The Homeowner’s Guide to Chipmunk Control: Prevention, Solutions, and Security

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Budgetanimal

Spunky and spirited, chipmunks are undeniably adorable creatures that bring to life the scenes of many a woodland story. However, when these little characters start calling your property home, they can quickly go from cute to concerning as they burrow and potentially damage your garden and home’s foundation.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical and humane approaches to chipmunk control that homeowners can employ. From understanding the behavior of these striped foragers to implementing effective prevention strategies, this is your go-to manual for coexisting peaceably with your tiny, unwelcome neighbors. Let’s dive into creating a serene outdoor environment, free from the worries of chipmunk-related chaos.

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The Behavior of Chipmunks

Before we delve into preventative measures and solutions, let’s start by understanding the behavior of chipmunks. These small rodents are a type of ground squirrel that are best known for their signature stripes – black, white, and brown markings that run down their bodies. They have rounded ears, fluffy tails, and distinctive cheeks designed for storing food, making them a beloved sight for many.

But while chipmunks are cute and harmless to humans, their digging habits can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and structures. By nature, chipmunks are burrowing animals that create intricate underground tunnel systems for nesting and storing food. They also have sharp teeth that they use to gnaw on wood and other materials, which can lead to costly repairs. Furthermore, their tendency to hoard seeds and nuts attracts other pests such as mice and rats, increasing the chances of infestations.

Chipmunk Proofing Strategies

Prevention is always better than a cure when it comes to chipmunk control. By implementing these environmental modification strategies, you can reduce the likelihood of chipmunks making your property their home:

Keep your yard clean and well-maintained to reduce hiding spots and potential food sources.

Regularly seal any holes or cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, and roof to prevent chipmunks from entering.

Use wire mesh or hardware cloth as a barrier around gardens, flower beds, and other areas you wish to protect from burrowing.

Place a layer of gravel or stones around the base of trees to prevent chipmunks from digging.

Consider using non-toxic repellents such as castor oil, putrescent egg, or predator urine. Use deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers to deter chipmunks.

Non-Lethal Trapping

If prevention isn’t enough and you still have an unwanted chipmunk on your property, trapping can be an effective solution. However, it’s essential to hire a licensed and insured animal removal company for the task. Look for technicians that use non-lethal methods of chipmunk trapping.

How licensed wildlife control operators trap chipmunks effectively:

They place bait such as nuts or seeds inside the trap and set it near known burrows or along their usual path.

They check the trap daily, and if a chipmunk is captured, they wear gloves to handle them, avoiding any bites or scratches.

They relocate or dispose of the chipmunk in accordance with state laws and EPA regulations.

Working with a Professional Animal Removal Service

For those who prefer not to handle trapping themselves, hiring a professional wildlife control service is another option. These experts have the knowledge and experience to safely remove any chipmunks from your property without harming them. They can also provide long-term solutions, such as sealing entry points and implementing prevention strategies.

Conclusion

Having chipmunks on your property may seem like a nuisance, but with the right preventative measures and humane solutions, you can coexist peacefully with these cute but potentially damaging rodents. By understanding their behavior and implementing effective strategies, you can create a harmonious environment for both you and your tiny, furry neighbors. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to bring in the right wildlife removal professionals who specialize in humane chipmunk control. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your beautiful outdoor space without worrying about any unexpected chipmunk chaos.

Ready to tackle your nuisance rodent problems with first-class solutions at a neighborhood price? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured chipmunk removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana you can afford. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Battling the Backyard Bandits: Comprehensive Guide to Chipmunk Control

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on battling the backyard bandits – yes, we’re talking about chipmunks. These tiny creatures, while undeniably adorable, can cause quite a bit of havoc in your garden or even inside your home. From digging holes in your lawn to squeaking away in the walls, chipmunk control can be a challenging task. But worry not!

This blog post is designed to help you understand how chipmunks operate and explore the most effective chipmunk repellents available. We’ll delve into practical, humane ways you can prevent these small creatures from turning your backyard into their personal playground. So, let’s jump right in and learn how to keep these cheeky chipmunks at bay.

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Understanding Chipmunks

Before we dive into the various methods of chipmunk control, it’s essential to understand these animals’ behavior and habits. Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents that belong to the squirrel family. They are commonly found in North America and come in a variety of colors, including brown, red, grey, and even black. These tiny creatures are highly adaptive and can be found living in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas.

Chipmunk Behavior

Chipmunks are known for their playful nature and love for digging and burrowing. They have long front teeth that continuously grow throughout their lives, making them expert diggers. They use these sharp teeth to create burrows and tunnels in the ground, where they store food and shelter themselves from predators. In addition to digging, chipmunks are also excellent climbers and can easily scale trees and bushes with their sharp claws.

Chipmunk Diet

Chipmunks are primarily herbivores, meaning that they mainly eat plants. They have a diverse diet that includes seeds, nuts, berries, fruits, and even insects. They are also known to store food for the winter months and can be seen scurrying around with their cheeks full of provisions to hide in their burrows.

Breeding Habits

Chipmunks typically mate twice a year – once in early spring and again in mid-summer. After a gestation period of 31 days, the female chipmunk gives birth to a litter of two to eight babies. These baby chipmunks grow quickly and leave their mother’s burrow within six weeks. However, they remain close to their mother until they reach sexual maturity at around one year old.

Signs of Chipmunk Infestation

Knowing the signs of a chipmunk infestation is essential in controlling these critters. Some common signs of chipmunks in your backyard include:

Holes and tunnels – Chipmunks love to dig, so seeing holes and tunnels in your lawn or garden is a tell-tale sign of their presence. These holes are typically small (around two inches in diameter) and have a neat, rounded shape.

Chewed plants and seeds – Since chipmunks are herbivores, they often feed on plants, fruits, and nuts in your garden. If you notice chewed or missing leaves, fruits, or seeds from your plants, it’s a good indication that chipmunks may be to blame.

Squeaking or scratching noises – If you hear squeaking or scratching sounds coming from your walls, ceilings, or attic, it’s likely that a chipmunk has found its way inside your home.

How to Get Rid of Chipmunks

Now that you know how to identify a chipmunk infestation let’s explore some effective ways to get rid of them. Here are our top three recommendations for humane chipmunk control:

1. Natural Repellents:

There are several natural repellents that you can use to deter chipmunks from your property. These include:

Plants – Certain plants like daffodils, marigolds, and geraniums have a strong scent that chipmunks dislike. Planting these around your garden or yard can act as a natural deterrent.

Predator urine – You can purchase predator urine, such as that from foxes or coyotes, and spray it around your property. The scent of these predators will scare away chipmunks.

Hot pepper spray – Mix some hot pepper flakes with water and spray it on plants or areas where you’ve seen chipmunk activity. The spicy scent will repel them.

2. Physical Barriers:

Another effective method of chipmunk control is using physical barriers to block their entry points. Some examples include:

Wire mesh – Place wire mesh around the base of plants or trees to prevent chipmunks from digging and entering.

Fencing – Installing a fence around your garden or yard can also keep chipmunks out. Make sure the fence is at least three feet high and buried several inches into the ground to prevent them from burrowing under it.

Seal cracks and openings – If you’ve noticed chipmunks entering your home through cracks or openings, seal them up with caulk or mesh wire.

3. Trapping:

If natural repellents and barriers haven’t worked, trapping is another method you can try. Make sure to hire a licensed wildlife removal and control company that uses humane traps and releases the chipmunks far away from your property.

In Summary

Chipmunk control can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and methods, you can effectively deter these backyard bandits. Remember to always opt for humane methods of repelling or removing them and enjoy a peaceful, chipmunk-free environment.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and tips for battling these cute but mischievous creatures. Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for animal moles and more. We serve commercial clients too.

How to Find and Remove a Chipmunk Nest on Your Property

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Are you dealing with a chipmunk infestation on your property? Chipmunks are small, yet very pesky rodents that can quickly take over your yard and cause significant damage. They dig deep burrows in the ground that can undermine foundations, destroy gardens, and ruin flowerbeds.

If you’re looking for an effective way to get rid of chipmunks from your property, this guide is for you! We’ll explain how to identify a chipmunk nest and provide step-by-step instructions on how to remove it safely. We will also share tips on how to prevent future infestations so that you don’t have to worry about these furry critters again!

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How to Locate Chipmunk Nests

First, you’ll need to identify the chipmunk nest. Look around your property for signs of the pesky critters – look for mounds of dirt near trees and other sources of food like bird feeders or garbage cans. You may also see them darting around in search of food during the day. Once you have located the nesting area, take some time to observe it from a safe distance before attempting to remove it.

How to Remove a Chipmunk Nest

Next, it’s important to prepare for removal. Wear thick gloves and protective clothing when attempting this task as chipmunks can be very aggressive when cornered. You’ll also want to get rid of any potential food sources that may attract more chipmunks to your property in the future.

Finally, use a shovel or other tool to carefully remove the nest and any debris associated with it. Place the material in a sealed bag and dispose of it properly. Once the chipmunk nest has been removed, fill in the remaining hole with dirt and lay down some strong-smelling deterrents like peppermint oil or cayenne pepper to keep chipmunks away from your property.

Choose Professional Chipmunk Removal Services for Lasting Results

If you’re dealing with a chipmunk infestation in or around your home, it’s important to take action quickly to get rid of them. Hiring a professional Indianapolis wildlife control company is the best way to ensure that the job gets done right and that the chipmunks are removed safely and humanely from your property. The benefits of hiring a professional critter control service for chipmunk removal are numerous.

First, these companies have trained animal removal experts who know how to identify signs of an infestation as well as the most effective methods for trapping, exterminating, and removing them from your home or business. They also understand what needs to be done in order to mitigate any future issues with chipmunks entering your property again.

Additionally, these services often use humane traps that don’t cause the animals to suffer during capture and release processes, but still ensure they won’t return later on down the line. In addition, many offer preventative measures and mole controls, such as sealing up potential entry points into buildings or installing fences around outdoor areas where chipmunks might try to gain access again in the future.

Get Rid of Chipmunks For Good

Taking these steps will help you get rid of chipmunks quickly and effectively! For more information on chipmunk removal and control, contact a DNR licensed and insured wildlife control company in Indianapolis for assistance. They can provide you with expert advice and tips on how to keep pesky critters away for good. They can also provide professional chipmunk trapping and removal services, as well as chipmunk nest damage repair and cleanup.

Are you at your breaking point trying to rid your property of nuisance chipmunks? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured chipmunk removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We also work with all other species of wildlife native to Indiana, including squirrels. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

The Benefits of Feeding Wild Chipmunks in the Wintertime

Posted on December 22, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Chipmunks are often seen as a nuisance in the summer and fall, but they can also be beneficial to have around during winter. While chipmunk removal services may be necessary throughout the warmer months of the year, providing food for wild chipmunks in wintertime has many benefits that you won’t want to miss out on. Not only will you help keep them safe from predators, but you’ll also reduce damage to your property and provide much-needed nutrition when other sources of food are scarce.

Below, we discuss why it’s important to feed wild chipmunks in wintertime and how it can help both humans and animals alike.

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3 Good Reasons to Feed the Chipmunks in Your Yard

Strategic Chipmunk Control in the Winter

Chipmunk control is important in all seasons, but it’s especially crucial during winter. When temperatures drop and food sources become scarce, chipmunks can turn to your garden as an easy source of nutrients. While they may help keep pests away from your garden in the summer, they can wreak havoc on your plants and shrubbery during the winter months. Providing them with food will help keep them away from your property while still offering much-needed nutrition.

Chipmunks Survival

By providing nourishment for chipmunks, we can be instrumental in aiding their continued existence. For example, feeding chipmunks in the wintertime helps reduce their risk of falling prey to predators. When food is scarce, chipmunks are more likely to be on the move and leave their home burrows. This makes them easier targets for hungry predators but providing food sources can help keep them safe.

Seasonal Entertainment

In addition to helping chipmunks survive the winter, providing food for wild chipmunks can also provide you with a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. You can watch as they interact with each other and learn more about chipmunk behavior, all while helping keep them safe from predators and providing much-needed nutrition.

Conclusion

Feeding wild chipmunks in the wintertime has many benefits for both humans and animals alike. Not only will it help keep chipmunk populations healthy, but it can also reduce damage to your property and provide you with a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. So, if you’re looking for a way to help out the local wildlife while keeping chipmunk control in check, consider feeding wild chipmunks this winter.

If you’re struggling with a chipmunk infestation on your Tennessee premises, it’s essential to take action and do so in a secure manner. Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for chipmunks and squirrels, including flying squirrels. We serve commercial clients too.

The Top 5 Nuisance Animals in the Fall Season

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Fall is a time when many animals are preparing for winter. Some animals, such as squirrels and deer, are known for being nuisances during this time of year. Continue reading to brush up on some important tips on how to deal with these Fall season nuisance animals.

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Common Nuisance Wildlife to Watch Out For This Season and the Next

Squirrels and Chipmunks

If you have squirrels or chipmunks in your yard, try to keep them away by removing any food sources that they may be attracted to. Optimal squirrel control includes keeping your garbage can lid securely fastened and not leaving bird seed or other food out in the open.

Deer

In many parts of the country, deer have become a nuisance. They wander into yards and gardens, eat plants, and damage property. If deer are a problem, you can try using deer repellent or fencing to keep them away from your property.

Raccoons

If raccoons are raiding your garbage cans, make sure to keep the lids securely fastened. You may also want to consider investing in a raccoon-proof garbage can. Furthermore, raccoon diseases can be deadly, so it is important to be aware of them if you live in an area where they reside.

Opossums

If you have a problem with opossums, make sure to remove any potential food sources from your property. Opossums are attracted to garbage, so keeping your garbage can lid securely fastened is important.

All Other Nuisance Animals

If you have any other nuisance animals on your property, contact a professional wildlife control company for assistance.

How to Protect Your Home Against Wildlife Damages and Threats

As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, you may start to notice some of these unwelcome guests around your home. Raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, and several other types of nuisance animals are looking for a warm place to nest and can cause damage to your property. Here are some tips to keep them away:

▷ Inspect your home for cracks or holes that could be used as an entrance. Seal up any openings with caulk or other materials.

▷ Keep your yard clean and free of debris. This will make it less attractive to animals looking for a place to build a nest.

▷ If you have bird feeders, keep them clean and free of moldy seed. This can attract rodents looking for a food source.

▷ Keep your trash cans sealed tight and don’t leave any food out where animals can get to it.

▷ If you have a fireplace, make sure the flue is closed when not in use. This will prevent animals from entering your home through the chimney.

Following these tips will help you keep nuisance animals away from your home this fall and winter. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a licensed and insured Indianapolis wildlife control company for assistance.

All of these tips are possible with the help of our licensed and insured Indiana wildlife control operators. Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured wildlife removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Chipmunk Facts That Will Help You Protect Your Home and Garden

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Winter is almost here. In fact, tomorrow is the official first day of winter! If you love the cooler season here in Indiana, then you have much to look forward to. But as a respectable homeowner, be sure to watch out for winter pests, like chipmunks! This time of year, chipmunks tend to cause a load of problems for homeowners. If you are struggling with a nuisance chipmunk population near your home, it is time to fortify your animal control arsenal with some seasonal animal-proofing tactics.

Continue below to learn some helpful facts about chipmunks that can in turn, help you better protect your home and gardens, year-round!

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Chipmunk Facts You Might Not Know

Chipmunks are part of the Sciuridae family, just as squirrels! So yes, they are technically rodents. Like other rodents, they dig underground burrows where they store their food reserves. This can serve as a problem for homeowners come spring, when they realize they have a soft, bouncy lawn.

As omnivores, chipmunks eat a variety of foods, from seeds and nuts to grass, flowerbeds, mushrooms, insects, worms, and even small frogs or freshly hatched the birds. In the situation of nuisance chipmunks, they leave anything you are growing in your garden, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Adult chipmunks are pretty much solitary, and travel alone most of the year. Once mating season arrives, they partner up to breed, but then part ways once again. However, if you find a chipmunk burrow or system of tunnels, it is likely that more than one chipmunk resides inside.

Chipmunk Removal and Control

Chipmunks sure are cute, especially as babies. But regardless of their fluffiness and quirky behaviors, chipmunks do not make great house guests, let alone visitors to your lawn. Chipmunks can be quite destructive, even more so if they access the interior of your home.

This time of year, chipmunks are looking for warm and safe shelter to wait out the winter season. This might be a hollowed tree, gutter, birdhouse, or your attic! In the spring and summer, you can expect localized chipmunk populations to be after your gardens and flowerbeds, too!

If you are dealing with an increasing number of chipmunks on your property, now is the time to take action. Animal-proofing is the best strategy for nuisance chipmunk control, which starts with environmental modification and professional wildlife removal assistance.

Are nuisance chipmunks a problem on your property? Or worse, do you suspect you have chipmunks in the attic or chimney? If so, contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for safe and humane chipmunk control service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

3 Ways to Protect Your Bird Feeders From Squirrels and Chipmunks

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Wintertime is not the best time for admiring nature’s wildlife, as most are snuggled and hidden away in their winter dens. But birds are a beautiful and abundant species that remain active yearlong, leading many of us to install bird houses and bird feeders in our yards. Too bad squirrels and chipmunks are not always a part of that hibernating crowd, because they are notorious for pillaging bird feeders all winter long!

If nuisance squirrels and chipmunks are hindering your bird watching pleasure this season, continue reading to learn the top 3 best ways to protect bird seed feeders from these winter thieves!

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How to Safely Stop Squirrels and Chipmunks From Stealing Bird Food

☑ Install a Squirrel Dome

A squirrel dome is an attachment that you can put below or above a bird feeder. They can be found at supermarkets, home stores, and online. For bird houses that hang from something above, the dome is placed above the bird feeder. When it’s in place, the squirrel cannot gain traction long enough to climb under the dome and get to the seed. If you have bird houses that are hung from a shorter pole that stakes into the ground, the dome should be placed under the feeder. This way, when squirrels try to climb the staked pole, they can only reach the inside of the dome, and cannot get above it to the bird feeder. A squirrel dome is an inexpensive and immediate solution to conserving your bird feed.

☑ Make Your Own Repellent Spray

There is a product on the market that can be found at home stores, grocery stores, department stores, and pet stores called squirrel repellent spray. It comes in a simple and easy to use spray bottle and is inexpensive to purchase. Although the word “repellent” may seem harsh, it is actually 100% safe for the squirrels and birds. The directions say to spray the solution all over the bird house itself, as well as the bird seed. The birds do not mind the spray one bit, but the squirrels do not like the taste at all. This deters them from wanting the bird seed in the first place. If it doesn’t taste good, they won’t pursue it!

☑ Install a Squirrel Feeder

A friendlier approach would be to just give the squirrels their own food. This option is most helpful for homeowners with large populations of squirrels living near their property. There are squirrel toys on the market, such as picnic table-shaped squirrel feeders and spinning wheels that entertain families of all ages. Purchasing unshelled peanuts and placing them on the opposite side of the yard from the bird feeders can greatly reduce the amount of bird seed you go through.

Nashville, TN Squirrel and Chipmunk Control Services

Call Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for safe and humane Nashville, Tennessee wildlife removal and control services for nuisance squirrels and chipmunks. Our TWRA licensed and insured wildlife control specialists have more than 30 years of experience, and serve all of Middle Tennessee and the Greater Nashville areas, including Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Nolensville, and Thompson’s Station. Our Nashville critter ridder specialists serve both residential and commercial clients, and also offer several complimentary amenities, including free phone quotes, estimates, advice, and referrals.

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How to Get Rid of Nuisance Chipmunks

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Budgetanimal

Chipmunks are those tiny, furry, four-legged critters that strikingly resemble a squirrel. As something that is so cute and seemingly harmless, why would anyone want to get rid of them? Well, the harsh truth is that chipmunks are known to be quite the pest. Not only do they love to dig holes and tunnels underground, turning your lawn into an unsightly disaster, they also have a habit of digging for roots and tubers, and eating young shoots and leaves. Furthermore, they can enter into the living quarters of your home and cause all sorts of unhygienic and unsafe destruction.

Anyone who appreciates their landscaping and curb appeal will agree that getting rid of a nuisance chipmunk problem is a top priority. If you have noticed an increase in chipmunk activity on your property, continue reading to learn what you can do to put a stop to it, pronto.

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Use a Homemade Chipmunk Repellent

There are several spices and scents that chipmunks detest. These include menthol, eucalyptus, spearmint, cayenne pepper, black pepper, red pepper, and anything else with a similar scent or taste. When mixed with water, you have yourself a homemade, non-toxic repellent! Whether in powder or oil of essence form, you can combine your choice of these ingredients with clean water and then spray them around the perimeter of your lawn or gardens, or in areas where you have noticed heightened chipmunk activity. Use a plastic spray bottle for easy application, and be sure to reapply after rain.

Important Note: This solution is safe and non-toxic, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your lawn or garden, nor harming wildlife. However, be sure to make arrangements for children, as well as pets like cats and dogs, since the ingredients in the solution can irritate their skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Keep them away from treated areas for their own safety.

Incorporate Some Key Environmental Changes

You can make changes to your landscaping to help reduce the amount of chipmunk activity on your property. Start by removing anything that you believe is attracting them, such as bird feeders, bird baths, low hanging branches, and other food, water, and climbing sources. You can also add chipmunk feeders to the outer perimeter of your property to distract them from coming any closer.

Professional Chipmunk Control is Always Effective

When nothing has really helped, you need professional intervention. Trust a licensed and insured Indianapolis wildlife removal and control company for safe and humane chipmunk abatement services that will actually work. They have the specialized training and permits to provide safe wildlife extraction and exclusion services, including minor attic restorations, clean up, and more.

Indianapolis Chipmunk Removal Services You Can Trust

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 to get rid of chipmunks in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.