Chipmunk – Pest Pointers: Tips for at home pest control

Chipmunks can be a frustrating pest to deal with. The good news is that there are countless repellants on the market that you can try out. Ranging from natural, organic, and mechanical solutions, you’ll be able to pick the perfect repellant on your own terms. However, it’s important to remember that the repellant must meet local laws that protect certain animals. When finding the best chipmunk repellent for your home and property, keep an eye out for urine granules, peppermint oil, and other non-toxic formulas. These products naturally repel chipmunks, but won’t cause any harm to you or your pets. Bright lights and water sprinklers can also deter chipmunks. Throughout this article, you’ll learn the details about the following info: Whether or not it’s time to hire an expertWhy chipmunks always come back to your houseThe potential damages caused by chipmunksThe best chipmunk repellent currently available Plantskydd Animal Repellent If you’re tired of chipmunks and other pests trampling through your garden, then try the Plantskydd Animal Repellent. It sprays right on your plants and grass without causing any damage. It’s labeled as safe for protecting flowers, trees shrubs, and food crops and specifically lists chipmunks as one of the main critters it aims to repel. You can spray this repellant on all flowers, trees, and everything in between. The only exception is that you shouldn’t spray it directly on the edible portion of the plant that you intend to consume. It lasts for 2 to 4 weeks, giving you multiple uses per bottle to get through the whole season. Pros Marketed to repel critters specifically including chipmunksClaims to last for up to one month per applicationCan be sprayed directly onto your plants Shake Away Fox Urine Granules Small animals who fall prey to their predators naturally fear anything that has to do with them. Since foxes are the natural predator of chipmunks, their urine is often used to induce fear. Shake Away Fox Urine Granules are a non-toxic solution that aims to prevent chipmunks from revisiting your yard after they interact with the granules! These granules naturally release a light scent over the course of a week or so. You should notice that fewer chipmunks show up until they simply don’t come back. Since they work at such a slow rate, you don’t have to worry about a pungent odor. Pros Naturally induces fear in chipmunks, gophers, mice, squirrels, and ratsTime-released granules take charge of the problemNearly odorless when they’re sprinkled around the yard Pros Claims to be harmless to humans and pets (your pets may be able to hear the frequency)Won’t hurt the chipmunks; It simply repels them away from the areaGenerates a subtle pulse powered by the sun Colton’s Naturals All-Natural Rodent Repellent Just as the first repellant on the list was, Colton’s Naturals All-Natural Rodent Repellent claims to be completely natural, non-toxic, and non harmful. You only have to spray it on your plants once every two to four weeks to protect your garden from invasive pests. It takes a few repeated visits for this product to function properly. Raccoons, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and other pests will get the solution stuck on their fur. This process forces them to find a new home. The formula is sticky and smells like mint, which they tend to dislike. Pros Product claims to be non-toxicIt’s a repellant, so its goal is to repel and deter pestsLong-lasting formula that can be sprayed onto your plants I Must Garden Repellent If you’re in search of a fast-acting spray, look no further. The I Must Garden Repellent is a top-notch spray that claims to act fast. Once chipmunks they get a taste of this powerfully disgusting flavor, they won’t want to come near your home again. Unlike most other repellants, it contains a pleasant scent. You can use this spray directly onto the bulbs of your flowers. It’s designed for continuous use, so don’t worry about harming your plants around the garden. It also won’t cause any issues with your grass, either. Pros Instant repellent for chipmunks and squirrelsIt can be applied to almost all plantsIt has a pleasant odor with a foul taste Grandpa Gus’s Potent Squirrel & Chipmunk Repellent Back to natural sprays, Grandpa Gus’s Potent Squirrel & Chipmunk Repellent comes in a compact bottle for quick applications. Spray it on trees, grass, flowers, and other plants. Much like the previous solutions, try to avoid contact with the edible parts of fruit, vegetables, and herbs. However, it’s natural and can be washed off prior to consumption. The reason that this solution is so effective is that it combines cinnamon oil and peppermint oil, which are two substances that rodents strongly dislike. They’ll smell it front far away, but even if they get close, the taste will keep them from coming back. Pros Mixes water, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil for a natural repellantEasy to apply with a few spraysCan be used on all of your plants Plantskydd Animal Repellent (Granular) If you enjoyed the Plantskydd spray from the start of the list, then you should consider getting the Plantskydd Animal Repellent in granular form. Just as the former version was, this product is potent in the sense that it keeps most invasive species away from your home. From chipmunks to full-grown deer, none of them will want to make a home nearby. It works for a total of 6 to 8 weeks during active seasons. This formula is made out of dried bovine blood and is pollinator-friendly (won't harm birds and bees.) However, the light odor (you won’t smell it) and the taste of the solution is more than enough to repel rodents and other pests. Pros Made out of 100% natural ingredientsLasts between 6 to 8 weeks per useClaims to repel invasive animals of all sizes Ortho Animal B Gon All-Purpose Animal Repellent Are you tired of having skunks, chipmunks, squirrels, and other pests chew on your garden? It can take months or years to get to the point that you’re trying to achieve, all for these pests to ruin it. Fortunately, Ortho Animal B Gon All-Purpose Animal Repellent can be used to remove these animals from the equation. It’s a base liquid solution that sprays onto your garden, grass, trees, and anywhere else around the yard. Although you won’t notice the smell once it settles in, rodents won’t want to come anywhere near it. This large-sized jug includes a spraying nozzle for a smooth, instant application. Pros Comes with enough solution for multiple applicationsRepels animals of all sizesEach container covers up to 4,000 square feet Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent The Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent works in a different way than the other solutions on the list. It acts as a mild irritant to cause congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages of animals that inhale the granules. It goes away after a few minutes, but it’s enough to trigger a fearful response that causes them to stay away. Sprinkle the granules throughout your yard, around your garage, in the garbage bins, or anywhere else that harbors rodents and other pests. If there’s not supposed to be any rain within a few days, water them lightly. Sprinkler systems will do the trick. Reapply another layer of the granules every two months. Pros Apply by sprinkling throughout your yard and wetting the granulesCauses mild irritation for invasion animalsLasts for up to 8 weeks of protection Bobbex Animal Repellent Concentrate Concentrated solutions are often the best way to get the most for your money. Bobbex Animal Repellent Concentrate can be mixed with eight parts water, 1 part of this solution to create a potent formula. Use it in the company’s spray bottles or use one that you already have to apply it around the yard or your house. Although it’s potent to small animals, you won’t notice the odor after 24 hours of drying. It’s important to note that this solution claims that it won’t harm any animals. The only thing it does is repel them by using strong odors and tastes that they’ll dislike. Pros 2.5 gallons of concentrated solution per containerMixes and sprays in secondsAn eco-friendly way to repel rodents Mighty Mint Rodent Spray As you’ve read from a few other sprays on the list, peppermint is one of the most disliked oils for rodents. The Mighty Mint Rodent Spray uses concentrated peppermint oil that can be applied to flowers, trees, grass, and other plants. Once it’s on there, any animal that gets a taste of it won’t want to come back any time soon. This repellent is safe and non-toxic, so it won’t hurt you or your pets. It’s also quite pleasant smelling to humans, so you might actually enjoy the spray. You can also use it indoors, on your vehicle, and anywhere else that usually has a lot of chipmunks in the area. Pros Made with highly-concentrated peppermint oilA pleasant scent that most pests dislikeNon-toxic solution that won’t cause any harm Dalen Scarecrow Horned Owl As most people know, owls are the natural enemy of chipmunks, squirrels, and other rodents. The Dalen Scarecrow Horned Owl can be used to induce fear, keeping any pest who sees it away from the property. It’s hand-painted for the finest detail to provide a more realistic appearance. While it’s not a spray, liquid, or granule, this 16-inch tall horned owl poses a fake threat that’s very real to chipmunks. You won’t have to worry about wearing safety gear or reapplying solutions throughout the year, either. It’s quite a lovely decoration for your home as well. Pros Realistic size and detailsNo need for chemicals or reapplying solutionsNaturally causes rodents to stay away Ultrasonic Repellents This next section goes over a short list of ultrasonic repellers that have more than favorable reviews on the market. I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to frequency emitting devices. There are so many factors to consider and when looking at the research, the verdict skews a bit in the other direction. So, with any of these ultrasonic type of repellents, do your own research as well. The lowish investment however, is worth the shot to see if they play an effect. Livin' Well LED Solar Repellent Stakes Solar stakes have been a recent addition to the repertoire of animal repellant tools. The Livin’ Well LED Solar Repellent Stakes is an excellent example of how well these tools work. All you have to do is drive them into the ground throughout your yard and garden (or wherever else chipmunks are present). They’re powered by the sun, so you’ll have frequencies being emitted throughout the year. The compact panels are powerful enough to work through the clouds, as well. They work by producing a subtle pulse that ground-dwelling rodents dislike. They’ll leave their homes to find a new place. As long as you have enough to cover the yard, you may be in good shape. CLEANRTH Advanced Ultrasonic Animal Repeller Getting to it, the CLEANRTH Advanced Ultrasonic Animal Repeller seems to be one of the more high-tech solutions on the market. It uses a scanner to detect animals from up to 52 feet away, covering over 2,000 square feet per unit. Once it detects a rodent in the area, it emits a high-pitch sound that causes them to run away. You can either drive this repeller into the ground with a provided stake or hang it up on a post or tree. It has a light as well, illuminating the area as a nightlight in place of spending more money on a second system. What makes this repeller even better is that you can choose to use the provided cord or two 9V batteries. Pros Comes with a stake, or you can mount it anywhere you’d likeScans and detects animals from over 50 feet awayChoose between a 12V cord or 9V batteries 2020 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller by MaxMoxie The 2020 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller by MaxMoxie is another popular choice in the ultrasonic repeller community. It’s far from a traditional repellant, but it works just as well as the rest of them. Much like the other ultrasonic solutions, this product lets out a high-pitch frequency. Equipped with a nightlight, you’re more than welcome to use these tools inside. They’re powered by a plug-in outlet, so make sure they’re protected from moisture if they’re used outdoors. The sound claims to be too high for larger critters to hear (phew). Again, this is one of the more popular ultrasonic pest repellers on the market, but please read the reviews and make an educated decision on your own. Pros Quick and simple plug-in operationIncludes a built-in nightlight for indoor use (ideal for garages and sheds, too)Lets out a high-pitch noise to repel chipmunks and other rodents Toro Products Solar Powered Repellent Using the power of the sun is an efficient way to save money and get years of animal-repelling protection. The Toro Products Solar Powered Repellant comes with panels on top of each stake that power them. Once they’re loaded with energy, they let out subtle vibrations in the ground for up to 7,000 feet away. Despite their ability to remove small rodents, including chipmunks, these stakes won’t be noticeable by you or your pets. They work by using small pulses that disrupt the chipmunks’ movements. After they feel the initial pulse, they won’t want to make a home near your property. Pros Powered with solar panels for several yearsGenerates a subtle pulse for up to 7,000 feet of protectionIt’s resistant to water sources, including the rain, sprinkles, hose, and so on Should You Hire a Professional? It’s always easier and cheaper to DIY a project around your house, but serious invasions might be too much for you to handle. Hiring a professional offers unparalleled quickness, and you can request that the animals won’t be harmed throughout the process. One of the main reasons that people request assistance from experts is that dealing with chipmunks can be overwhelming. They keep coming back day after day, even if you do your best to get rid of them. If you're looking for a local pest control company, you can contact our nationwide network of exterminators via this page here. There are countless local laws throughout the country that prevent people from using force to eliminate chipmunks and other rodents, so it’s important to abide by those rules. Always call your local wildlife enforcement prior to taking matters into your own hands. Another reason that people reach for professionals is that the pros already know all of the laws and codes. Rather than possibly breaking a law, you can let them do everything as it properly should be done. In most cases, they transport the chipmunks to their natural habitat elsewhere. Finally, hiring a professional is much easier than doing it yourself. According to Big Blue Bug Solutions, chipmunks aren’t too aggressive. However, just like most other animals, they may bite if they’re provoked or feel threatened. You’ll stay safe without having to do any work at all if you ask an expert to take care of the problem for you. Note: It’s never a good idea to try to forcefully remove chipmunks on your own. They can carry different diseases. As the CDC points out, chipmunks can cause Lassa Fever, Salmonellosis, the Plague, and many other dangerous illnesses. Always use repellants rather than physically removing them. What Attracts Chipmunks to Your Home? Chipmunks are undeniably adorable, but once you see how invasive they are, it quickly becomes an annoyance. They can cause serious damage, as you’ll see in the next section. The best way to prevent chipmunks from arriving is to figure out what attracts them to your property. Here are five things that attract chipmunks to your home: Chipmunks love chasing seeds and nuts. If you have either of those in your garden or around your house, then there’s a high chance that chipmunks will show up. They tend to be found only in parts of Asia and North America near wooded regions. However, many other rodents follow the same food sources.Fruits and vegetables are a popular food source for chipmunks as well. They love to chow down on your garden, which is why many homeowners want to get rid of them. Chipmunks are herbivores, so anything that contains edible leaves or fruit will be a target for them.Piles of leaves, hollowed trees, and dense bushes are all invitations for nearby chipmunks. Much like all other living creatures, they’re searching for a home. These three examples can serve as a long-term house for a chipmunk if you leave it there. While some people intentionally invite chipmunks, they soon find them to be a pest.As the Garden of Eden suggests, chipmunks likely won’t arrive if their predators are present. Owls, foxes, dogs, cats, raccoons, and weasels all eat chipmunks. In other words, having a pet dog or cat can be quite an effective deterrent against the nearby group of chipmunks.Finally, chipmunks need a water source. If you’ve ever been to a lake or river in a wooded region, you’ve probably noticed the countless number of chipmunks. They have everything they need in one area, including water, nuts, seeds, trees to hide and build homes, and more. Can Chipmunks Cause Property Damage? Chipmunks are fun to look at, but nobody enjoys the destruction that they can cause. They’re known to chew apart gardens, break tree branches, and dig holes to hide their food. If you’re curious about the type and severity of damage that chipmunks can cause, read on. The Humane Society states that chipmunks usually don’t tear apart houses and other structures. However, they go on to suggest that chipmunks can and will wreak havoc on flower beds, gardens, lawns, and so on. Note that the Humane Society also says that there haven’t been any reports of structural damage caused by chipmunk burrows.Chipmunks are fast and often aimless in their direction. If they see a tree, they’ll run for it. Unfortunately, this can occasionally lead to a runaway chipmunk heading into your house. If they do, you need to open all of the exits and slowly try to direct them outside. Remember not to provoke or corner the critter.Chipmunks make a home wherever they can, even if it causes damage. Your trees aren’t safe from these pests, although they’re not strong enough to break large branches. The only time in which a chipmunk can cause serious damage to your house is if they break a small branch that falls and shatters a window.Another way that chipmunks can cause property damage is if they make a home in your shed or garage. They tend to move everything out of their way, which could knock over paint cans, tools, and other small objects. Again, nothing too severe will get broken, but it’s more of an annoyance to deal with. As you can see, chipmunks aren’t too wild or hard to remove. However, the damage they cause can be frustrating. Fortunately, you can use any of the solutions from the list above to prevent them from showing up. Also, remove the aforementioned attractions to keep them from building a home. How Long Does Chipmunk Repellent Last? Chipmunk repellent is incredibly potent, regardless of which product you choose. They last for over two weeks bare minimum, but some of them can last even longer. For example, concentrated solutions typically last up to two months before they need to be replaced. Each container has enough for multiple applications, so it’s safe to say that you’ll be protected for up to one year. Remember that chipmunks don’t like to be as active during the cold months of the year, which means you won’t have to use as much of the repellant. You plants probably aren’t sprouting during winter, either, removing their food source. There are also a few options that don’t have an expiration date. A few examples include solar-powered pulsing stakes, the previously mentioned owl decoration scarecrow, and plug-in noise emitters. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about replacing these products as often. Wrapping it up! Whether you’re preventing unwanted damage or you simply don’t want chipmunks near your home, the solutions found throughout this post will keep your property safe. Remember to learn what attracts them and how you can repel them without causing any harm. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we just went over: Chipmunks are attracted to fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other edible plants.Rodent repellers come in the form of sprays, granules, concentrated solutions, and more.Consider calling local experts to remove chipmunks if they won’t go away.Peppermint oil and cinnamon oil naturally deter chipmunks and other pests. References