What Are Chipmunks?
Chipmunks are small, short-tailed, ground-dwelling rodents that belong to the group of squirrels. They are found in North America and the northern parts of Eurasia. They have large eyes and ears, small claws, and a long, furry tail. Chipmunks are most active during the day, and their diet consists of nuts, seeds, and insects. They are known to dig burrows and tunnels in the ground for shelter and for storing food. Chipmunks can cause serious damage to gardens, as they can eat and dig up plants and vegetables.
How To Deter Chipmunks
There are several methods to deter chipmunks from your garden. The first is to create a fence or barrier. Fences should be at least two feet high and made of metal or wood. Make sure the fence is buried at least eight inches into the ground and has no gaps or holes. You may also use mesh fencing to keep chipmunks out as it is stronger than regular fencing.
Another deterrent is to spread cayenne pepper around the garden. The smell and taste of the pepper will deter chipmunks from entering the garden. You can also use other spices such as cinnamon, garlic, or black pepper. These can be spread around the perimeter of the garden or around the plants that chipmunks are attracted to.
You can also use predator urine to keep chipmunks away. Predator urine contains the scent of a predator and will scare off chipmunks. You can purchase predator urine from garden stores or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the container when using predator urine.
Another method to deter chipmunks is to use live traps. Live traps are metal cages that are baited with food and can capture chipmunks. Once the chipmunk is caught in the trap, it can be relocated to another area. Be sure to follow the laws in your area when relocating animals.
Repelling Chipmunks
Another way to keep chipmunks out of your garden is to use repellents. These products contain natural ingredients that are designed to repel chipmunks. Some of the most common ingredients in repellents are garlic, peppermint oil, chili powder, and castor oil. These ingredients have a strong scent that chipmunks do not like. Repellents should be sprayed around the perimeter of the garden and reapplied after heavy rains or when the scent fades.
Discourage Chipmunks
There are also several ways to discourage chipmunks from entering your garden. One way is to remove any potential hiding places such as logs, fallen trees, or debris piles. Chipmunks will use these areas as shelter, so it is important to remove them.
Another way to discourage chipmunks is to keep your garden free of weeds. Weeds can provide food and shelter for chipmunks, so it is important to keep your garden free of them. Also, keep the area around your garden free of tall grass and shrubs, as these can provide cover for chipmunks.
Finally, make sure your garden is well-maintained. Trim back trees and shrubs, and keep the area around your garden free of food sources such as fallen fruit or bird seed. Chipmunks are attracted to food sources, so it is important to keep them away.
Conclusion
Chipmunks can be a nuisance in the garden, but there are several ways to keep them away. Fences, cayenne pepper, predator urine, live traps, repellents, and general garden maintenance can all help to keep chipmunks away. By following these tips, you can keep your garden safe from these pesky rodents.