How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Under My Patio: Effective Methods Revealed
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Under My Patio?
To get rid of chipmunks under your patio, there are several methods you can try.
First, you can make your yard and patio unattractive to chipmunks by cleaning up fruit and disposing of hiding spots, such as piled-up debris.
Keeping bird feeders off the ground and away from potential chipmunk pathways can also help.
Additionally, removing shrubs and plants near the foundation of your home can discourage chipmunks from approaching.
Natural deterrents like planting garlic, daffodils, and other specific types of foliage can also be effective.
You can sprinkle hair clippings or use liquid repellents made with cayenne pepper and olive oil in key areas.
Mesh fencing, gravel borders, and bulb cages can act as barriers.
Humane trapping methods, both DIY and professional, are options for catching and releasing chipmunks.
Lastly, consider hiring professionals for removal and preventative measures like sealing off entry points and installing barriers.
Key Points:
- Clean up fruit and dispose of hiding spots to make yard and patio unattractive to chipmunks
- Keep bird feeders off the ground and away from potential chipmunk pathways
- Remove shrubs and plants near the foundation of your home to discourage chipmunks
- Plant garlic, daffodils, and other specific types of foliage as natural deterrents
- Use hair clippings or liquid repellents with cayenne pepper and olive oil in key areas
- Use mesh fencing, gravel borders, and bulb cages as barriers
- Consider humane trapping methods, both DIY and professional, for catching and releasing chipmunks
- Hire professionals for removal and preventative measures like sealing off entry points and installing barriers.
Did You Know?
1. Chipmunks are capable of storing up to 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) of food in their underground burrows for the winter months.
2. Chipmunks can leap up to 10 feet (3 meters) horizontally when jumping from tree to tree.
3. Chipmunks have cheek pouches that extend all the way to their shoulders, allowing them to stuff their mouths with food and carry it back to their burrows.
4. Chipmunks possess a highly acute sense of smell, which they use to locate their hidden food caches underground.
5. Chipmunks communicate through a series of chirps and high-pitched alarm calls, with different vocalizations used to warn of predators or communicate with other chipmunks.
Signs Of Chipmunk Infestation
Chipmunks are sneaky creatures that can cause damage to gardens and homes. It is important to be able to identify the signs of a chipmunk infestation in order to take appropriate action. Signs of chipmunks include damage to the garden, holes in the yard, and footprints with four toes in front and five toes in the back. These critters are notorious garden pests as they eat bulbs, buds, and other garden plantings that other animals would not typically touch. Chipmunk holes are small and may be close together, often leading to a network of burrows. If you notice your dog sniffing or digging at these holes, it could be an indication of chipmunks in the area. It is essential to address the presence of chipmunks promptly as they are not only destructive to gardens but can also burrow and cause damage to the foundation of your home.
Deterrents And Prevention Methods
There are several methods to deter chipmunks from making your patio their home. One effective method is to get a dog that is a good hunter, as their presence alone can deter chipmunks. Additionally, making your home and yard unattractive to chipmunks can help discourage them from sticking around.
To achieve this, there are a few steps you can take:
- Start by cleaning up fallen fruits from trees and disposing of potential hiding spots, such as piles of debris or clutter.
- Keep bird feeders off the ground and away from potential chipmunk pathways, as chipmunks often find them appealing.
- Consider removing shrubs and plants near the house, as they provide hiding places for chipmunks.
- Minimize the presence of rock boundaries and walls, as they can act as hiding places as well.
In addition to these measures, you can try using natural deterrents. Planting garlic and daffodils may help, as chipmunks tend to avoid these plants. Sprinkling hair clippings from a hairstylist or barber around the garden or home can also scare away chipmunks.
If these methods are not sufficient, there are other options available. Electronic repellent systems can be effective in keeping chipmunks away. Additionally, liquid repellents, such as rodent defense liquids or sprays, are nontoxic options for deterring chipmunks.
If you prefer a homemade solution, you can boil a quart of water with a couple of tablespoons of cayenne pepper, cool the mixture, and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to create a liquid repellent. However, it’s important to acknowledge that these deterrents may take time to work and should be reapplied often, especially after rain.
For a longer-lasting solution, dry repellents can be sprinkled around the garden or key areas.
Remember, consistency is key, and combining multiple methods will likely yield the best results. Stay persistent and adapt your approach if necessary.
Humane Trapping And Removal
If you want to remove chipmunks from under your patio in a humane manner, trapping is a recommended method. Chipmunks can be trapped using cages and baited with fresh fruit or tender plants. The best traps for chipmunks are up to 20 inches long with one door and are both less costly and easier to use. Chipmunks are known to avoid human scent, so using gloves while handling and baiting the trap is advisable. It is essential to place the trap near the home’s foundation, shed, or fence where chipmunks are frequently seen. Any seed or sweet treat can be used as bait. However, before attempting to trap chipmunks on your property, it is important to check local laws about trapping and releasing wildlife. Some places may have specific regulations on the removal of certain species.
- Trapping is a recommended method for removing chipmunks.
- Use cages with one door that are up to 20 inches long.
- Bait traps with fresh fruit or tender plants.
- Use gloves to avoid human scent.
- Place traps near the home’s foundation, shed, or fence.
- Check local laws before trapping chipmunks.
- Some places may have specific regulations on removing certain species.
Natural Repellents And Planting Strategies
In addition to deterrents and trapping, there are natural repellents and planting strategies that can help keep chipmunks at bay. Essential oils such as peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus have been found to be effective in deterring chipmunks. These oils can be applied around the affected areas or mixed with water to create a spray. Another natural repellent option is using hot pepper sprays, as chipmunks dislike the taste and smell. To create a hot pepper spray, mix a teaspoon of hot pepper flakes or a few drops of hot pepper sauce with a quart of water and a couple of drops of dish soap. This mixture can be sprayed in and around areas where chipmunks are causing trouble. Planting certain types of foliage can also act as a natural deterrent for chipmunks. For example, alliums, daffodils, and fritillaries are plants that chipmunks tend to avoid. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a barrier that discourages chipmunks from approaching your patio or foundation.
Professional Removal Services
Sometimes professional removal services are necessary for more severe chipmunk infestations. Professional removal services have the expertise and tools required to effectively manage chipmunks. They can offer preventative measures such as sealing off entry points and installing barriers to ensure chipmunks do not return. The costs of professional removal may vary depending on factors such as location and the size of the infestation. However, hiring professionals for removal is often the most efficient solution, especially if the chipmunk problem persists or becomes unmanageable.
- Professional removal services have the expertise and tools required for effective chipmunk management.
- They can offer preventative measures like sealing off entry points and installing barriers.
- Hiring professionals for removal is often the most efficient solution in severe cases.
Protecting Property And Subscribing For More Tips
Protecting your property from damage caused by chipmunks is a top priority. Chipmunks living under the patio can not only cause harm to structures but may also carry diseases.
By taking proactive steps, such as sealing off entry points under the patio using wire mesh or sealant, you can prevent chipmunks from infiltrating your property.
Removing potential attractants like bird feeders or pet food dishes from the area is also crucial in deterring these pests.
Additionally, clearing away debris or clutter around the perimeter of the patio can eliminate hiding spots for chipmunks.
Remember, prevention is key to avoiding chipmunk infestations.
By adopting natural repellents, plant deterrents, and proper property maintenance, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of chipmunk invasions.
Finally, if you found this information helpful, consider subscribing to the author’s YouTube channel for more backyard tips and advice on dealing with common household pests.
- Seal entry points under the patio using wire mesh or sealant
- Remove bird feeders or pet food dishes from the area
- Clear away debris or clutter around the perimeter of the patio
Remember, prevention is key to avoiding chipmunk infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will make chipmunks go away?
To successfully deter chipmunks, it is essential to employ various preventive measures. One effective method is to use a humane trap to catch and relocate them away from your property. Additionally, removing any sources of food, such as uncovered trash or pet food, will discourage chipmunks from lingering in your yard. Implementing an ultrasonic deterrent can also be helpful as it emits high-frequency sounds that chipmunks find uncomfortable. Moreover, protecting your plants by using physical barriers or repellents will prevent them from becoming a chipmunk’s next meal. Lastly, finding alternative storage for log piles and ensuring your yard remains clean and tidy will minimize hiding spots and discourage chipmunks from taking up residence.
What do chipmunks hate the most?
Chipmunks loathe the powerful scent of predator urine. The odor of animals like foxes, coyotes, or even domestic cats can instill fear in chipmunks and deter them from invading certain areas. Additionally, chipmunks dislike the pungent smell of vinegar. Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water in the garden or laying vinegar-soaked cotton balls around can help keep chipmunks at bay.
How do I keep chipmunks from going under my deck?
To prevent chipmunks from going under your deck, you can employ a combination of methods. Firstly, consider installing a barrier such as an L-shaped footer around the perimeter of your deck. This will create a physical obstacle that restricts their ability to burrow and access the space underneath. Additionally, you may consider using natural deterrents such as placing strong-smelling materials like mothballs or peppermint oil near the entrance points to discourage chipmunks from approaching your deck. These measures, when implemented together, can effectively deter chipmunks and keep them from going under your deck.
What are chipmunks most afraid of?
Chipmunks may be most afraid of their natural predators, such as owls, hawks, weasels, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, lynxes, cats, dogs, snakes, and even their squirrel relatives. These larger carnivores pose a significant threat to chipmunks, causing them to be on constant alert and ready to flee when they sense danger. With so many potential predators in their midst, chipmunks must always be wary to survive in their natural habitats.