Chipmunks are the cute, furry little animals that can be seen darting around yards, burrowing in gardens, and raiding bird feeders.
While they may be cute, they can also be a nuisance if they start wreaking havoc in your garden.
So what can you do without resorting to harsh chemicals to get rid of them? Well, surprisingly, there are actually quite a few natural ways to repel chipmunks from your property.
In this article, we’ll explore some of these solutions, including cayenne pepper, other strong smells, planting natural repellents, motion activated sprinkler systems, and more.
Plus, learn about the benefits of natural repellents.
Read on to find out more!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Chipmunks naturally avoid strong smells, so you can use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or garlic to keep them away.
You can also place aluminum foil around the areas where chipmunks are entering your home as they don’t like the texture.
Finally, you can plant certain types of plants that have a strong smell, such as marigolds or lavender, as chipmunks don’t like the scent.
What are Chipmunks?
Chipmunks are small, furry rodents that are native to North America.
They have distinctive black and white stripes, and they are members of the squirrel family.
Chipmunks are generally harmless and can even be seen as an adorable addition to a garden or yard.
However, they can become a nuisance when they start digging up and eating plants or fruits, or when they start stashing food in their burrows.
Fortunately, there are a few natural repellents that can help keep chipmunks away.
In order to understand how to repel chipmunks naturally, it is important to first understand their habits and behaviors.
Chipmunks are mostly active during the day, and they tend to be solitary creatures that live in small burrows.
They use their burrows as a place to store food, and they also use them as a safe place to sleep.
Chipmunks are omnivores and will eat both plants and insects, and they are known to be quite destructive in gardens and yards.
They are constantly on the lookout for food, so they can be quite persistent when trying to get into a garden or yard.
Cayenne Pepper as a Natural Repellent
Cayenne pepper is a natural repellent that has been used for centuries to keep chipmunks away.
It is a powerful deterrent due to its strong smell and taste.
The capsaicin in the pepper can burn the mouth and nose of a chipmunk, and they will avoid it.
To use cayenne pepper as a repellent, simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of the area you want to protect.
The smell of the pepper will keep the chipmunks away.
Be sure to reapply the repellent every few weeks as it can wash away with rain or fade over time.
Additionally, you can mix the pepper with water and spray the mixture directly onto the foliage of the plants you want to protect.
This will create an even stronger deterrent for the chipmunks.
Other Strong Smells as Repellents
When it comes to deterring chipmunks, one of the most effective solutions is to use strong smells.
Vinegar, for example, is a natural repellent that can be used to ward off chipmunks, as the scent is unpleasant to them.
Ammonia is another effective repellent, as chipmunks have an aversion to the smell.
To keep the chipmunks away, mix 1 cup of ammonia with a gallon of water and spray the area.
This solution should be applied every two weeks or so to keep the chipmunks away.
Additionally, essential oils like peppermint and citrus can be used to create a scent that is unpleasant to chipmunks.
Simply mix 1 teaspoon of the chosen oil with 1 cup of water and spray around the perimeter of the area you are trying to protect.
Planting Natural Repellents
Planting natural repellents is a great way to deter chipmunks from taking up residence in your garden or yard.
Plants like marigolds, lavender, and chrysanthemums can be used to keep chipmunks at bay, as their strong scents can be off-putting to the tiny creatures.
Marigolds, in particular, have a strong scent that is known to repel chipmunks from entering areas where they are planted.
Lavender and chrysanthemums also have strong scents that can make chipmunks think twice before entering the area.
Additionally, these plants are aesthetically pleasing and add a nice pop of color to your outdoor space.
Another great way to repel chipmunks is to use a motion-activated sprinkler system.
When the chipmunk enters the area, the sprinkler will startle the animal and it will leave.
This is an effective and non-lethal way to keep chipmunks away while still being kind to nature.
It is also an affordable option and can be used in any size outdoor space.
Finally, you can also sprinkle cayenne pepper around the perimeter of the area you want to protect.
The spicy scent of the pepper can be off-putting to chipmunks, and they will avoid the area.
Vinegar and ammonia can also be used to deter chipmunks, as their strong smells are known to keep them away.
By using these natural repellents, chipmunks can be kept away from your garden or yard.
With a combination of these solutions, you can keep chipmunks out of your outdoor space without having to resort to more extreme measures.
Motion Activated Sprinkler Systems
Motion activated sprinkler systems are a great option for keeping chipmunks away from your garden or yard.
These systems detect movement and spray water from an attached hose, startling animals and sending them running away.
The sound of the spray can also be an effective deterrent to chipmunks, as they are easily startled by loud noises.
The motion activated sprinkler systems can be set up in the area you wish to protect and will go off when a chipmunk or other animal enters the space.
The system will only activate when it detects movement, so it wont waste water or energy on the days when no chipmunks are around.
This method of chipmunk repellent is a great way to keep chipmunks away without the use of any harsh chemicals or substances that could harm the environment.
Additionally, the motion activated sprinkler system can be used in combination with other natural repellents like cayenne pepper, vinegar, or ammonia for a more effective solution.
Additional Tips and Tricks
When it comes to repelling chipmunks naturally, there are a few additional tips and tricks that can be helpful.
One is to make sure that any potential food sources are removed or inaccessible to chipmunks.
This includes things like bird seed, pet food, and fallen fruit.
Additionally, keeping the area clean and free of debris can help to keep chipmunks away.
Another helpful tip is to use sound repellents.
Playing loud music or noise can be an effective way to keep chipmunks away, as they are sensitive to loud noises.
This technique can also be combined with motion-activated sprinklers for added protection.
Finally, it is important to keep an eye out for chipmunk activity and take action if any are spotted.
If chipmunks are seen in the area, it is important to take steps to discourage them from returning.
This may include more frequent use of repellents or deterring scents, or taking steps to make the environment less hospitable for chipmunks, such as removing potential nesting areas and food sources.
Benefits of Natural Repellents
Using natural repellents to get rid of chipmunks is an effective and environmentally-friendly way to keep them away from your garden or yard.
Natural repellents are inexpensive, easy to use, and pose no health risks to humans or animals.
Cayenne pepper and other strong odors such as vinegar and ammonia are effective at deterring chipmunks, while planting certain plants like marigolds, lavender, and chrysanthemums can also provide a natural deterrent.
Additionally, motion-activated sprinkler systems can scare away chipmunks when they come near.
Using natural repellents to keep chipmunks away also has several other benefits.
It’s humane, as it does not involve trapping and killing the chipmunks or using other methods which can be inhumane.
It’s also a more effective way of getting rid of chipmunks than traditional methods such as chemical repellents or traps, as natural repellents are more likely to be successful in driving away chipmunks.
Finally, natural repellents are safer for the environment, as they don’t contain any dangerous chemicals or ingredients that could potentially harm other animals or plants in the area.
Final Thoughts
By using natural repellents like cayenne pepper, strong smells like vinegar and ammonia, and plants such as marigolds, lavender, and chrysanthemums, chipmunks can be kept away from your garden or yard.
Motion-activated sprinkler systems can also be used to scare off chipmunks when they come near.
Using these natural repellents is a great way to keep your garden or yard safe from chipmunks without using harsh chemicals.
Now that you know what repels chipmunks naturally, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to use and start protecting your garden from pesky chipmunks!