Safeguard Your Garden Against Cute But Pesky Chipmunks With These Humane Methods For Keeping The Critters Under Control
Gardening is truly a labor of love. So, watching intruders wreak havoc on your hard work can be really upsetting.
One rodent in particular, the chipmunk, is especially drawn to gardens for the very same reasons we create them: they offer a plentiful supply of food and safe shelter.
Your outdoor space is home to an array of seeds, bulbs, fruits, and insects, which are staple items in a chipmunk’s diet.
Plus, the lush foliage and varied landscape offer excellent cover from predators, making your garden a prime spot for them to live and feed.
But, if you’re sick of watching these adorable – albeit annoying – animals harm your yard, here are some humane methods to keep these creatures out.
How Do Chipmunks Cause Chaos In Your Garden?
Everyone knows that chipmunks are cute. However, the damage they can create should not be understated.
These tiny animals dig burrows that can undermine patios, stairs, and even foundations. Their taste for bulbs and young plants can also ruin your flower beds and vegetable patches.
Furthermore, chipmunks might gnaw on fences, garden furniture, and even irrigation systems in their quest for materials or food.
Susan – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual chipmunk
How To Tell If You Have A Chipmunk Problem
Now, identifying a chipmunk infestation early can really save your garden a lot of trouble.
You should look out for small, round holes throughout your garden, which are entry points to their burrows.
You might also notice piles of small seeds or shells, especially under bird feeders, as well as nibbled fruits and vegetables.
Plus, small footprints and tail drag marks in sandy or soft soil can indicate chipmunk activity, too.
Humane Ways To Guard Your Garden From Chipmunks
One of the simplest ways to keep chipmunks out of your yard is by modifying their habitat. After all, they are less likely to stay where they feel exposed.
So, by clearing away piles of debris, stacks of wood, and dense shrubs near garden areas, you will reduce their hiding spots and encourage them to move elsewhere.
Next, you can always use natural repellents because certain smells and substances will actually deter chipmunks. For instance, garlic, peppermint oil, and cayenne pepper are known to be effective.
All you have to do is sprinkle these around your garden’s perimeter and near common chipmunk routes to help keep them at bay.
Mesh fencing can be an effective physical barrier as well. Just burying the bottom of the fence a few inches underground can prevent chipmunks from digging under it. Also, make sure it rises at least a foot above the ground to discourage climbers.
Additionally, trapping and relocating chipmunks is another humane method. You can use small, live-catch traps baited with peanut butter or sunflower seeds to lure them in.
Then, just check the traps frequently, and relocate any caught chipmunks to a distant natural habitat.
Lastly, you can encourage natural predators – like owls and hawks – to visit your yard. In turn, they can help control the chipmunk population.
The simplest way to do this is by installing an owl box on your property. This will encourage the birds to take up residence near your garden, providing a natural and effective way to minimize the critters.
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