Non-lethal chipmunk control - Ask Extension
Greetings. I would like to know the best method or product to use to repel Chipmunks from our garden. Have previously used a eucalyptus spray along th...
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Non-lethal chipmunk control #869851
Asked May 23, 2024, 8:28 PM EDT
Greetings. I would like to know the best method or product to use to repel Chipmunks from our garden. Have previously used a eucalyptus spray along the boundaries but that has not been effective. I have been using lethal traps lately but I really hate to do that if I can help it I would rather repel them from the areas we do not want them. Appreciate your help. Thank you.
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
Michael,
Hello and thank you for using Michigan State University Extension's Ask Extension with your chipmunk and ground squirrel question. Chipmunks and ground squirrels can be a challenge when living in our gardens, rock walls, and around building foundations. They dig holes, eat bulbs, flowers, bird seed from feeders and such. They are good climbers and excellent excavators. Large populations can generate many holes and much damage.
Some non-lethal approaches include trapping aner repelling. repellents need to be replaced frequently. They are smart and will sometimes bury offending things like moth balls. Habitat modification works best such as keeping foundations and retaining walls in good repair. filling cracks and holes with mortar or cement.
Avoid giving them a hiding place with landscaping right up against buildings and foundations. Trapping is problematic as you then have to release them somewhere else and that requires permissions. Scare owls and snakes can help but they need to be moved around weekly and may scare birds from feeders if set to close.
Here are some links to a few resources that can help you manage your chipmunks and ground squirrels.
https://erc.cals.wisc.edu/woodlandinfo/files/2017/09/G3238.pdf
https://wildlifedamage.cals.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/289/2021/01/Chipmunk-GroundSquirrel.pdf
https://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/wildlife/prevention_and_control/organic-groundsquirrel-control.html
Hello and thank you for using Michigan State University Extension's Ask Extension with your chipmunk and ground squirrel question. Chipmunks and ground squirrels can be a challenge when living in our gardens, rock walls, and around building foundations. They dig holes, eat bulbs, flowers, bird seed from feeders and such. They are good climbers and excellent excavators. Large populations can generate many holes and much damage.
Some non-lethal approaches include trapping aner repelling. repellents need to be replaced frequently. They are smart and will sometimes bury offending things like moth balls. Habitat modification works best such as keeping foundations and retaining walls in good repair. filling cracks and holes with mortar or cement.
Avoid giving them a hiding place with landscaping right up against buildings and foundations. Trapping is problematic as you then have to release them somewhere else and that requires permissions. Scare owls and snakes can help but they need to be moved around weekly and may scare birds from feeders if set to close.
Here are some links to a few resources that can help you manage your chipmunks and ground squirrels.
https://erc.cals.wisc.edu/woodlandinfo/files/2017/09/G3238.pdf
https://wildlifedamage.cals.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/289/2021/01/Chipmunk-GroundSquirrel.pdf
https://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/wildlife/prevention_and_control/organic-groundsquirrel-control.html
