Catching Chipmunks | AZ Animals

Chipmunks can be a hindrance. You don’t want them around your yard to ruin your garden or lawn. But you are not interested in inhuman methods of getting rid of them. An easy way to get these animals out of your area is to trap live chipmunks. Read on for instructions and suggestions on how to trap a chipmunk and what to do with it afterwards.

Chipmunk overview

Chipmunks are small terrestrial inhabitants. They are capable of causing damage to property. They can be distinguished by their fur in shades of brown, yellow and gray with black and white stripes along the back. They would be native to North America and Canada, with the exception of the Siberian chipmunk. The Siberian animal lives throughout North Asia.

Habitat

Chipmunks prefer groundcover. They like trees, logs, bushes, rocks and stumps. But they adapt easily and find shelter wherever they go. They dig mink systems for foraging. These systems can be complex, used for nesting, spending time in cold weather, and storing food.

When they are comfortable, chipmunks rarely go beyond one third of a mile from their burrows. This means that if they nest in your territory, they will stay here for a long time.

Weighing less than five ounces, chipmunks are squirrel borrowers and cousins. There are several species related to chipmunks, including marmots and prairie dogs.

Although the chipmunk, like all rodents, prefers forested areas, he is a nomad whose adventures can take him anywhere. They eat seeds and a lot of mushrooms. Behavior spreads mycorrhizal fungi found around tree roots. This is very important for the survival of the trees. They also love nuts, grains, fruits, worms, bird eggs, nesting birds and mice.

In winter, chipmunks hibernate, but do not sleep all season. They wake up every couple of days and allow their temperature to rise to normal. They eat hidden food and go to the bathroom.

Material damage

Despite its diminutiveness, the chipmunk is capable of causing significant material damage in the long run. Here are some signs of damage.

• Fundamental or structural damage from chipmunk swarming
• Pits in your garden or lawn from the chipmunk digging plant roots
• Piles of fallen seeds under the feeders
• Uprooted bulbs
• Tiny prints made by chipmunks (identified by four fingers in the front and five in the back)

Unfortunately, much of the chipmunk’s natural behavior is detrimental to private property. Therefore, if you find them on your territory, you will want to take measures to catch chipmunks.

Trapping Chipmunks: Choosing a Chipmunk Trap

There are two types of traps.

One door

Everyone prefers the one-door trap because of its simplicity. Professionals prefer them as they allow the placement of sound baits. This will be the far end of the trap. The chipmunk gets trapped behind the bait and cannot get out.

Two doors

This device has a dual input and promises a higher catch rate. The ability to look into a trap gives animals a sense of confidence. The trap can be installed with one or two doors open.

Setting up a chipmunk trap to trap chipmunks

Look around and see where you have a lot of chipmunk activity. Animals love indoor spaces. These places keep the chipmunks safe. So, look for traces of the creature in sheds, attics, under buildings (for example, underground), under trees and near bushes, as well as in burrows.

You want to take a close look at fences and walls. Chipmunks travel along these structures, especially if there is a shelter. Keep two door chipmunk traps going in any direction.

Selection and installation of bait for catching chipmunks

Never use bait that can make the chipmunk escape. Peanut butter-like spreads, mounted directly on the trigger, are sound bait. If you decide to use the hard option, use something like unpeeled peanuts.

When you have bait, place it correctly in the trap. Here’s how to set up a trap.

Bait placement should result in one or all of the following:

• The bait should force the animal to completely fall into the trap.
• The chipmunk must go far enough to step on the metal plate and trigger the trap.
• Make the most of a one or two door configuration.

For a single door, place the bait behind the plate. Keep it away from the walls, otherwise the chipmunk will happily bite off or steal it without getting trapped.

For a two-door, place the bait behind the trigger. You can also bury it in the ground under the trap / plate or hang it on the ceiling of the trap.

Additional tips for experienced chipmunk baits

Below are some tips for trapping chipmunks.

• Wear gloves. The chipmunk will catch the smell of people and avoid the trap.
• You can lure a chipmunk. Create a trail for the bait to follow to the trigger plate.
• Spread placed directly on the tray is more likely to trigger the tray.
• Make sure the bait doesn’t get in the way of the traps. Check this. Press lightly on the plate so that the doors close with little force.

Set a trap

The trap has a unique balance of door locks and hinges that need to be properly adjusted. Read the instructions that came with the trap carefully. Test the trap by lightly pressing down on the plate.

Note that smaller traps are sensitive to movement and vibration. After installation, take care not to damage the installed trap.

Check the trap

If you are using a trap for humane purposes, it is important to check the trap frequently. A trapped chipmunk will quickly become hungry, dehydrated, or anxious.

Best bait for catching chipmunks

Traps have trigger plates that respond to the weight of their prey. It is important to use a small and light bait.

The chipmunk loves a variety of foods. Here is a list of the best baits the chipmunk catches the eye or nose with.

• Corn
• Raisins
• Peanut butter
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Trim the bones
• Unroasted peanuts
• Cereals

You caught a chipmunk

Your trap has worked. Now what?

• Wear gloves to minimize direct contact with the caught chipmunk. (Your trap has a handle. Better to use it.)
• When approaching and handling a trap, speak softly and gently.
• If allowed (check local laws), move the animal at least five miles from your home.
• After release, thoroughly rinse and disinfect the trap. You want to prevent the spread of the disease.

Clear

Make your property less affordable and attractive. Chipmunks bury themselves in the trash. Clean up unnecessary clutter. Remove anything the chipmunk can use for cover.

A few tips for cleaning

Here’s how to clear property, including:

• Removing a brush or woodpile. The chipmunks will use them for cover.
• Remove pet food or bird food.
• Seal up potential cracks and entrances to your home.
• Keep bird feeders 15 feet away from buildings. Otherwise, you risk that the chipmunk spills seeds into the house.
• Consider substituting food such as thistle for poultry, which the chipmunks don’t need.

A Few Tips

• Read your local chipmunk catching laws.
• The best place for a trap is outside the burrow. It won’t be easy. Chipmunks camouflage their homes.
• If you are catching a chipmunk indoors, cover openings, doors, and crevices. Chipmunks will squeeze through small holes and crevices to escape to other rooms in the house.
• Chipmunks have an incredible sense of smell. The slightest trace of people on the trap can prevent them from entering. Clean the trap after each use and always wear gloves.
• Use one part bleach and nine parts water to disinfect the trap. Wait at least 20 minutes before wiping down the trap.
• Once the chipmunk is removed, keep it to a minimum with an animal repellent.
• Repairing screens or vents will use chipmunks to get into the house.

Scaring off chipmunks

Scaring off and holding chipmunks takes planning. Here are some tips on how to keep the animals away from your yard or home.

Choosing a repellent

There are many options for scaring away a chipmunk. If you are dealing with infestation, it is best to use multiple solutions to increase your chances of getting rid of the animals in the long run.

Liquid sprays

Sprays are intended for direct application to bird feeders, flowers and flower beds, plants and trees, bulbs, woodpiles, mulch, gutters and roofs.

Granulated

Use granular repellents to cover areas where chipmunks hide or are trapped, including crawl spaces, mulch and flower beds, attics, gardens, and house perimeters.

Electronics

Water splashes are a great way to get chipmunks to move on. Movement-activated devices replace many invaders. Install these solutions anywhere.

Line of sight is important. Most of these devices are activated immediately, and the chipmunks are quite small. We suggest using electronics with other solutions such as granular and liquid repellents.

Apply as instructed

Read the instructions carefully and follow them, otherwise the repellent will not work. Shake the contents well to mix well and prevent clogging. Reapplication will be necessary. Use pumps and concentrates for larger applications.