How to get rid of chipmunks and keep them from coming back

Key points

• Identify an infestation by noting chipmunks dwelling around bird feeders, holes in garden beds and uprooted plant bulbs.

• Treat a chipmunk problem with natural repellents and plant selection, or call a professional for humane trapping.

• Prevent chipmunks from returning by eliminating food sources and yard debris, plus covering entry points into your home.

Chipmunks, which primarily inhabit North America and are drawn to wooded areas, may be charismatic and cute, but they’re also unwanted pests. While they can help disperse tree and fungi seeds, these mischievous creatures can’t resist helping themselves to the fruits of gardeners’ labors — quite literally. The striped rodents from the squirrel family are known to steal tomatoes and dig up tulip bulbs.

“Chipmunks predominantly inflict damage in residential landscaping, targeting vegetables, birdseed and flowers,” said Zach Brown, owner and CEO of Ekoterra, a Thousand Oaks, California-based pest control company.

They can create even bigger problems than ravaging your garden beds. “Chipmunks can cause substantial damage to your home and property,” said wildlife training manager Meg Pearson of Critter Control, a wildlife removal company based in Marietta, Georgia.

“Their deep burrows can cause structural damage to decks, patios and sheds.” In some cases, these small rodent burrows could mess with your home’s foundation as well.

A chipmunk infestation is anything but charming, but it can be treated in several humane ways, including DIY methods and solutions from trained professionals. 

Pest control services for chipmunks and similar rodents typically range from $200 to $600, Brown said, “although the exact cost may vary depending on factors such as the distance traveled by the professional and the specific methods employed.”  

We spoke to experts from around the country to get the scoop on chipmunk control.

How do you know if you have chipmunks in your yard?

From gnawed-on plants in the garden to pint-sized pits in the grass, these are the telltale signs that you have a chipmunk problem.

Chipmunk sightings

“The most obvious and common sign is seeing the chipmunks busily scurrying about outside,” said Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., a board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “They tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, in rock walls, under wood piles and beneath porches, sidewalks and patios.” 

Additionally, you may catch these crafty critters hanging around bird feeders or flower beds. Brown pointed out that much like raccoons, chipmunks are “opportunistic feeders” who munch on everything from sunflower seeds to fruits to flower bulbs to insects, depending on what is readily available.

Uprooted bulbs

Because of their all-embracing appetites, chipmunks may treat your garden like a personal buffet. In addition to trampled plants and nibbled produce, uprooted flowers could be another sign of their presence. They’re fans of feasting on plant bulbs, such as tulips, and aren’t afraid to dig for their dinner. All this digging can cause extensive damage to plant roots in your garden, Brown said.

Holes

Small holes, especially around bird feeders, porches, sidewalks and patios, could mean your yard is the preferred stomping ground for these small rodents. Chipmunk burrows aren’t always obvious, however, so picking them out may take an eagle eye. 

“Chipmunk holes often descend almost vertically from the surface, leaving no excavated soil outside the entrance,” said Fredericks. “Often, these holes are hidden from view underneath rocks, logs or other items.”

Property damage

The holes mentioned above aren’t just unsightly, they can lead to bigger problems. These burrow systems, which can be up to 30 feet long and 3 feet deep, can cause dirt to resettle over time and affect the structural integrity of your property. 

While it would take substantial chipmunk damage to affect your home’s foundation, sheds, patios and decks may be affected more easily, Pearson said. Chipmunks are known for chewing, so gnaw marks on wood or electrical wiring are another sign of an infestation.

How do you get rid of chipmunks humanely?

When it comes to reclaiming your garden or yard from chipmunks, there are humane methods homeowners can try and solutions from the pros. As for when to call in an exterminator, Brown said to do so only if the situation becomes out of your control.

Commercial repellents

For a DIY approach, Brown recommended trying a commercial chipmunk repellent available at common hardware stores. It should contain ingredients that’ll create unpleasant odors or tastes to keep rodents away without harming them (or your pets). 

If you don’t see “chipmunk” listed on the label, fear not. “Look for commercial repellents designed to repel squirrels, as they often work effectively on chipmunks, too,” Brown said. Bonide Repels-All, for example, is one such product that uses natural ingredients — including putrescent whole egg solids, cloves and garlic oil — to produce a smell that’ll keep chipmunks away.

Unappetizing plants

In addition to natural repellents, try making the buffet itself less appealing. “Opt for bulbs such as daffodils or alliums for spring planting,” Brown said. “These bulbs are typically not attractive to wildlife and are less likely to be eaten by chipmunks.”

Live traps

While the methods mentioned above are easy and safe for homeowners to try on their own, when it comes to trapping, the experts recommend calling in professionals — especially if chipmunk removal is needed from inside the home. 

As for how the pros set up their humane traps, Brown said they usually stick to chipmunks’ travel routes. “These traps are baited with enticing food, such as peanut butter spread, on the trigger plate. When a chipmunk enters the trap to reach the bait, the door closes behind it, containing the animal until it can be safely relocated,” he said.

Many companies also provide long-term monitoring services to make sure chipmunk populations — whether indoors or outside — remain under control permanently. “These services may involve periodic checks and adjustments to prevent future infestations and maintain a chipmunk-free environment,” Brown added.

How do you keep chipmunks from coming back?

The name of the game in getting rid of chipmunks is to make your yard as unappealing as possible to these rodents. This includes eliminating both food sources and enticing spots to hide out.

Keep bird feeders in check

According to Brown, chipmunks are the most common bird-feeder bandits after squirrels. Keep these areas tidy; cleaning up spilled seeds is key. Additionally, he said, “Consider mounting your feeders on tall, smooth poles that chipmunks cannot easily climb.” 

Fredericks added that you should choose spots that aren’t directly next to buildings. This way, critters won’t be tempted to wander indoors.

Remove pet food

Consider all food sources, not just birdseed. “This includes outdoor pet food,” Pearson said. “If chipmunks identify your home as a reliable food source, they will likely keep coming back.” If your family likes to dine outdoors, make sure to clean up after your barbecue as well — don’t just toss corn cobs into the shrubs.

Clean up yard debris

Remove wood or rock piles and trim back plantings that provide cover. Cut down stumps to the ground. “These act as protection for chipmunks to hide in and around from predators when foraging,” Pearson said.

Protect your garden

If you simply can’t give up certain flowers even though they’re beloved by both you and rodents (such as tulips and lilies), protect your bulbs by planting them beneath a wire, a plastic ground cover screen or within bulb cages, Brown recommended. Keep in mind that the wire mesh should be small enough to keep chipmunks out but wide enough to allow for sprouting. Brown suggested a 1-by-1-inch mesh. 

Fix home entry points

While chipmunks inside the house aren’t as common as other rodents, such as mice and rats, it’s still possible for them to end up indoors and wreak havoc in attics, crawl spaces or basements. 

To keep your home chipmunk-free, Fredericks recommended installing chimney caps as well as door sweeps on exterior doors. Repair damaged screens, especially around attics. Fix rotted wood or damage to soffits and fascia boards. You’ll also want to use caulk to seal broken covers for exhaust fan openings, soffits and attic vents. 

Finally, cut back tree limbs 6 to 8 feet from the roofline and store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, Fredericks said. Otherwise, you’re essentially rolling out a red carpet for these wood-loving vermin. 

What’s next?

Once you’ve addressed any infestation, maintain the environment to prevent chipmunks from returning. Be mindful of food sources, protect your precious garden produce and flowers, eliminate yard debris and keep your home a rodent-resistant fortress.

Should the scurrying of these small rodents be a frequent occurrence in your yard, call a pest control company for a consultation. 

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