How to Get Rid of Chipmunks

Most of the time, chipmunks are simply a nuisance problem.  They eat seedlings and flower bulbs and agitate cats, but often the problem does not get any worse than that. 

Sometimes, however, chipmunks create significant problems.  If there are very many of them, their burrowing can cause structural damage to patios, stairs, retention walls, and foundations.  Sometimes they enter into homes looking for food. When these things occur, the question of how to get rid of chipmunks becomes much more serious.

Don't Do This to Get Rid of Chipmunks
Some people advocate the use of pepper spray, smoke bombs and predator urine, such as that of fox and coyote, to get rid of chipmunks.  We do not recommend these methods simply because they are not very effective.  People waste a lot of time, money and energy in these methods, and for very little return.

Do This to Get Rid of Chipmunks
The most practical way to get rid of chipmunks is to trap them and take them away. Depending on your location, it may be required by law to euthanize them after capture; other areas allow for relocation.  Either way, trapping is the best. Poison can also be a very good option.

Other methods that are effective for getting rid of chipmunks include exclusion and habitat modification.  "Exclusion" simply means barriers; we can construct wire or mesh barriers around flower beds, gardens, and other limited areas in order to keep chipmunks out.  "Habitat modification" means altering the area so that it is less appealing to these animals.  Habitat modification can include things like altering the landscaping of an area, as well as re-positioning birdfeeders.  If your yard offers food and great hiding places, chipmunks will like it there.  Take these things away, and they will look for greener pastures.