In this post, we will outline 17 natural ways to do away with chipmunks. These pests can be a nuisance, raiding gardens and bird feeders and making a mess of property.
While you could use poisons to get rid of them, there are many humane ways to achieve the same goal.
Identifying an Infestation
In some areas, chipmunks seem to be everywhere, but how can you tell if you have an infestation, and what do you do about it?
The first step is to identify chipmunks. They are small, gray-to-reddish-brown creatures with stripes on their backs and are about 7 to 11 inches long [1].
You’ll find them in wooded areas, gardens, and near buildings. If you see chipmunks running around or storing food in your yard, you probably have an infestation.
Now it’s time to get serious and take action. There are a few natural ways to do so, and we will look at them below.
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Naturally
These are home remedies and humane solutions to eliminate chipmunks from your yard, home, and garden.
1. Cayenne Pepper Spray
This is a hot pepper that can be used in a number of ways to deter critters.
One such way is to create cayenne pepper spray. For the recipe, mix 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper with 1 cup of water.
Next, spray this mixture around the areas where you are seeing chipmunks, and the peppery scent will deter them. However, be sure to use caution when applying this mixture, as it can cause skin irritation.
You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper flakes around your yard or troublesome areas to keep chipmunks away. The pepper flakes will make the area uninviting to the critters, and they will go elsewhere for food.
2. Repellent Plants
There are a few plants that are known to naturally repel chipmunks, so if you’re looking for an easy solution, adding one or more of these plants to your garden may be the answer.
One such plant is the daffodil. It has linear leaves and blooms with yellow, white, pink, and orange flowers. It’s a great choice for borders and containers.
If you’re looking for a plant that does double duty, look no further than garlic. It’s not only effective at repelling chipmunks, but it also doubles as a general pest repellent. Plus, it’s easy to care for and grows well in most climates.
Another option is marigolds. It has a strong scent that chipmunks hate, and it’s also known to repel other pests like mosquitoes and cabbage worms.
3. Clean up the Garden and Yard
Another great way to keep them at bay is to tidy up your garden and yard.
Make it a duty to clean up any fallen fruit or nuts and get rid of any old wood piles or debris where they might like to nest.
4. Human Hair Clippings
One unusual but surprisingly effective way to deter chipmunks is to use human hair clippings.
Yes, you read that right! These rodents are naturally repelled by the smell of human hair, so by scattering some clippings around your property, you can keep them at bay.
You can either collect your own hair clippings or get some from the hair salon. Just make sure that they are untreated and 100% human hair.
5. Ultrasonic Devices
While you can try to trap or kill chipmunks, it’s inhumane to do that. There are other chipmunk deterrent methods that are safe for both you and the animals.
One option is to use an ultrasonic device. These send out a high-frequency noise that is inaudible to humans but harmful to rodents.
They won’t work forever, but they can be a helpful tool until you can get rid of the critters permanently.
6. Bucket Trap
One of the most common ways to trap a chipmunk is by using the bucket method. Other people make this trap using a bucket and water that will drown the mammals, but we recommend trapping them humanely.
To make this homemade trap, you’ll need a bucket, some nuts or sunflower seeds, and a fishing line.
First, put the bucket on the ground and raise it about 8 inches high with a piece of stick that has the fishing line tied to it. Then, put the nuts or seeds underneath the bucket.
The chipmunk will smell the food and go under the bucket to get to it, but once it does, pull the fishing line towards you. The bucket will then fall and trap the chipmunk underneath.
7. Epsom Salt
All you need for this home remedy is one teaspoon of Lysol, three ounces of Epsom salt, and a gallon of water.
Combine the ingredients in a spray container and use this chipmunk control repellent around your yard, garage, walls, and other areas that they frequent.
8. Fence Barrier
Install a fence barrier around your yard or garden. It doesn’t have to be high or elaborate, as long as it’s tall enough to keep chipmunks out.
Another benefit of a fence barrier is that it will also keep other pests out of your yard, like rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons. So if you’re looking for a way to keep all these pests at bay, a fence barrier is a great way to go.
9. Essential Oils
Two tablespoons of peppermint oil in a spray bottle filled with one cup of water is a great way to repel chipmunks. The strong scent will deter them, and they’ll avoid your yard completely.
Other essential oils that work perfectly for your chipmunk deterrent spray include citrus, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and clove oil.
10. Secure Bird and Pet Food
Keep the critters away from your bird and pet food by making it inaccessible to them. You can do this by using a covered feeder or placing the food in a high location that they can’t reach.
You can also try sprinkling cayenne pepper around the areas where you store your pet food. The smell will prevent these and other pests from coming near.
11. Attract Natural Predators
Chipmunks have many predators, but the three most common are hawks, owls, and cats. If you can make your property hospitable to these predators, you’ll have less of a problem with chipmunks.
There are some things you can do to make your property more hospitable to these predators. These include planting trees and shrubs that provide shelter, putting up nesting boxes, and keeping a water source available.
12. Provide Food for Chipmunks
One of the best methods for controlling chipmunks is to provide them with food away from your property.
These mammals are food hoarders, so if they can’t find food near your home, they’ll move on to another spot. So, by providing them with a food source in an area away from your home, you’ll be less likely to see them on your property.
You can set up a feeding station by placing a feeder filled with seeds or nuts in an area where the critters can’t get into your garden or yard.
However, be sure to place the feeder somewhere inaccessible to other animals, like cats or raccoons, who might also be drawn to the food.
13. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another home ingredient that chipmunks don’t find appealing.
Therefore, sprinkle some cinnamon powder around your vegetable garden, flower beds, or other areas where they like to hang out. The spice will force them to stay away.
And if you don’t have enough cinnamon or find it hard to use up your supply, used coffee grounds work just fine.
14. Vinegar
Another cheap remedy that works well against chipmunks is vinegar (white or apple cider). The pungent scent of the vinegar repels chipmunks.
However, some people have more success using apple cider vinegar. Moreover, you don’t have to buy expensive brands.
All you have to do is put some in a spray bottle and spritz around problem areas and entry points.
15. Seal Cracks and Crevices on Home
Seal or cover up any cracks or crevices in the exterior to keep these unwanted visitors out of your home. You can do this by using silicone or caulk around doors, windows, and the house foundation.
You can also install a metal barrier around the bottom of your home to permanently stop them from climbing up.
Furthermore, if you have a garden, make sure to keep any vegetation trimmed back and away from the house, as this can also act as an entry point for these small mammals.
16. Bobbex-R Animal Repellent
Bobbex-R is an earth-friendly spray solution that effectively repels groundhogs, chipmunks, deer, and other unwanted animals from your property.
The product is made with ingredients that work to create an unpleasant scent for animals. Moreover, it’s eco-friendly, so you can rest easy knowing it won’t harm the environment.
17. Bonide Chipmunk, Squirrel, and Rodent Repellent
Another favorite repellent product is Bonide Chipmunk, Squirrel, and Rodent Repellent.
This repellent is made with botanical oils and is totally safe to use around your home and garden. It’s also non-toxic, which is great if you have pets or small children.
The repellent can be sprayed directly on the areas where you’re seeing the most activity. It will help deter these and other rodents from coming near your home.
See also: Remedies that Naturally Keep Squirrels Away.
Takeaway
Chipmunks are pesky little creatures that can be difficult to get rid of. However, as you can see, there are plenty of natural removal strategies that you can try.
Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to be persistent and keep trying until the chipmunks are gone.
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