How To Keep Chipmunks Out Of The Garden?

Are you tired of your garden being taken over by chipmunks? These cute little critters can wreak havoc on your garden, causing damage to your plants, bulbs, and seeds. However, there are steps you can take to keep chipmunks out of your garden without harming them. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to deter chipmunks from invading your garden, so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden all season long.

Understanding Chipmunks

Before we dive into ways to keep chipmunks out of your garden, it’s important to understand their behavior. Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are active during the day. They are primarily herbivores and feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and bulbs. They are also excellent climbers and can easily scale fences and trees.

Signs of Chipmunk Damage

Chipmunks can cause damage to your garden in a variety of ways, including:

• Eating seedlings and plants
• Digging up bulbs
• Chewing on fruit and vegetables
• Creating burrows in the soil

If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely that chipmunks are the culprits. Here are some tips to help keep them out of your garden.

Tips for Keeping Chipmunks Out of the Garden

Create a Physical Barrier

One of the most effective ways to keep chipmunks out of your garden is to create a physical barrier. This can be achieved by installing a fence or placing chicken wire around the perimeter of your garden. Make sure the fence or wire extends at least 6 inches below ground level to prevent chipmunks from burrowing underneath.

Use Natural Repellents

There are several natural repellents that can help deter chipmunks from your garden. These include:

• Blood meal: Sprinkle blood meal around the perimeter of your garden. The scent of blood will help deter chipmunks from entering.
• Garlic: Plant garlic bulbs around the perimeter of your garden. The smell of garlic is a natural repellent for chipmunks.
• Predator urine: You can purchase predator urine from a garden center or online. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your garden to create the illusion of a predator in the area.

Try Sonic Devices

Sonic devices emit a high-pitched sound that is unpleasant to chipmunks and other small animals. These devices can be purchased at garden centers or online and are effective at keeping chipmunks out of your garden.

Keep Your Garden Clean

Keeping your garden clean can help deter chipmunks from invading. Remove any fallen fruit or vegetables, and keep your garden free of debris. This will make your garden less attractive to chipmunks.

Consider Trapping and Relocating

If all else fails, you may need to trap and relocate chipmunks. Live traps can be purchased at garden centers or online. Once the chipmunk is trapped, relocate it to a wooded area far away from your garden.

Using Repellents to Keep Chipmunks Away

In addition to physical barriers, there are several natural repellents that can be used to keep chipmunks away from your garden:

• Cinnamon: Cinnamon has a strong scent that is unpleasant to chipmunks. Sprinkle it around the base of trees, shrubs, and garden beds to keep them away.
• Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has a strong, refreshing scent that chipmunks find unpleasant. Dilute the oil with water and spray it around the perimeter of your garden to keep chipmunks away.
• Castor oil: Castor oil has a strong, unpleasant scent that repels chipmunks. Simply mix it with water and spray it around your garden to keep chipmunks away.

Keeping Chipmunks Out of Bird Feeders

Chipmunks are notorious for stealing food from bird feeders. To keep them out, try the following:

• Hang bird feeders from poles that are at least 8 feet tall. Chipmunks are not good climbers, so they will be less likely to reach the feeder.
• Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders are designed with weight-sensitive perches that close the feeding ports when anything heavier than a bird sits on them.
• Place the bird feeder in an area that is not easily accessible to chipmunks. If possible, place the feeder in a location that is surrounded by dense vegetation or other obstacles that will make it difficult for chipmunks to reach.

Conclusion

Chipmunks can be a nuisance in the garden, but there are steps you can take to keep them out. By creating a physical barrier, using natural repellents, trying sonic devices, keeping your garden clean, and considering trapping and relocating, you can have a beautiful, pest-free garden all season long.