Hey everyone, I've got a bit of a chipmunk crisis at my place. They've started making themselves at home in my garage and I've even noticed some holes digging around my house. First, I dealt with mice in the garage, but now these adorable little thieves are wreaking havoc. They've made nests in my car's air filter, destroyed a pool toy, chewed up a pop-up canopy, and are even trying to nest in my car's engine during winter storage! I'm all for humane methods, though I'm feeling a bit stuck. Drowning traps feel too cruel, and I'd prefer to find alternatives that minimize suffering. Has anyone found success with live traps? Would using repellents or something similar around their burrows help? I'm hoping to gather some insights before I resort to drastic measures like bucket traps.
3 Answers
Bucket traps can work, but make sure to check them daily. If you're open to it, I've used my BB gun for quick, humane dispatch. Just make it quick if you decide to go that route. As for traps, I found that certain rat traps work better than the traditional mouse ones. You can check out some effective brands at the hardware store!
Funny you mention the live traps! I faced a similar issue years ago and trapped about 25 chipmunks over a couple of years, moving them further away each time. They don’t seem to return if you take them at least a mile away. It might take some time, but it's been years for me now without a single sighting!
I totally get where you're coming from! Chipmunks can really cause a lot of damage, more than just chewing through stuff. I learned that their tunneling can go over a mile long, potentially damaging your foundation. I usually use small live traps and relocate them about 15 miles away. But if relocation isn't an option, I use a pellet gun, which is effective, especially if you’re comfortable with it.