In the realm of gardening, chipmunks can be a pesky nuisance, nibbling away at precious blooms and vegetables. But fret not! This comprehensive guide will delve into the art of how to keep chipmunks out of garden, empowering you with an arsenal of effective strategies and prevention tips to protect your horticultural haven.
From physical barriers to natural repellents, humane trapping techniques to ultrasonic devices, we’ll explore a wide range of solutions to help you reclaim your garden from these diminutive intruders.
Prevention Methods
Deter chipmunks from your garden with physical barriers, natural repellents, and smart garden design. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keep your plants safe.
Physical Barriers
Erect fences, netting, or wire mesh around your garden to prevent chipmunks from entering. Ensure the barriers extend at least 2 feet below the ground to deter burrowing. Cover exposed areas with hardware cloth or chicken wire to seal any entry points.
Natural Repellents
Chipmunks dislike strong scents. Sprinkle predator urine, mothballs, or cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your garden to deter them. Place mothballs in small containers or hang them in mesh bags. Alternatively, plant mint, garlic, or onions as natural repellents.
Garden Design Modifications
Make your garden less inviting to chipmunks by avoiding dense ground cover and bird feeders. Keep bird feeders elevated and use squirrel-proof models. Remove any debris or piles of leaves that provide hiding places for chipmunks. Trim back overgrown shrubs and trees to reduce cover.
Trapping and Removal
When prevention methods fail, trapping and removal can be an effective way to keep chipmunks out of your garden. However, it’s crucial to use humane methods that prioritize the well-being of the animals.
Live Traps
Live traps are designed to capture chipmunks without causing harm. They are typically made of wire mesh and have a door that can be triggered by the animal’s weight. To bait the trap, use food that chipmunks find irresistible, such as sunflower seeds, nuts, or peanut butter.
Cage Traps
Cage traps are similar to live traps, but they are larger and have a solid bottom. This makes them more suitable for trapping multiple chipmunks at once. Cage traps should also be baited with irresistible food items.
Releasing Trapped Chipmunks, How to keep chipmunks out of garden
Once you have trapped a chipmunk, it’s important to release it far away from your garden to prevent it from returning. Choose a location that is at least a mile away from your property and has plenty of natural cover for the animal to hide in.
Ultrasonic Devices and Electronic Deterrents
Chipmunks have sensitive hearing, making ultrasonic devices a potential deterrent. These devices emit high-pitched sounds that are inaudible to humans but can irritate chipmunks, causing them to avoid the area.
Motion-activated sprinklers and other electronic deterrents can also be effective in keeping chipmunks away. These devices detect movement and emit a sudden burst of water or sound to startle the animals.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages:Ultrasonic devices and electronic deterrents are relatively easy to use and require minimal maintenance. They can be an effective way to deter chipmunks without harming them.
- Disadvantages:Ultrasonic devices may not be effective for all chipmunks, and some animals may become accustomed to the sound over time. Electronic deterrents can also be expensive and may not be suitable for all gardens.
Plant Selection and Companion Planting: How To Keep Chipmunks Out Of Garden
Incorporating strategic plant selection and companion planting techniques can effectively deter chipmunks from invading your garden. By choosing plants that are naturally resistant to chipmunk damage and employing companion planting strategies, you can create a less appealing environment for these pesky critters.
Resistant Plant Varieties
Opt for plant varieties that are known to be unpalatable to chipmunks. These include:
- Allium species (garlic, onions, chives)
- Coleus
- Euphorbia (spurge)
- Foxglove
- Geranium
- Hellebores
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Rosemary
- Salvia
- Snapdragons
Companion Planting Techniques
Companion planting involves strategically planting certain species together to benefit each other and deter pests. For chipmunk deterrence, consider planting:
- Marigolds and garlic: The strong scent of these plants repels chipmunks.
- Nasturtiums: These plants act as a decoy, attracting chipmunks away from more valuable crops.
- Alliums: The pungent odor of onions, garlic, and chives deters chipmunks.
Decoy Plants
Planting decoy plants can distract chipmunks from your prized crops. Consider using:
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Cosmos