- Nice lens!
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happynutritionist
Sep 19, 2011 @ 10:32 am | delete
- Just this weekend I was telling my husband that our friendly chipmunks that..yes..are adorable..are getting a bit to at home...one burrows under the front of our house...we live in a non-traditional home I'd call it, a log cabin that was once a summer home turned year round, so doesn't have the kind of foundation most homes do. They perch on the high rock on my rock wall around the garden close to the house and do their non-stop chirping thing. We have been thinking mice are climbing about behind walls...and they may be, but I'm wondering if it's our "cute" chipmunks. I love animals, so may have to try some of your remedies...the population on our property has increased. They do help out by cleaning up so many of the maple tree seeds...amazing how many they can fit in their cheeks.
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sousababy
Sep 17, 2011 @ 9:22 am | delete
- Came back to google +1 this gem of an article.
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sousababy
Sep 17, 2011 @ 9:21 am | delete
- Oh, this is really good, I am featuring this on my 'Living Articles on Squidoo' lens (I have a devoted section for dealing humanely with wild animals). Hope it helps! Good to see a purple star on this one too. Take good care, Rose
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JennySui
Sep 4, 2011 @ 12:56 pm | delete
- I really liked the way you presented this lens specially the pictures of numbers.
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This is a purple star lens
Thank you Squidoo Community and Purple Star Organizers.
by vallain
Aack, cute chipmunks everywhere. How can I get rid of them? These are the methods I found.
I'm Virginia Allain, a retired librarian. Now I devote myself...
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Chipmunks.... Grrrrr
BEWARE OF THE CHIPMUNKS Mug for Coffee / Hot Beverage 15 oz. YELLOW
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 02/16/2012)
Critter Ridder
The label doesn't say "chipmunks" but it works for squirrels so likely to be effective for chipmunks
Havahart Critter Ridder 3143 Animal Repellent Concentrate 8-Ounces
Amazon Price: $21.93 (as of 02/16/2012)
A New Product
New Shake-Away Powder Pak Squirrels Powerful Granular Deterrent Contain The Scent Of Pests' Enemy
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)
