Chipmunks may look cute and harmless, but they can cause serious damage to your yard, garden, and even your home. These small rodents dig tunnels, chew wires, eat plants, and sometimes sneak indoors looking for food. If left unchecked, they can destroy flower beds, weaken foundations, and attract other pests.
The good news is that you can get rid of chipmunks safely and prevent them from coming back. In this guide, we’ll explain how chipmunks behave, how to identify them, and the best ways to remove and repel them using natural, synthetic, and preventive methods.
Understanding Chipmunk Behavior
Chipmunks are small ground squirrels, usually 8 to 10 inches long, with striped backs. They are found throughout North America and prefer living close to the ground in forests, plains, and wooded backyards.
They are most active in autumn, when they collect food to store for winter. In spring, they depend on their fat reserves and stored food until the weather warms up.
Chipmunks often make burrows near homes, gardens, or woodpiles. Their tunneling habits can damage gardens, disturb sidewalks, and even weaken the soil around a foundation. Inside homes, they may chew on wires, insulation, and wood, similar to mice.
If ignored, chipmunks can create long-term problems such as:
- Destroyed garden plants and bulbs
- Structural damage due to tunnels
- Higher heating or cooling costs from damaged insulation
- Spread of ticks and other parasites
How Do I Know If I Have Chipmunks?
Chipmunks usually enter yards looking for food, water, and shelter. Here are some common signs of their presence:
- Garden damage: Missing bulbs, eaten fruits, or dug-up seedlings.
- Bird feeder mess: Chipmunks love birdseed and will often eat seeds that fall on the ground.
- Tunnel entrances: Small holes near rocks, porches, or woodpiles.
- Indoor presence: Rare, but possible. If they get inside, you may hear scratching or chirping in walls, crawlspaces, or basements.
- Droppings or chew marks: Signs that they’ve been inside searching for food.
By recognizing these early signs, you can stop a small problem before it turns into an infestation.
Getting Rid of Chipmunks
Luckily, chipmunks don’t usually appear in huge numbers. A typical yard may only hold 10–20 chipmunks. This means you can control the problem if you act early. There are several approaches—repelling, trapping, and preventing.
How To Repel Chipmunks
Repelling chipmunks is a humane first step before using traps or professional help. Repellents fall into three main categories:
1. Natural Repellents
These are safe, non-toxic items chipmunks dislike:
- Human hair – Sprinkle around gardens (ask your barber for trimmings).
- Predator urine – Fox or coyote urine can scare chipmunks away, though it smells bad to humans too.
- Plants they avoid – Daffodils, garlic, onions, chives, and leeks naturally repel chipmunks.
- Spicy sprays – Mix water with cayenne pepper or chili powder and spray on plants. Reapply after rain.
2. Synthetic Repellents
These products are designed to keep rodents away:
- Anti-rodent sprays – Sold in garden stores, safe for outdoor use.
- Granular repellents – Sprinkle into soil to discourage digging.
- Taste-aversion products – Contain ingredients like Bittrex or thiram that chipmunks hate.
Synthetic repellents last longer than natural ones but may still need reapplication.
3. Ultrasonic & Visual Repellents
- Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds to scare rodents.
- Motion-sensor sprinklers spray water when movement is detected.
- Predator decoys like owl or hawk statues (some even light up or flap wings).
These methods can help, but they are usually more expensive and work only above ground.
How To Trap Chipmunks
If repellents don’t work, you can use live traps. These traps catch chipmunks without killing them, allowing you to release them far from your property.
- Bait options: Peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or birdseed.
- Placement: Near tunnel entrances, garden beds, or bird feeders.
- Tip: Always check your local laws before trapping and releasing animals.
Trapping works well but should be combined with prevention, otherwise new chipmunks may replace the ones you release.
How To Prevent Chipmunks From Coming Back
Prevention is the most effective long-term solution. Try these steps:
- Remove clutter, woodpiles, and yard debris that create hiding places.
- Sweep up fallen seeds, nuts, and berries quickly.
- Store birdseed and pet food in airtight containers.
- Surround your garden with gravel borders or wire mesh fences (buried 8 inches deep).
- Install L-shaped barriers near decks, patios, or house foundations to stop tunneling.
- Seal cracks and holes around your home with caulk, foam, or metal mesh.
- Cap chimneys and cover vents with hardware cloth.
These methods not only deter chipmunks but also protect against mice, squirrels, and other pests.
Pros and Cons of Different Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Repellents | Safe, eco-friendly, affordable | Needs frequent reapplication |
| Synthetic Repellents | Longer-lasting, easy to apply | Chemicals may affect soil |
| Ultrasonic Devices | Humane, no chemicals | Expensive, limited effectiveness |
| Live Traps | Humane, effective short-term | Time-consuming, must relocate animals |
| Prevention Methods | Long-term, eco-friendly | Requires effort and consistency |
What If I Still Have Chipmunks?
If you’ve tried repellents, traps, and prevention but chipmunks keep returning, it’s time to call a professional pest control service.
Experts can:
- Identify exactly where chipmunks are entering.
- Use safe, humane removal methods.
- Offer permanent solutions for your home and garden.
Avoid using poisons or lethal methods yourself—they can harm pets, wildlife, and even your family if mishandled.
Our Conclusion
Chipmunks may look harmless, but they can cause big problems in your yard and home. By recognizing the signs early, using natural or synthetic repellents, and following strong prevention steps, you can protect your property.
If the problem continues, don’t wait too long—call a pest control professional for safe and lasting solutions. Acting quickly will save your garden, protect your home, and keep chipmunks where they belong—in the wild.
FAQs About Getting Rid of Chipmunks
Q1. What is the best way to get rid of chipmunks?
The most effective approach is a combination of natural repellents, live traps, and prevention methods. Keeping your yard clean and food sources limited is key.
Q2. Will vinegar keep chipmunks away?
Not really. While chipmunks dislike strong smells, vinegar isn’t reliable. A better option is spraying a mix of cayenne pepper or chili powder on plants.
Q3. How do I stop chipmunks from digging in my garden?
Install wire mesh fences or gravel borders, use repellents, and clean up food sources like fallen seeds and fruits.
Q4. Can chipmunks get inside my house?
Yes, though it’s rare. They usually enter basements, crawlspaces, or walls through small cracks. Sealing entry points will keep them out.
Q5. Are chipmunks dangerous to humans?
Chipmunks are not usually aggressive, but they can carry diseases and cause property damage. It’s best to keep them away from your home.
