Do you have a chipmunk problem on your property? Are the little critters constantly digging tunnels and searching for food? If so, youre not alone! Fortunately, there are a number of ways to keep chipmunks away from your home without resorting to traps or relocation.
In this article, well look at the best techniques to keep chipmunks away, including fencing, repellents, creating a habitat, DIY options, and professional solutions.
Read on to learn how to stop chipmunks from digging tunnels in your yard!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
One way to stop chipmunks from digging tunnels is to block their entry points.
You can do this by installing a wire mesh fence or a solid barrier around your yard.
You can also create a barrier of sand or gravel around the perimeter of your yard to make it harder for the chipmunks to tunnel.
Additionally, keeping your yard clean by removing any potential food or shelter sources can help deter chipmunks from digging tunnels.
What Are Chipmunks and Why Do They Dig?
Chipmunks are adorable creatures that can bring a lot of joy to your garden.
Unfortunately, they can also wreak havoc on your lawn and garden if they start digging tunnels.
Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are native to North America.
They have distinctive stripes on their backs and are known for their chirping calls.
Chipmunks dig tunnels in search of insects, nuts, and other food sources, as well as to build nests and provide shelter.
They can quickly dig deep and wide tunnels, which can cause damage to your garden and lawn.
Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to prevent chipmunks from digging in your garden.
Fencing and Barriers to Keep Chipmunks Away
A fence or barrier is one of the most effective ways to keep chipmunks from digging in your garden or lawn.
Fences can be made from wood, metal, or plastic, and can be installed up to two feet deep to prevent chipmunks from burrowing underneath.
If you’re looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option, consider a living fence.
Planting a hedge or thick shrubbery around the perimeter of your garden can also be an effective deterrent.
Additionally, you can install a motion-activated sprinkler system to scare away chipmunks when they come near.
The combination of motion and water will make them think twice about invading your garden.
Repellents to Discourage Digging
Repellents are a great way to stop chipmunks from digging in your garden or lawn.
There are a few options to choose from that will help discourage the chipmunks from digging tunnels.
Ammonia is a great option for repelling chipmunks.
Chipmunks have a keen sense of smell, and the strong smell of ammonia will deter them from digging near your plants.
You can spray ammonia around the perimeter of your garden or lawn to keep the chipmunks away.
Another option is to use hot pepper spray.
Chipmunks do not like the smell of hot peppers, so spraying them near your plants will help keep the chipmunks away.
You can make your own hot pepper spray by combining one tablespoon of cayenne pepper with one quart of water.
Shake the mixture and then spray around the perimeter of your garden or lawn.
If you are looking for a more natural solution, you can use essential oils.
Certain essential oils such as peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus have strong scents that chipmunks do not like.
You can mix a few drops of the oil into a spray bottle of water and then spray it around the perimeter of your garden or lawn.
Using repellents is a great way to stop chipmunks from digging in your garden or lawn.
With a few simple steps, you can keep the chipmunks away and prevent them from damaging your plants.
Creating a Habitat for Chipmunks
Creating a habitat for chipmunks can be an effective way to prevent them from digging tunnels in your garden and lawn.
By providing them with food, water, and shelter, you can encourage them to stay in one area and away from your property.
You can start by planting shrubs and trees that will provide food and shelter for chipmunks.
Consider planting native shrubs and trees such as sumac, elderberry, and wild cherry to attract chipmunks.
Additionally, you can create a chipmunk-friendly environment by adding small piles of stones and logs in your garden.
This will give the chipmunks places to hide and rest.
You can also provide food for chipmunks by setting up bird feeders, as they will often feed on the food provided by birds.
Finally, make sure you provide chipmunks with a source of water, such as a shallow dish filled with water.
By providing chipmunks with food, water, and shelter, they will be less likely to move around and dig tunnels in your garden and lawn.
Alternatives to Trapping and Relocating
Trapping and relocating chipmunks is often seen as the last resort when it comes to preventing them from digging tunnels.
However, there are actually a few other alternatives that may be more effective.
One of the best ways to stop chipmunks from digging tunnels is by installing a fence or barrier around the affected area.
This will prevent them from entering the area and can help to keep them away from your plants and other vegetation.
You can also make the fence more effective by planting certain types of plants that are known to repel chipmunks, such as marigolds or lavender.
Another option is to use repellents to deter chipmunks from entering your garden.
Ammonia or hot pepper spray can be applied to the soil or foliage around the affected area as a way to deter chipmunks from digging tunnels.
Additionally, you can create a habitat for chipmunks in your yard by providing food, water, and shelter.
This can help to keep them away from your garden, as they will have their own space to live and feed.
Finally, you can also use mulch or straw to help prevent chipmunks from digging tunnels.
The mulch or straw will help to create a barrier between the soil and the chipmunks, and it will also make it difficult for them to dig through it.
By using these alternatives, you can help to stop chipmunks from digging tunnels in your garden and lawn without having to resort to trapping and relocating them.
With a few simple steps, you can keep chipmunks from digging and damaging your plants and vegetation.
DIY Options to Stop Chipmunk Digging
When it comes to stopping chipmunks from digging tunnels, there are a few DIY options you can take.
The first is to install a fence or barrier around the affected area.
This will create a physical barrier that chipmunks cant get through, protecting your lawn and garden from their digging.
Make sure the fence is tall enough to prevent them from jumping over it, and you may also want to dig a few inches below the surface to prevent them from tunneling underneath.
Another option is to use repellents such as ammonia or hot pepper spray.
Ammonia is a scent that chipmunks are not fond of, and the smell can help deter them from digging in your yard.
Hot pepper spray is also effective at deterring chipmunks, as the spicy scent will keep them away.
Simply spray the repellents around the affected area and reapply as needed.
Additionally, you can create a habitat for chipmunks in your yard by providing food, water, and shelter.
This will give them an alternate area to dig and forage, and can help keep them away from your garden and lawn.
Make sure to place the food and water sources away from the affected area, and provide some sort of shelter such as a log or box for them to hide in.
Finally, if all else fails, trapping and relocating chipmunks is a last resort.
While this can be a more effective solution, it is also more time-consuming and requires more effort.
Make sure you are following all state and local laws when trapping and releasing animals, and consult with a professional if needed.
With these DIY options, you can easily stop chipmunks from digging tunnels in your garden and lawn.
Using a combination of methods can help ensure they stay away for good.
Professional Solutions to Keep Chipmunks Away
When it comes to keeping chipmunks away from your garden and lawn, there are several professional techniques you can use.
These include installing fences or barriers around the area, using repellents, creating a chipmunk habitat, and trapping and relocating the critters.
Fences or Barriers: Installing a fence or barrier around the affected area is an effective way to keep chipmunks away. This can be done by fencing off the entire area or placing a barrier around individual plants. Fences should be constructed with mesh that is at least four to six inches high and dug several inches into the ground. This will create an effective barrier that will keep out chipmunks.
Repellents: There are a variety of repellents available that can be used to deter chipmunks from digging in your garden. These include ammonia, garlic, hot pepper spray, and cayenne pepper. Simply spray the repellent around the affected area and it will create an unpleasant smell that chipmunks will avoid.
Habitat: Creating a chipmunk habitat in your yard will encourage the critters to stay in one area and prevent them from digging in your garden. This can be done by providing food, water, and shelter in the form of bird houses, wood piles, and other hiding spots.
Trapping and Relocating: If none of the other techniques are successful, trapping and relocating chipmunks is a last resort. This should only be done by a professional wildlife trapper as it is illegal to do it yourself in most areas. Trapping and relocating chipmunks is a humane way to remove them from your yard and will prevent them from returning.
By following these professional techniques, you can keep chipmunks from digging in your garden and lawn.
Installing a fence or barrier, using repellents, creating a chipmunk habitat, and trapping and relocating chipmunks are all effective methods of controlling the pests.
Final Thoughts
Chipmunks may be pesky garden pests, but with a few simple steps, you can keep them from digging up your lawn and garden.
You can install a fence or barrier to keep them away, use repellents to discourage them, or create a habitat for them.
If all else fails, trapping and relocating chipmunks is a last resort.
With these strategies, you can keep your garden looking its best and enjoy your outdoor spaces without worrying about chipmunk damage.
Now that you know how to stop chipmunks from digging tunnels, take action to protect your garden!