How To Get Rid Of Chipmunks | HowStuffWorks - Home And Garden

In your quest to reclaim your yard from chipmunks, it's essential to strike a balance between effectiveness and humanity; you don't need to kill chipmunks to clear them from your space.

There are several methods that are both kind to the animals and effective in keeping them at bay. Here are some of the most practical and humane strategies you can employ.

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1. The sunflower bucket method: One of the most effective and humane ways to catch these critters is the sunflower bucket method. Fill a bucket with water and sprinkle some sunflower seeds on the surface. Position this near a ledge where chipmunks frequent. The unsuspecting chipmunk, lured by the seeds, falls in and can then be relocated. Ensure the water level is balanced — enough to prevent escape but not so much as to cause harm.
2. Live traps: Using live traps baited with foods that attract chipmunks, like sunflower seeds or fruit, is a humane option. Once trapped, you can relocate the chipmunk to a more suitable habitat.
3. Habitat modification: Reducing attractions like bird feeders high up, sealing pet food and removing wood piles or debris can deter chipmunks from settling in your yard.
4. Hot sauce: Mix hot sauce with water and spray it around your garden and lawn. Chipmunks hate the spicy taste, so they will steer clear. This method also works to repel other small rodents and animals [source: Willowbrook wildlife].
5. Cayenne pepper: Sprinkling cayenne pepper around plant bulbs and garden beds can repel chipmunks — again, because of their aversion to spice.
6. Bulb cages: Protecting your bulbs with cages prevents chipmunks from digging up the plants.
7. Plant-free gravel border: Creating a gravel border around gardens can deter chipmunks from crossing over into your plants.
8. Beach balls: Surprisingly, simply placing inflated beach balls in your yard can frighten chipmunks away. The movement of these balls, especially on windy days, creates an unpredictable environment that chipmunks tend to avoid [source: Willowbrook wildlife].
9. Predator urine: Using products that mimic the scent of predator urine can scare chipmunks away.
10. Electronic repellents: Devices that emit ultrasonic pulses can effectively prevent chipmunks from inhabiting certain areas.