Eliminating Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small animals that belong to the squirrel family. There are around twenty-five different types of chipmunks! Most people confuse chipmunks with squirrels. One easy way to differentiate chipmunks from squirrels is, that chipmunks have stripes on their face, while squirrels have stripes on their back. Also, chipmunks are smaller than tree squirrels. But what needs to be discussed here is how to eliminate chipmunks. So, why do we need to get rid of chipmunks? Read on to find out.

Why to Get Rid of Chipmunks?
Most of us think of chipmunks only as cute pets and wouldn't dream that they can cause any harm. But those who know even a bit of gardening, realize how false this is! So what do chipmunks eat? Chipmunks eat your flower bulbs, feed on seedlings and bird seeds, and even gnaw on the bark of a shrub! If you have kept pet food out, these cutie pies will feast on that too! They will put the food in their cheek pouches and carry it to their burrows. They can also make burrows in your patios or driveways. In short, they will eat up all those things which are meant to make your garden flourish. These are the reasons why eliminating chipmunks becomes necessary. On the bright side, chipmunks hibernate during winter season, so your garden is safe from chipmunks at least during winter!

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks?
Now you must have realized that though these animals are adorable, getting rid of chipmunks is of paramount importance if one wants to have a nice and green garden. Following are some simple ways of rodent control methods specially for eliminating chipmunks:

Live Traps: Live traps are the most effective way of chipmunk removal. You get live traps at any hardware store. Set the live trap in your yard or garden. However, if there are any chipmunk burrows around your yard, it is best to set a live trap near the burrow. Put something like peanut butter or sunflower seeds inside the trap. But remember, it is illegal to leave the animal anywhere on the road or even in a public park, so once you have caught the chipmunk, call up the animal rescuer to take it away. Do not use rat traps, as these will kill the chipmunks, whereas live traps won't harm the animals at all.

Repellents: You can also use some home made chipmunk repellents for eliminating chipmunks. Moth balls are said to be effective chipmunk repellents, so use them liberally. But the most effective chipmunk repellent is said to be predator urine.

Bucket: Fill half a bucket of water and put a wooden plank leading to the bucket, like a ladder (any piece of wood which can serve as a plank will do). Spread some sunflower seeds on the plank and inside the bucket. The chipmunk is sure to get tempted by the seeds, and in the attempt to eat them, will get caught.

Pets: Though it is not a conventional remedy, keeping other animals and pets to drive away the chipmunk is sure to work. If you have a pet cat or dog, allow it to run in your garden. It will certainly frighten the chipmunks into leaving your garden!

Plant Spray: Plant sprays always work as an effective pest control method. Spray some pesticides on the plants. It is good to avoid chemical pesticides, as these will not only harm the plants, but also the rodents. For home made pesticide which won't be chemical, make a solution of hot peppers and water and spray it on the plants. Chipmunks do not like the smell of hot peppers and thus, will be driven out of your garden.

Fence: If you love chipmunks and do not want to chase them away, but also want to protect the plants, put a fence around your plants. Wire fences will serve your purpose. Do not use a razor wire fence, as it will hurt the chipmunk. For protecting flower beds, you can use hardware cloth. Chipmunks won't be able to surpass the hardware cloth.

These were some easy and safe remedies for eliminating chipmunks. There are some other damaging ways of ridding yourself of chipmunks, like rat traps or poison, but I don't think anyone would like to hurt or kill these heart warming animals! So get rid of chipmunks the easy way - without hurting them!