How to get rid of chipmunks in the yard
A chipmunk or two is harmless — but they tunnel under foundations, retaining walls, and patios where the damage adds up. Live trapping with sunflower seeds plus removing their food sources (bird seed, fallen acorns) clears them in a couple of weeks. Poisons are not registered for chipmunks in most states.
Tools
- ✓5x5x12 inch live trap — the standard chipmunk catcher. Most state laws allow trapping nuisance chipmunks on your property.
- ✓For blocking access under decks, sheds, and retaining walls.
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Materials
- +The most reliable chipmunk bait. Smear peanut butter on the trip plate; sprinkle seeds along the floor of the trap.
- +If they're eating tulip and crocus bulbs, plant bulbs inside wire cages 2 inches deep.
- +Granular repellent for protecting specific garden beds. Reapply after rain.
Steps
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1
Check your local trapping rules first
Most states allow trapping nuisance chipmunks on your own property without a permit, but a few require one. Many also prohibit relocating wildlife — meaning trapped chipmunks must be released on-site or humanely euthanized. Check before you set the trap.
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2
Cut the food supply
The #1 chipmunk attractant in suburban yards is bird seed under feeders. Switch to a 'no-mess' hulled blend, install a seed catcher, or pause feeding for 2 weeks. Also rake up fallen acorns, walnuts, and crabapples.
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3
Pre-bait the trap unset
Set the Havahart wired open in the active area for 2–3 days with seeds in and around it. Chipmunks learn the trap is safe — when you set it for real, capture rate jumps.
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4
Set and check daily
Smear peanut butter on the trip plate and put sunflower seeds along the trap floor. Check every morning and evening (heat kills trapped animals fast). Continue until 3 consecutive nights with no catches.
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5
Block the burrows after they're gone
Identify burrow openings (2-inch holes with no soil mound — chipmunks carry dirt away). Stuff with steel wool, then fill with concrete or pack with soil. Block under-deck access with 1/4-inch hardware cloth buried 6 inches deep.
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6
Protect specific plants
Apply Plantskydd granular repellent around hostas, tulips, and other targeted plants. Plant new bulbs inside chicken-wire baskets buried 2 inches deep.