How to Get Rid of Chipmunks
Sure, chipmunks are adorable in cartoons. But in your yard? Not so much. These tiny excavators can tear up flower beds, burrow near foundations, and raid your garden faster than you can say ‘Alvin!’ If you’ve spotted one (or five) darting around your property, it’s time to take action.
This friendly, no-nonsense guide breaks down how to get rid of chipmunks for good—whether you prefer humane relocation or tactical deterrents. We’ll walk you through natural remedies, professional tools, and what not to do.
🐿️ Why Are Chipmunks Invading Your Yard?
Chipmunks dig burrows to nest, store food, and stay safe. If your yard has dense shrubs, woodpiles, bird feeders, or uncovered gardens, you’re basically offering them an Airbnb. They’re especially active in the spring and fall, preparing for the cold months by hoarding seeds and acorns.
🚩 Signs You Have a Chipmunk Problem
- Small holes in the lawn or near patios
- Chewed bulbs, plants, or produce
- Chipmunk sightings on porches or fences
- Piles of dirt near entry holes
- Disturbed mulch or flowerbeds
If you’ve noticed these signs, you’re not imagining things. It’s time to take control.
🌿 How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Humanely and Effectively
1. Remove Food Sources
Clean up bird seed, fallen fruit, and pet food. Use seed catchers or move feeders away from the house.
2. Use Chipmunk Repellents
Look for natural or chemical repellents with peppermint oil, garlic, or predator urine (like fox or coyote).
3. Install Ultrasonic Deterrents
These motion-activated devices emit sounds or vibrations chipmunks hate.
4. Set Live Traps
Catch and relocate chipmunks using humane traps. Bait with peanut butter, nuts, or sunflower seeds.
⚠️ Check local wildlife laws before relocating animals!
🧱 Yard Modifications That Make a Difference
- Seal holes in foundations and patios
- Use 1/4″ hardware cloth around decks and sheds
- Line gardens with crushed gravel to discourage digging
- Trim overgrown shrubs and keep grass short
Even small changes can make your property less appealing to chipmunks.
🧪 Natural Home Remedies That Work
- Cayenne Pepper & Garlic Mix: Sprinkle around gardens or entrances
- Used Coffee Grounds: Spread in flowerbeds
- Mothballs in Socks: Place in chipmunk holes (use cautiously around pets)
- Owl Decoys or Reflective Tape: Simulates predator presence
📺 Watch: Chipmunk Control in Action
Need a visual? This YouTube tutorial shows how to get rid of chipmunks using a mix of homemade and store-bought solutions—with real before-and-after yard footage.
🎥 Watch: “How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Your Yard” on YouTube
❌ What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t use rat poison—it’s harmful to pets and non-target animals
- ❌ Don’t flood or smoke burrows (dangerous and often illegal)
- ❌ Don’t rely solely on scarecrows—they catch on quick
Need more? Visit GetRidOfff.com for do’s and don’ts on outdoor pest control.
🔁 Long-Term Prevention Tips
- Install underground fencing around gardens (12 inches deep)
- Use motion lights or vibration stakes
- Plant chipmunk-repelling herbs: mint, daffodils, garlic
- Rotate repellents every few weeks to prevent adaptation
For seasonal prevention tactics, visit GetRidOfff.com
✅ Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get rid of chipmunks doesn’t mean declaring war on wildlife—it means protecting your home, garden, and sanity. Whether you go the humane trap-and-release route, set up ultrasonic deterrents, or simply outsmart them with barrier methods, consistency is key.
Keep your space clean, make a few adjustments, and you’ll soon reclaim your yard from these striped intruders.
For more backyard survival guides and weird-but-helpful hacks, swing by GetRidOfff.com.
