Chipmunks are adorable little creatures, but when they start to make their home in your deck, they can become a nuisance.
If you’re looking for ways to deal with chipmunks under your deck, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll look at four easy tips to help you get rid of chipmunks from under your deck.
We’ll cover identifying entry points, sealing off entry points, installing a one-way door, and other tips for keeping chipmunks away.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and tools necessary to keep chipmunks away from your deck for good!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The most effective way to get rid of chipmunks under your deck is to trap and remove them.
You can purchase live traps at your local hardware store, bait them with peanut butter, and place them around the areas where the chipmunks are active.
Once youve caught the chipmunk, release it in a nearby park or nature preserve.
To prevent further chipmunk problems, seal up any potential entry points and install hardware cloth around the base of the deck.
Identifying Entry Points
When it comes to getting rid of chipmunks under a deck, the first step is to identify the entry points they are using to access the space.
This can be done by carefully inspecting the area around the deck for any potential openings where the chipmunks could be entering.
This can include any gaps in the siding, holes in the foundations, or weak spots in the deck boards.
It is also important to check for any openings where utilities or pipes may enter the space, as these can also provide access for chipmunks.
If the entry points are not identified and sealed off, it is unlikely that the chipmunks will be able to be removed from the space.
Sealing off Entry Points with Mesh or Hardware Cloth
When it comes to getting rid of chipmunks under a deck, one of the most important steps is to identify and seal off entry points.
This can be done using a wire mesh or hardware cloth.
Mesh and hardware cloth are both types of metal fabric that are designed to keep out small animals like chipmunks.
Mesh is made of thin wires woven together, while hardware cloth is made of thicker wires woven together in a square pattern.
Both types of fabric are durable and weatherproof, making them an ideal solution for sealing off entry points.
When installing a mesh or hardware cloth, it is important to make sure that it is securely attached to the deck, as chipmunks are strong and can easily chew through a loose or improperly installed mesh.
Additionally, it should be installed over any cracks or gaps in the deck boards, as well as any openings in the deck foundation or skirting.
It is also important to make sure that the mesh is installed at least six inches above the ground, as chipmunks can climb up the mesh and gain access to the space underneath the deck.
Once the mesh or hardware cloth is securely installed, it can be helpful to cover it with a layer of dirt or mulch.
This will help to disguise the presence of the mesh and make it less noticeable to the chipmunks.
In conclusion, sealing off entry points with a wire mesh or hardware cloth is an essential step in getting rid of chipmunks under a deck.
It is important to make sure that the mesh is securely attached and covered with dirt or mulch to make it less noticeable.
Additionally, it should be installed at least six inches above the ground to prevent chipmunks from climbing up the mesh and gaining access to the space underneath the deck.
Installing a One-Way Door
Installing a one-way door can be an effective way to get rid of chipmunks from under a deck.
This door will allow the chipmunks to leave the area, but it will prevent them from coming back in.
This is beneficial because it ensures that the chipmunks are unable to re-enter the space, which keeps them from coming back.
To install a one-way door, you will need to locate the entry points that the chipmunks are using to access the space under the deck.
Once you have identified these entry points, you can install the one-way door over the opening.
The door should be securely attached to the opening with screws or nails so that it does not move or become dislodged.
It is also important to ensure that the door is securely sealed around the edges to prevent any chipmunks from slipping through.
Once the one-way door is installed, you should leave it for a few days so that the chipmunks can leave the area.
After a few days, you can remove the door to make sure that all of the chipmunks have left the area.
No Food or Water Sources Available
When it comes to keeping chipmunks away, it is important to ensure that there are no food or water sources available for them.
This can be done by removing any potential food sources such as bird feeders and pet food bowls, and also by keeping outdoor areas clean and tidy.
Additionally, you should ensure that there are no standing water sources in your yard, as chipmunks are attracted to areas with water.
Finally, you can also install a fence around the perimeter of your deck to keep chipmunks away.
This will help to discourage the chipmunks from entering the area and will also act as a barrier to any potential food sources.
By following these tips and ensuring that there are no food or water sources available to the chipmunks, you can help to keep them away from your deck.
Keeping Outdoor Areas Clean and Tidy
Keeping outdoor areas clean and tidy is an important step in preventing chipmunks from taking up residence under your deck.
Take some time to inspect the area around your deck to make sure that there are no food sources or water sources that could attract chipmunks.
This may include picking up fallen fruits or nuts from trees, keeping pet food indoors, and making sure that bird feeders are far enough away from your deck.
Additionally, it is important to keep the area around your deck free of debris and clutter, such as leaves, sticks, and logs, which can provide shelter for chipmunks.
If possible, trim back any overgrown vegetation near your deck to discourage chipmunks from taking up residence in the area.
By taking these steps to keep your outdoor areas clean and tidy, you can help to deter chipmunks from taking up residence near your deck.
Other Tips for Keeping Chipmunks Away
Once you have taken the necessary steps to get rid of chipmunks under your deck, it is important to take preventative measures to ensure they dont come back.
To start, make sure you keep outdoor spaces clean and tidy.
This means removing potential food sources like fallen fruits and nuts, as well as any other items that chipmunks may find attractive.
Additionally, it is important to make sure there is no standing water near your deck, as chipmunks are attracted to moisture.
You may also want to consider using repellents around your deck to discourage chipmunks from returning.
Many repellents are available that use natural ingredients like garlic, chili powder, and even human hair.
You can also purchase commercial repellents that contain predator urine, which can effectively keep chipmunks away.
Finally, it is important to regularly inspect your deck and surrounding areas for any signs of chipmunk activity.
If you find any entry points, make sure to seal them off immediately.
Additionally, you should keep an eye out for any burrows or tunnels that may have been dug near your deck.
If you take all these steps, you should be able to successfully keep chipmunks away.
Long-Term Solutions for Keeping Chipmunks Away
Keeping chipmunks away in the long-term requires a multi-pronged approach.
First, it is important to identify and seal off any entry points that chipmunks may be using to access the area under the deck.
This can be done with a wire mesh or hardware cloth, which should be installed securely in order to prevent any chipmunks from getting in.
Second, a one-way door can be installed to allow the chipmunks to leave but not re-enter.
This is an effective way to ensure that once the chipmunks are out, they stay out.
In addition to preventing chipmunks from entering the area, it is also important to ensure that there is no food or water sources available for them.
This means cleaning up any outdoor areas and ensuring that pet food, bird seed, or other sources of food are stored securely in sealed containers.
If necessary, a fence or other physical barrier can be installed to keep chipmunks away from these food sources.
Finally, it is important to keep the area under the deck clean and tidy to discourage chipmunks from making it their home.
By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that chipmunks stay away in the long-term.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of chipmunks from under a deck can be tricky, but it can be done with the right approach and methods.
By identifying entry points, sealing them off with hardware cloth or mesh, installing a one-way door, and keeping the area around the deck clean and free of food and water sources, you can get rid of the chipmunks and keep them away for good.
Take the time to identify the problem and take the necessary steps to get rid of your chipmunk problem once and for all.