Chipmunk Troubles: Recognizing and Responding to Infestations

Posted on February 5, 2024 by modernwild

Chipmunks, with their cheeky antics and striped backs, might appear as charming woodland creatures straight out of a storybook. However, for homeowners, gardeners, business owners, and landlords, these small rodents can be less than enchanting guests. Chipmunk infestations can lead to significant property damage, impact landscaping efforts and, in some cases, evoke distress.

Understanding how to identify chipmunk-related issues and effectively address them is crucial in maintaining a harmonious outdoor environment. In this blog post, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to recognizing and responding to chipmunk infestations. Let’s dive in!

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Identifying Chipmunks

Chipmunks, like squirrels, belong to the family Sciuridae. These small rodents typically measure between 3-6 inches in length and have distinct black and white stripes on their backs. Their fur can range from reddish-brown to grayish-brown, and they have small, rounded ears. They are most active during the day and can often be seen darting around in search of food.

One of the key characteristics that differentiate chipmunks from other rodents is their cheeks. Chipmunks have pouches on each side of their mouth that extend down to their shoulders. These pouches allow them to store large quantities of food, which they can then carry back to their burrows.

The Behavior and Habits of Chipmunks

Let’s scurry into the world of chipmunks. These burrowing rodents are known for their love of garden seeds, fruits, and bulbs. They create extensive underground networks of tunnels for shelter and storage which can undermine patios, stairs, retaining walls, and foundations.

While chipmunks typically prefer the cover of wooded areas or brush piles, their search for food and secure nesting sites can lead them into close quarters with human residents. Their agility and small size enable them to exploit the smallest of entry points into yards and occasionally, structures.

Signs of a Chipmunk Infestation

Recognizing the early signs of a chipmunk infestation can save a lot of trouble down the line. Here’s what to be on the lookout for:

Burrows: Look for small openings and burrow tracks in your garden or near your property’s foundation.

Plant Damage: Your beloved flowers and vegetables might become a chipmunk’s feast overnight.

Footprints: Tiny paw prints along patios, garden beds, or even muddy areas can be telltale signs.

Noise: A distinctive, high-pitched chirping noise often accompanies a chipmunk presence.

Chipmunk Repellent and Animal Proofing Methods

Preventing chipmunks from considering your property an ideal habitat is your first line of defense. Here are some chipmunk deterrent tactics to start with:

Seal Entry Points: Ensure that holes, cracks, and openings around the foundation, decks, or porches are sealed.

Natural Repellents: Spices like cayenne pepper, or store-bought natural animal repellents, can dissuade chipmunks from foraging in your garden.

Landscaping Choices: Opt for plants that are less attractive to chipmunks or use mesh hardware cloth to protect seedlings and bulbs.

Safe Chipmunk Removal Strategies

When dealing with nuisance chipmunks, it is required to hire a professional wildlife control company for safe and humane chipmunk removal services. They have the proper licensing, training, and expertise to get rid of chipmunks in the attic, house, chimney, or outside and around your property. There are state and local laws that restrict civilians from performing live animal trapping, extermination, or relocation. Professionals will incorporate a combination of wildlife removal methods to remove chipmunks, such as:

Live Trapping: Using baited, humane traps can be effective. Just be sure to check with local regulations about lawful trapping and relocation.

Exclusion: Creating physical barriers to prevent chipmunks from entering gardens or houses can be a long-term solution.

Professional Critter Control Options

There are instances where a chipmunk problem can become too severe for DIY methods. When significant damage is at stake, or if infestations recur despite preventive measures, calling a professional wildlife removal service for chipmunk control and extraction is wise. Professionals can provide a thorough inspection, identify the extent of the problem, and implement strategies not only to remove the existing population but also to prevent future incursions.

Wrapping Up

Identifying and managing chipmunk infestations is essential in protecting your property and preserving your peace of mind. Being proactive with prevention techniques, employing humane removal strategies, and knowing when to call in expert help are key in addressing the chipmunk conundrum. Don’t let these tiny critters undermine your hard work; take charge and assert control. Remember, a harmonious outdoor space is well within reach, even with wildlife as neighbors. It just requires awareness, action, and sometimes a little professional backup for those particularly pesky chipmunk problems.

Are you dealing with a chipmunk problem on your property? Perhaps you have an infestation in your house or business? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured animal trapping and removal for chipmunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

7 Simple Ways to Keep Chipmunks Away From Your Home

Posted on May 30, 2023 by modernwild

Chipmunks are cute little animals, but they can be a nuisance when they get into your home or garden. They’re not only destructive, but their digging and burrowing can also cause damage to your property. If you’re having problems with chipmunks in your yard or home, there are some simple steps you can take to keep them away for good. Below are seven ways to prevent chipmunks from getting near your house and keeping them out of the garden. Scroll down to get started!

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How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Using Simple and Safe Strategies

1. Clean Up the Yard

Chipmunks can be attracted to yards that have plenty of food and shelter. Make sure there are no piles of wood, leaves, or debris in your yard, as these provide perfect hiding spots for chipmunks. By keeping the area around your home free from potential nesting materials, you’ll help deter them from setting up house near yours.

2. Use Live Traps – ONLY IF YOUR STATE ALLOWS

Live traps are a possible way to capture and remove chipmunks without having to use chemicals or other harsh methods. Bait the trap with nuts, fruit or peanut butter and place it near areas where the chipmunks frequent. Once trapped, release the chipmunk away from your property so that they don’t come back.

3. Use Repellents

There are many commercially available wildlife repellent products available for chipmunk control, such as granules, sprays, and ready-to-use liquids. These should be used around the perimeter of your home or Garden to keep chipmunks away from the area. Never use poisons or toxic chemicals, as this is unsafe for the environment, harmful to animals, and inhumane.

Make Your Own Chipmunk Repellent –
Mix 2 tablespoons of peppermint oil with one cup of water. Transfer to a spray bottle and apply in high-traffic areas!

4. Plant Deterrent Plants

Chipmunks don’t like strong scented plants such as garlic or peppermint, so planting these around the edge of your yard can help keep them away. You can also try marigolds or pennyroyal to act as a natural chipmunk deterrent in your garden.

5. Block Access Points

Chipmunks usually enter homes through small openings, so check your home’s exterior for any potential access points and patch them up with hardware cloth or mesh. This will help to keep the chipmunks from getting into your house in the first place.

6. Use Sound Deterrents

Many animals have a natural aversion to certain noises, and chipmunks are no exception. Place high-frequency sound machines around the perimeter of your property to deter them from entering your home or garden area.

7. Hire a Professional

If you’ve tried all of these methods but still can’t seem to get rid of chipmunks on your own, it may be time to call a licensed and insured wildlife control company for assistance. Professional critter control technicians have the tools and resources needed to effectively identify and eliminate chipmunk infestations.

Safe and Humane Chipmunk Control

By following these simple steps, you can help keep chipmunks away from your home without resorting to harmful chemicals or unsafe strategies. With a bit of patience and some preventive measures, you should be able to get rid of your chipmunk problem in no time!

Are you experiencing nuisance chipmunk problems around your Indy home or business? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for chipmunks and squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to Locate a Chipmunk Infestation

Posted on November 3, 2022 by modernwild

It’s that time of year again when those pesky chipmunks are out and about, looking for places to nest and store food for the winter. If you keep finding tiny holes in your yard and evidence of little creatures scurrying around, you may have a chipmunk infestation on your hands.

Don’t worry, though – there are plenty of ways to get rid of chipmunks, and we’re here to help. Read on for everything you need to know about chipmunk infestations, including how to identify them and how to get rid of them for good.

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What You Need to Know About Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small, striped squirrels that are commonly found in North America. They’re native to North America and can be found in wooded areas, gardens, and even urban neighborhoods. They are known for their high-pitched voices and their love of hoarding food. Chipmunks typically eat insects, nuts, and seeds, but they have been known to eat other small animals as well.

Chipmunks are generally harmless, but they can become a nuisance if they decide to make their home in your yard or garden. They’re known for digging holes and burrowing, which can damage your lawn or garden beds. Plus, their constant foraging for food can wreak havoc on your flower beds and vegetables. In some areas, chipmunks are considered pests because of the damage they can cause.

If you think you have a chipmunk infestation, it’s important to contact a professional Indianapolis critter control company for chipmunk removal services. They will be able to identify the problem and get rid of the chipmunks in a safe and effective manner. They may also provide animal damage cleanup and repair.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Chipmunk Infestation?

There are a few telltale signs that you may have a chipmunk infestation:

► Digging in Your Yard: Chipmunks love to dig, and their holes can be up to 2.5 inches in diameter. If you’re finding holes in your yard, it’s a good indication that you have chipmunks.

► Chewing on Plants: Chipmunks are known for chewing on plants, both indoors and out. If you find that your plants are being chewed on, it’s a good sign that you have chipmunks.

► Stealing Food: Chipmunks are constantly foraging for food, and they’re not picky about what they eat. If you find that food is disappearing from your yard or garden, it’s likely because of a chipmunk infestation.

► Noise: Chipmunks are relatively quiet, but you may hear them chattering or scurrying around if they’re in your yard.

If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s a good indication that you have a chipmunk problem. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get rid of them. Safe and effective chipmunk control begins and ends with professional a n i m a l removal services in Indianapolis.

Ready to get rid of chipmunks quickly, and at a price you can actually afford? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured chipmunk removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

A Safe and Homemade Animal Repellent for Chipmunks

Posted on March 10, 2022 by modernwild

Are you dealing with a nuisance chipmunk problem but have no idea how to approach it without harming the animals or your property? An easy and effective solution to keep nuisance chipmunks away is to make your own non-toxic animal repellent.

Continue below to learn the top two ingredients to put in a homemade animal repellent for chipmunks, plus how to use it around your property.

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Top Two Ingredients to Use in a Chipmunk Repellent

First, you have to make your animal repellent. What repels chipmunks, exactly? Well, two things are proven to thwart nuisance animal activity, including chipmunks. These two ingredients are capsaicin (oil or ground cayenne pepper) and putrescent egg. If you add these two ingredients to your homemade animal repellent, you will be more successful at diverting their activity away from your property. You can find both of these items at any local home improvement store, garden store, or online retailer.

How to Make a Non-Toxic Animal Repellent

The items you will need to make your non-toxic animal repellent for chipmunks is a clean, plastic spray bottle and a funnel. You will also need clean water. You can use rainwater or creek water if you like. Start by adding water to your bottle. Then add your capsaicin and putrescent egg. Aim for 10 to 20 drops of capsaicin and 1 cup of putrescent egg solids. If you did not find putrescent egg for sale, you can make your own.

To Make Putrescent Egg: Break an egg into a large bowl or bucket. Add up to 1 gallon of water. Sit it in the sun for several hours, or until the eggs putrefies and smells strong.

After you have combined your ingredients into your spray bottle, you are ready for application. Be sure to keep children and pets away from any areas of your property that you treat with this solution. Although the putrescent egg is not much of a threat, capsaicin can irritate and burn the eyes, nose, and throat.

To apply your chipmunk repellent solution, simply spray it in the areas that have the most chipmunk activity. Continue to reapply daily until the chipmunks have decided your place is not safe. If nothing seems to work against your nuisance chipmunk problem, you will need professional intervention. Contact a local and trusted Indianapolis critter control company for chipmunk animal-proofing services.

Are you ready to move forward with some professional solutions to your chipmunk problems? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective critter control for chipmunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial clients, too!

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How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Around the Yard

Posted on May 25, 2021 by modernwild

Chipmunks are furry, swift little mammals that closely resemble a small or baby squirrel. During this time of year, they can become a nuisance wildlife problem for home and property owners. Although adorable-looking and fun to watch, their behavior behind our backs can be quite naughty. They are most known for raiding vegetable gardens and flower beds, but chipmunks can be much naughtier than that!

Continue reading to learn more about chipmunk nuisance behavior and how to stop it in its tracks.

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Why Get Rid of Chipmunks?

Chipmunks are omnivores. They raid garden beds to dine on insects, plant bulbs, and nuts. This is frustrating for gardeners who put so much time, money, and effort into creating their front and backyard masterpieces! Gardening is not cheap, flowers and plants are not cheap, and the work it requires to maintain them is tough. So, homeowners want to protect them from nuisance wildlife like chipmunks.

Most Effective Methods of Nuisance Chipmunk Control:

Chipmunk Traps 🐿

Although chipmunk traps can be non-lethal and effective, it is not recommended as a DIY approach for chipmunk control. Only trained and licensed wildlife control contractors should handle any wild animal. Never attempt to set a chipmunk trap, handle chipmunks, or harm or kill chipmunks and other wildlife.

Chipmunk Repellent 🐿

There are several types of chipmunk repellent available online and at local gardening stores. They can come in powder form, pellet form, aerosol form, and more. There are even homemade natural recipes for chipmunk repellent using soap, hot peppers, and garlic. Although relatively inexpensive, they are not very effective, nor permanent (requiring routine applications), and should be used as a temporary means of nuisance wildlife protection.

Structural Obstructions 🐿

You can choose to install certain structural obstructions, like rock walls and garden fencing, to thwart chipmunk presence. This can be a relatively inexpensive addition, or a large costly landscape change. It all depends on personal preference and the options you choose. A rock wall is more expensive than installing simple garden fence, and both range in quality and price.

Professional Chipmunk Abatement 🐿

The most effective method to getting rid of a chipmunk problem is to hire a chipmunk removal and control company. Just be sure to choose a licensed and qualified company with an excellent reputation. They are the professionals who will retain the proper licensing, training, equipment, and experience to get rid of chipmunks using safe and non-lethal methods. They use exclusion methods or trapping methods, or a combination of both, along with several other industry practices, to remove chipmunks and prevent their return.

Are you dealing with nuisance chipmunks around your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for prompt and professional critter removal for chipmunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide infestation cleanup and minor attic repairs too!

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How Chipmunks Survive in the Winter

Posted on December 28, 2020 by modernwild

A chipmunk is just about one of the cutest little critters here in Tennessee. However, as a ground-dwelling, burrowing species, they are not so popular among property owners this time of year. Chipmunks are a part of the Sciuridae family, same as squirrels, but rather than climb trees and build nests high off the ground like their distance relatives, chipmunks burrow, creating their homes beneath our feet. Although small, they can certainly cause a significant amount of lawn and garden damage.

What does this mean for you? Continue reading to learn more about wintertime chipmunk activity. This information will give you the insight you need to protect your Nashville, Tennessee property from nuisance chipmunks this year.

Get Rid of Nuisance Chipmunks BEFORE They Make Your Home THEIR Home for the Winter.

Common Chipmunk Activity This Time of Year

As mentioned, chipmunks are part of the Sciuridae family, just like squirrels. This means they are rodents, and as rodents, they like to dig. Chipmunks spend all spring and summer burrowing a complex series of tunnels underground, and foraging for as much food as they can find to store for the winter. During these times, they hand out in the shallow parts of their tunnels during the day, and enter the lower chambers for sleeping at night. They are also known to take up shelter in ground cover, logs, trees, hollowed stumps, shrubs, hedges, fence lines, and rocks. But once the weather turns too cold, they enter the lowest part of their tunnel system and rely on the storage of food the collected over the spring and summer seasons.

Chipmunk Hibernation Patterns in Tennessee

Opposed to common belief, chipmunks are not a hibernating species. However, they do enter a relative state of hibernacula (state of rest and lowered heart rate) for parts of the winter season. For the majority of the season, chipmunks are actively searching for ways to stay warm. During the coldest parts of winter, they enter deep into the tunnel system they created over the spring and summer, and sleep most of the time. When there are warmer days in the winter, chipmunks will arise from their underground tunnels and forage for more food.

Damages That Can Be Caused By Chipmunks

Chipmunk behavior, like tunneling and foraging, will certainly cause a nominal amount of damage to a lawn. At first glance, these tunnels unsightly and greatly reduce curb appeal. However, they are also an obstruction and a tripping hazard, and can even jeopardize a property’s foundation. In the spring and summer, chipmunks can be highly destructive to gardens and potted plants. For these reasons, it is in your best interest to put a stop to nuisance chipmunk activity as soon as possible. Contact a licensed and insured Nashville wildlife control company for expert assistance at an affordable price.

Nashville, Tennessee Chipmunk Removal Services You Can Afford This Winter

Call Modern Wildlife Control in Nashville, Tennessee at 615-336-5503 to get rid of chipmunks this winter, and protect your property from damages come spring. We have the safe and workable solutions to stop nuisance chipmunks from disturbing your property and peace mind, and all of them are affordable. Start with a free estimate over the phone, or schedule an onsite evaluation for chipmunk removal and attic restoration. Our licensed and insured wildlife abatement experts will solve your critter control problems, fast!

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Really Neat Facts About Chipmunks in Indiana

Posted on October 26, 2020 by modernwild

Chipmunks are hard to dislike. Not only are they one of the most adorable, furry little critters you see in Indiana, they are also one of the most entertaining to watch play and hop around. However adorable, chipmunks can also be little troublemakers. They love to munch on seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and even dig up plants to eat their roots, all of which make overgrown gardens and lawns a prime target this time of year. If you are having trouble with nuisance chipmunks, it may help to familiarize yourself with some of their common behaviors and habits in order to find a solution to the problem.

Continue reading to learn some useful and interesting facts about chipmunks, including what you can do to put a stop to their destruction.

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Interesting Chipmunk Facts That You Can Share

🐿 Chipmunks are Rodents

Technically, a chipmunk is a rodent, as they are part of the Rodentia order. They are also mammals, of the family Sciuridae, just like squirrels, prairie digs, and marmots. There are 25 known species of chipmunk, one of which is not native to North America.

🐿 Chipmunks are Omnivores

They eat an omnivorous diet, just like humans. They commonly dine on fruits, nuts, seeds, cultivated grains, vegetables, fungi, insects, arthropods (spiders, butterflies, scorpions, crustaceans, Etc.), and sometimes even small amphibians like tree frogs. Chipmunks have large cheek pouches that they use to stuff full of food they find, then they bring it all back to their underground burrows where they store their food for the winter. They mostly forage on the ground, but will also climb trees to get acorns and fruit.

🐿 Chipmunks Love Their “Me” Time

Did you know that chipmunks are actually loners? Although more than one chipmunk family can reside in the same burrow, they travel alone and basically ignore all other chipmunks around them until mating season starts up again in spring. This is good news for homeowners with a chipmunk infestation in the attic. Most often, it is just one lone chipmunk, which does a lot less damage than an entire colony of squirrels. However, females can give birth to litters of 8 or more, so an infestation can be larger if it is a nursing female.

🐿 Chipmunks are Mostly Subterranean

Chipmunks live in underground burrows that they dig themselves, which usually consist of an elaborate network of tunnels that can extend up to 11 feet in length. They keep their sleeping area clean, while keeping waste and droppings in another area. The entrances to their burrows are well-concealed, and usually only detectable by a trained eye.

🐿 Chipmunks Hibernate

Chipmunks hibernate. They fill their burrows up with as much food as possible in late summer and fall in order to have enough provisions for the winter. Aside from hibernation, chipmunks sleep an average of 15 hours a day, mostly because they do not have to stay on alert for predators since they live underground.

🐿 Chipmunks Have a Quick Life

Unfortunately, chipmunks do not live for a very long time. In the wild, their average lifespan is between 2 and 3 years. In captivity, they can live a little longer, up to 6 or 7 years with strict owner commitment. This is usually most common at licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

If you have a nuisance wildlife problem, your best course of action would be to request professional advice from a licensed Indianapolis wildlife control company. They have the training, experience, and knowledge to give you helpful advice or service.

Affordable Wildlife Removal and Control in Central Indiana

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to solve your nuisance animal problems with chipmunks at a price you can afford. Our DNR licensed and insured animal rescue and removal professionals offer non-lethal wildlife control services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We work with all types of wildlife, but specialize in raccoons, bats, birds, and squirrels. We also offer cleanup services and restoration and repair for animal damages, and can even provide insurance claim work. Start with a free estimate or advice, today!