HOW TO GET RID OF CHIPMUNKS

Chipmunk is the common name for any small squirrel-like rodent.

Damage and Damage Identification

Throughout their North American range, chipmunks are considered minor agricultural pests. Most conflicts with chipmunks are nuisance problems. When chipmunks are present in large numbers they can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, or foundations. They may also consume flower bulbs, seeds, or seedlings, as well as bird seed, grass seed, and pet food that is not stored in rodent-proof storage containers.

Legal Status

Chipmunks are not protected by federal law, but state and local regulations may apply. Most states allow landowners or tenants to take chipmunks when they are causing or about to cause damage. Some states, (for example, Georgia, North Carolina, and Arkansas) require a permit to kill non-game animals. Other states are currently developing laws to protect all non-game species. Consult your local conservation agency or USDA-APHIS-ADC personnel for the legal status of chipmunks in your state.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion
Rodent-proof construction will exclude chipmunks from structures. Use 1/4-inch (0.6-cm) mesh hardware cloth to exclude chipmunks from gardens and flowerbeds.

Habitat Modification
Store food items, such as bird seed and dog food, in rodent-proof containers. Ground covers, shrubs, and wood piles should not be located adjacent to structure foundations.

Frightening
Not effective.

Repellents
Area repellents. Naphthalene (moth flakes or moth balls) may be effective if liberally applied in confined places. Taste repellents. Repellents containing bitrex, thiram, or ammonium soaps of higher fatty acids applied to flower bulbs, seeds, and vegetation (not for human consumption) may control feeding damage.

Toxicants
None are federally registered. Check with local extension agents or a USDA- APHIS-ADC personnel for possible Special Local Needs 24(c) registrations.

Fumigants
Not usually effective.

Trapping
Rat-sized snap traps. Live (box or cage) traps. Glue boards.

Shooting
Small gauge shotguns or .22-caliber rifles.

 

For help getting rid chipmunks, contact your local Critter Control office. To find a Critter Control office near you, check out our Office Finder.