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.

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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Chipmunk Troubles: Recognizing and Responding to Infestations