Chipmunks are adorable creatures known for their chubby cheeks and quick movements. They measure about 5 to 6 inches in length and weigh just a few ounces. With their brown fur adorned with two white stripes, chipmunks are easily recognizable.
They construct intricate tunnels, up to 30 feet long, that serve as their nests and nurseries. During the winter, chipmunks go into hibernation and rely on their food stores. Once spring arrives, they emerge from their burrows to search for sustenance.
However, it’s essential to be cautious as chipmunks can carry diseases like plague, rabies, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be transmitted to humans. To handle chipmunks safely, one must take necessary precautions and avoid contact with their droppings.
Identifying a chipmunk infestation can involve spotting the critters in your yard or noticing their tunnels, which are flush with the ground and about 2 to 3 inches wide. Fortunately, there are numerous effective methods for controlling chipmunks, including building barriers, using repelling scents, trapping and relocating them, planting aversive flowers, and safeguarding bird feeders.
In this article, we will delve into the physical characteristics of chipmunks, their behavior and habits, signs of infestation, and various control methods to help you manage chipmunk populations effectively.
Physical Characteristics of Chipmunks
Chipmunks are small rodents with chubby cheeks, growing to be 5 to 6 inches long and weighing only a couple of ounces. They have a distinct brown color with two conspicuous white stripes flanked by dark brown or black stripes on their backs. Chipmunks are known for their extraordinary speed and hold their short tails high as they run.
They have a unique behavior of digging extensive tunnels, which can be up to 30 feet long. These tunnels serve as their nesting sites, where they rear their offspring. Chipmunks display territorial behavior, making large infestations uncommon.
They have a diet that includes seeds from plants, birdseed, corn, nuts, insects, mushrooms, and even certain types of human food. Chipmunks are proficient burrowers, constructing complex tunnel systems for shelter and protection.
Chipmunk Behavior and Habits
During the cold season, chipmunks remain largely dormant inside their burrows, relying on stockpiled food until early spring when they emerge to begin foraging. Chipmunks are known for their extensive burrowing patterns, as they dig tunnels that can be up to 30 feet long.
These tunnels serve as both their homes and nesting areas. Chipmunks nest and rear their offspring inside these tunnels, providing a safe and protected environment. However, as the offspring grow, they are eventually forced to find their own nests at around 10 weeks old.
Chipmunks are careful to hide their tunnels from predators, often locating the entrances under or next to wood piles, brush, or other structures. They also remove displaced soil from the area and may even move the entrance to make their tunnels harder to find.
Overall, chipmunks exhibit intricate burrowing patterns and nesting behaviors to ensure their survival and safety.
Signs of Chipmunk Infestation
The presence of chipmunks in the yard and the sight of tunnels they build are clear indications of a chipmunk infestation.
It is important to take preventive measures to avoid chipmunk infestations as they can pose health risks. Chipmunks are known to carry diseases such as plague, Colorado tick fever, rabies, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be transmitted to humans.
To prevent chipmunk infestations, it is recommended to build barriers by burying L-shaped barriers around the home’s foundation and using plant-free gravel borders. Repelling scents such as peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, and garlic can also deter chipmunks.
Additionally, trapping and releasing chipmunks at least 5 miles away can be an effective method.
Barriers and Repelling Scents for Chipmunk Control
To prevent chipmunk infestations, homeowners can build barriers around their property and use repelling scents to deter the rodents.
Building barriers is an effective method of chipmunk control through natural means. Burying L-shaped barriers around the home’s foundation and other areas prevents burrowing. Surrounding the yard or home with a plant-free gravel border also acts as a deterrent. Additionally, using 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth as fencing around gardens and flowers can keep chipmunks out.
Repelling scents are another effective way to control chipmunks. Commercial repellents that repel squirrels will also work on chipmunks. Scents such as peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, eucalyptus, garlic, cayenne, and chili powder are disliked by chipmunks.
Trapping and Relocation Methods
Trapping and relocating chipmunks requires careful consideration of local laws and recommendations. It is crucial to ensure that the relocation of chipmunks is done in a manner that does not harm their population or disrupt their natural habitats.
Chipmunk conservation is an important aspect to keep in mind when considering trapping and relocation methods. By following the proper guidelines and using humane trapping techniques, chipmunks can be safely relocated to suitable environments where they can thrive and contribute to their ecosystem.
To trap chipmunks, small traps baited with peanut butter are commonly used. However, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the specific regulations in the area, as chipmunk relocation laws differ from region to region.
Aversive Flowers to Deter Chipmunks
Planting aversive flowers in the yard can help deter chipmunks from entering and causing damage. By using specific planting techniques and natural repellents, homeowners can create an environment that chipmunks find unappealing.
Some flowers that chipmunks dislike include daffodils, allium, marigolds, lavender, and sage. These flowers can be strategically planted throughout the yard to create a barrier that chipmunks are less likely to cross. Additionally, the strong scents of these flowers act as natural repellents, further discouraging chipmunks from entering the area.
When planting these aversive flowers, it is important to consider their placement and proximity to areas of known chipmunk activity. By implementing these methods, homeowners can effectively protect their yards from chipmunk damage.
Yard Maintenance and Food Source Management for Chipmunk Control
Regular yard maintenance and proper food source management are crucial for minimizing chipmunk activity and preventing damage to the property. To effectively control chipmunks, homeowners should follow these steps:
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Chipmunk proofing gardens:
- Install fencing or use mesh hardware cloth around gardens to prevent chipmunks from accessing plants and vegetables.
- Plant aversive flowers that chipmunks dislike, such as daffodils, allium, marigolds, lavender, and sage.
- Create barriers by surrounding the yard or home with a plant-free gravel border to deter chipmunks from burrowing.
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Effective chipmunk repellents:
- Use commercial repellents designed for squirrels, as they also repel chipmunks.
- Repellents that contain scents like peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, eucalyptus, garlic, cayenne, and chili powder can be effective in deterring chipmunks.
- Consider using homemade repellent mixtures, such as a mixture of Lysol, Epsom salt, and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chipmunks Harmful to Humans?
Chipmunks can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, such as plague, Colorado tick fever, rabies, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Additionally, they may dig burrows in gardens, causing damage to plants and flowers.
Can Chipmunks Carry Diseases?
Yes, chipmunks can carry diseases such as plague, Colorado tick fever, rabies, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with chipmunks. Effective population control methods should be implemented.
How Do Chipmunks Hide Their Tunnels From Predators?
Chipmunks hide their tunnels from predators using tunneling techniques and camouflage strategies. They carefully choose tunnel entrances hidden under wood piles, brush, rocks, or structures. By moving tunnel entrances and removing displaced soil, chipmunks make their tunnels hard to find.
What Are Some Common Food Sources That Attract Chipmunks?
Common food sources that attract chipmunks include seeds from plants, birdseed, corn or other grains, acorns and nuts, caterpillars and insects, mushrooms, and various types of human and pet food. To prevent chipmunks from accessing these food sources, it is important to store food in rodent-proof containers and clean up spilled seeds regularly.
Can Chipmunks Enter Houses and Cause Damage?
Yes, chipmunks can enter houses and cause damage. They may enter through holes in the foundation, crawl spaces, decks, or patios. Once inside, they can nest, create noise, and damage indoor spaces.
