Is your attic suddenly the new home of a family of chipmunks? If youre like most homeowners, youre probably wondering how to get rid of them.
Dont worry, its not as difficult as it may seem.
In this article, well provide you with 7 simple steps to help you remove chipmunks from your attic.
Well cover how to identify potential entry points for chipmunks, seal off any entry points, set up a one-way exclusion door, remove nesting materials, remove food sources, use traps or bait to catch remaining chipmunks, and monitor the attic for re-entry.
Keep reading for all the details and start your chipmunk-free life today!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The best way to remove chipmunks from an attic is to take steps to prevent them from entering in the first place.
This can be done by sealing any holes or cracks, installing metal or plastic mesh over vents and openings, and securing chimney caps.
If chipmunks are already present, you can try trapping and relocating them.
Make sure to check local wildlife regulations to ensure you are following proper protocols.
Finally, it can also be helpful to get rid of potential food sources, such as bird feeders, to discourage them from returning.
Identify Potential Entry Points for Chipmunks
Identifying potential entry points for chipmunks is the first step in removing them from your attic.
Its important to understand how the chipmunks are entering the attic in the first place in order to effectively keep them out in the future.
Chipmunks are small and agile, so they can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.
Common entry points include gaps around windows and doors, vents, and chimneys.
Pay special attention to any potential weak points or areas of wear and tear, as these are likely to be used by the chipmunks.
Inspect the attic’s exterior for any signs of entry.
You may see gnaw marks, scuff marks, or even footprints around potential entry points.
If the chipmunks are already inside the attic, you may find nests, droppings, or gnawed insulation.
Once you have identified potential entry points, take steps to seal them off.
Use materials such as metal flashing, caulk, and hardware cloth to block off the spaces where chipmunks can enter.
This will help make sure that the chipmunks cant get back in once theyve been removed.
Its also a good idea to inspect the attic periodically to make sure there are no new entry points or signs of chipmunk activity.
This will help you keep your attic chipmunk-free in the future.
Seal Off Any Entry Points
Sealing off entry points is the first step to removing chipmunks from an attic.
This involves inspecting the area for any potential openings or holes, and sealing them off.
Its important to use materials that are sturdy and durable, as chipmunks are known for their persistence and resourcefulness.
When inspecting the attic, look for any cracks or crevices, as well as any gaps around doors and windows.
Its also important to check the roof for any holes or damaged shingles.
Once youve identified any potential entry points, use a caulking gun to seal them off with a high-quality sealant.
This will keep the chipmunks from entering the attic and ensure that they stay out.
Its also a good idea to check the eaves and soffits of the house for any holes or gaps.
If there are any, seal them off with a heavy-duty metal mesh.
This will prevent the chipmunks from using these areas as access points into the attic.
Finally, check the area for any tree branches that may be touching the roof.
If you find any, trim them back to prevent the chipmunks from using them as a bridge to the attic.
By taking the time to inspect and seal off entry points, youll be able to keep chipmunks out of the attic for good.
Set Up a One-Way Exclusion Door
Once youve identified any entry points and sealed them off, the next step in removing chipmunks from an attic is to set up a one-way exclusion door.
This type of door is designed to let the chipmunks out of the attic but prevent them from coming back in.
To install a one-way exclusion door, youll need to measure the size of the opening and purchase a door of the same size.
Make sure to use a heavy-duty door that will stand up to the weather.
Attach the door to the opening using screws and then make sure that it opens outward.
One-way exclusion doors are designed with a spring-loaded latch that will only open from the inside.
This ensures that once the chipmunks are out, they wont be able to get back in.
To make sure that the chipmunks can find the opening, you can place a few handfuls of birdseed or other bait near the door.
The chipmunks will be attracted to the bait and find their way out.
Once the one-way exclusion door is installed, you should wait a few days to make sure that all of the chipmunks have exited the attic.
If you still hear activity in the attic, you can use traps or bait to catch any remaining chipmunks.
Remove Nesting Materials
Once you have sealed off any entry points and set up one-way exclusion doors to keep chipmunks from re-entering the attic, it is time to remove any nesting materials that may be present.
Chipmunks can make nests out of a variety of materials, including leaves, twigs, paper, and fabric.
Removing these materials can help discourage chipmunks from returning to the attic.
You should use caution when removing nesting materials from the attic, as chipmunks are known to bite if they feel threatened.
Wear thick protective gloves and use a flashlight to look for any nests that may be hidden in dark corners.
Once you have identified any nests, carefully remove them and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag.
If you find any droppings or urine stains, use a disinfectant to clean them up.
Chipmunk droppings can contain parasites and bacteria, so it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from any potential health risks.
After the nesting materials have been removed, the chipmunks will have no reason to remain in the attic and can be safely removed.
Remove Food Sources
When it comes to removing chipmunks from an attic, one of the most important steps is to remove food sources from the area.
Chipmunks are attracted to food, so if there are any sources in the attic, they will be more likely to stay.
To eliminate food sources, inspect the area for any crumbs, pet food, or other food items that have been left behind.
If you find any, be sure to properly dispose of them before continuing with the removal process.
Additionally, if you have any animal feeders in your yard, make sure to keep them away from the house.
This will prevent the chipmunks from being attracted to the area and entering your attic in the first place.
Use Traps or Bait to Catch Remaining Chipmunks
Once all entry points have been sealed off and the one-way exclusion door has been set up, the next step in removing chipmunks from your attic is to use traps or bait to catch any remaining critters.
Trapping chipmunks is a humane way to remove them, as it allows you to relocate them to a safer environment.
You can use a number of different types of traps for this purpose, such as live traps, cage traps, and box traps.
These traps can be baited with a variety of foods, such as peanut butter, nuts, or seeds.
Additionally, you can use bait to lure the chipmunks into the traps.
However, be sure to use food that is safe for chipmunks, as some foods can be dangerous.
Once the traps are in place, all you need to do is check them periodically to see if there are any chipmunks inside.
If so, you can release them in a safe location away from your home.
Be sure to wear gloves while handling the traps, as chipmunks can carry diseases that can be transferred to humans.
Additionally, you should be sure to check your traps frequently, as chipmunks can easily starve in the traps.
Finally, you can also use a combination of traps and bait to effectively remove chipmunks.
This method involves setting up a few traps in the attic and then placing bait around the traps.
The chipmunks will be drawn to the bait and then enter the trap.
This is a great way to ensure that all of the chipmunks in the attic are caught and released.
By using traps and bait to catch chipmunks, you can quickly and safely remove them from your attic.
Additionally, this method is humane and allows you to relocate the chipmunks to a safer environment.
With this method, you can be sure that the chipmunks will not return to your attic.
Monitor the Attic for Re-Entry
Once you have used the one-way exclusion door to remove the chipmunks from your attic, the next step is to monitor the area for re-entry.
Re-entry of chipmunks is especially likely if you have not sealed all possible entry points to the attic.
To prevent any chipmunks from sneaking in, inspect the area thoroughly and seal off any cracks, holes, or other openings.
You may also want to install a motion detector or other alarm system to alert you if a chipmunk is attempting to enter the attic.
Additionally, you may want to set up a camera to keep an eye on the area in case a chipmunk does attempt to get in.
By monitoring the area closely, you can ensure that no chipmunks are able to get back into the attic.
Final Thoughts
Removing chipmunks from your attic can be an intimidating task, but it’s doable with patience and the right steps.
By first inspecting the attic for entry points, sealing them off, and setting up a one-way exclusion door, you can make sure the chipmunks can’t re-enter.
Removing nesting materials, food sources, and using traps or bait to catch any remaining chipmunks will help get the job done.
Finally, it’s important to monitor the attic for any potential re-entry.
With these steps, you can quickly and safely remove chipmunks from your attic and keep them from coming back.
So what are you waiting for? Get started now and get those chipmunks out!