Do you have a chipmunk problem in your house? Chipmunks can be pesky little critters, but fortunately, there are proven strategies to catch them.
This article will cover everything you need to know about trapping chipmunks in your home, from inspecting and sealing off entry points to setting up traps and removing the chipmunks.
You’ll also learn helpful tips to prevent chipmunks from invading your home in the future.
Read on to learn how to catch a chipmunk in your house.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Chipmunks can be difficult to catch in a house because they are fast and agile.
The best way to catch one is to set up a live trap using bait, such as peanuts or sunflower seeds.
Place the trap in an area where the chipmunk is likely to travel, such as near a food source.
Check the trap regularly and try to limit the amount of time the chipmunk is in the trap to reduce stress.
Inspect and Seal Off Entry Points
If youre dealing with chipmunks in your house, the first step to catching them is to inspect your home for any entry points that the chipmunks may have used.
This means looking around for any potential holes, cracks, or crevices that could have allowed the chipmunks to get in.
Its important to be thorough in this process, as you want to make sure youve identified all potential entry points before proceeding.
Once youve identified any potential entry points, the next step is to seal them off.
This involves using materials such as caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam to fill the gaps and prevent the chipmunks from entering again.
Its important to be careful when applying these materials to make sure you dont accidentally block off any ventilation or cause any other damage to the home.
In addition to sealing off entry points, you can also take the extra step of setting up barriers around the perimeter of your home.
This can be done using chicken wire, wire mesh, or even netting.
The goal here is to create a physical barrier that the chipmunks cant get through.
This will help keep them out and make it easier to catch any that remain inside your home.
Different Types of Bait to Use
When it comes to catching chipmunks in your home, the type of bait you choose is important.
Different types of bait will attract different types of chipmunks, so you should be sure to choose something that chipmunks in your area are likely to find tasty.
A few common types of bait to use include peanut butter, seeds, and fruits.
Peanut butter is a favorite among chipmunks.
Its sticky, sweet, and easily accessible in most households.
To optimize your chances of catching a chipmunk, try using an extra crunchy variety of peanut butter, as the crunchier texture has a better chance of catching their attention.
Be sure to spread a generous amount of peanut butter onto the trap to make sure the chipmunk takes notice.
In addition to peanut butter, seeds are also a great option for catching chipmunks.
Sunflower seeds are a particular favorite among these critters, and they are easy to find in most grocery stores.
You can also mix in some other types of seeds, like pumpkin or squash, as a way to provide more variety and entice the chipmunks to take the bait.
Lastly, fruits are a great way to catch a chipmunk in your house.
Fruits like apples, strawberries, and blueberries are all favorites among chipmunks, so you should be sure to include some of these options in your bait selection.
Be sure to cut the fruit into small pieces, as this will make it more appealing to the chipmunk.
By using the right types of bait, you can increase your chances of catching a chipmunk in your house.
Peanut butter, seeds, and fruits are all great options, and you can use them in combination to make sure the chipmunk takes notice.
Keep in mind that different chipmunks have different tastes, so be sure to experiment with different types of bait to find the one that works best for you.
Placing Traps in High-Traffic Areas
Once you have identified and sealed off all potential entry points in your home, it is time to start placing traps.
To ensure success, it is important to place the traps in areas of high-traffic for chipmunks.
Some of the most common areas are near any food sources, such as pet food or birdseed, along walls, and near trees, shrubs, or any other type of vegetation.
If youve already spotted a chipmunk, you can place the trap in that area, as chipmunks are creatures of habit and are likely to return to the same spot.
Additionally, if youve seen chipmunk droppings or tracks, you can place a trap in that area as well.
Once you have identified the areas you want to place the traps, it is time to bait them.
Different Types of Traps to Use
When it comes to catching chipmunks in your house, there are a variety of traps that can be used.
For instance, a live trap is an option that is humane and will not harm the chipmunk.
This type of trap is designed to capture the chipmunk without killing it, so that it can be safely released back into the wild.
Additionally, snap traps are designed to be triggered when a chipmunk enters the trap, resulting in its death.
If youre looking for a more humane option, an exclusion trap is a great choice.
This type of trap is designed to capture the chipmunk without harming it and then release it back into the wild.
For the most effective results, you should make sure to use the right bait for the type of trap youre using.
Peanut butter, seeds, and fruits are all popular options for live traps and exclusion traps, as they are attractive to chipmunks.
For snap traps, a combination of peanut butter and oats is usually the best option.
Additionally, its important to ensure that the traps are placed in areas where chipmunks are likely to be found.
This may include near bird feeders, pet food dishes, or in areas with plenty of vegetation.
Once the trap is in place, you should check it regularly to make sure that any chipmunks that have been caught can be safely removed.
By following these steps, you can successfully catch a chipmunk in your house.
With the right traps and bait, you can keep your home free of pesky chipmunks for good.
Setting the Traps
Once you have identified and sealed the entry points, it is time to set the traps.
Trapping chipmunks is the most effective way to catch them and remove them from your home.
To begin, you need to determine the best type of trap to use.
The most popular traps are live traps and snap traps.
Live traps are designed to capture the chipmunk alive without harming it, while snap traps are designed to kill the chipmunk.
When choosing a trap, consider the size of the chipmunk you are trying to catch.
The larger the chipmunk, the larger the trap should be.
You also need to consider the type of bait you will use.
Peanut butter is a popular option, as well as other nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Place the bait inside the trap and make sure it is easy for the chipmunk to access.
Once your traps are set, you need to identify the areas of your home where the chipmunks are likely to go.
This may include attics, basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, enclosed areas.
Place the traps in these areas and check them regularly to see if you have caught any chipmunks.
When checking the traps, be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask to protect yourself from any potential diseases.
When removing the chipmunks, be sure to do so carefully and quickly.
Place the chipmunk in a secure container with air holes and transport it to a new location away from your home.
Once you have relocated the chipmunk, check your traps regularly to ensure that no other chipmunks have entered your home.
With the right steps, you can successfully catch a chipmunk in your house.
Be sure to inspect your home for entry points, set the traps with the right bait, and check your traps regularly for any new chipmunks.
With patience and careful preparation, you can rid your home of chipmunks in no time.
Regularly Checking and Removing Chipmunks
Once you have set up traps and bait, it is important to regularly check and remove chipmunks that you may have caught.
Checking and removing the chipmunks as soon as possible is key to keeping your house pest-free.
To make sure that your traps are regularly checked, it is important to set up a schedule.
You can either check your traps daily, or set up a specific day of the week to check them.
When you go to check the traps, make sure to use proper safety precautions.
It is important to wear protective gloves and ensure that you are not too close to the traps when checking them.
It is also important to be aware of any chipmunks that may be hiding in the surrounding area.
If you find a chipmunk, make sure to carefully remove it from the trap and place it in a humane animal trap.
Once the chipmunk is safely in the trap, you can release it outdoors in a safe area away from your house.
Finally, it is important to make sure that your traps are regularly maintained.
Clean any debris or dirt that may have accumulated in the traps and make sure that the bait is replenished.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the traps are securely fastened to the ground and not easily knocked over.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your traps are always in working order and ready to catch any pesky chipmunks that may be lurking in your house.
Additional Tips to Prevent Chipmunks from Entering Your House
Once you have identified and sealed off any entry points, there are a few more steps you can take to prevent chipmunks from entering your house.
A good first step is to ensure your yard is clear of debris and clutter that chipmunks could use to hide or build nests.
Keep your grass trimmed short, and clear away any piles of leaves, sticks, or other organic materials.
You should also check the foundation of your home for any holes or cracks that may have been created by eroding soil, and seal them up.
It’s also helpful to keep any pet food indoors and away from potential chipmunk access.
If you have bird feeders outside, it’s best to keep them far away from your home, as chipmunks may be attracted to the food and use it as a bridge to your house.
Finally, you can install motion-activated lights or sprinklers around the perimeter of your home to scare away any curious chipmunks.
Final Thoughts
By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully catch a chipmunk in your house.
Inspect and seal off entry points, use a variety of bait, place traps in high-traffic areas, and check the traps regularly.
Additionally, keep in mind the additional tips to prevent chipmunks from entering your house in the first place.
With these strategies and a bit of patience, you can easily catch a chipmunk in your house!