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Situation: We have a chipmunk infestation problem in our foundation that's been worsening the last two years. We have dozens of holes around the house, and wide areas of dug up turf. The grass doesn't bother me so much, but when insulating a large, tight crawlspace recently I discovered lots of activity, including chewed up fiberglass insulation (our previous partial attempt to insulate). They've crossed the line from cute to destructive, and have to go.
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Success: I eliminate the population. Test: I'll fill in the holes now, apply the method(s) to eliminate, then monitor for new holes. If no new holes over one month, I've succeeded. |
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If I can't get rid of them after a few months, I'll try something else like hiring the pros. |
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This is difficult. Killing them is sad - I'm by nature a peaceful person who literally doesn't like to hurt ants. If they weren't mammels, it'd be easier (getting rid of wasps, for example). But I've decided they're a threat our house, and if it's me verses them, they will lose. So there won't be much joy in this experiment, except the sober satisfaction that I've protected my house and family. Also, in sharing how to get rid of them with others with the same problem. |
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Comments & Observations
I Love Science After research of the many ways to deal with the problem (coyote urine, pepper, gum, traps, etc) I've decided the first thing I'll try is the water-in-bucket approach. http://www.conweb.com/hydrangea/chipmunks.shtml and http://www.diychatroom.com/f51/chipmunks-they-everywhere-24310/#post217486
Jun 30, 2010
I Love Science Yesterday I tried it, but none were captured today. However, I researched the technique further and found that you have to have an unbroken layer of seeds on the surface. I had just sprinkled a few on top. I re-spread the seeds and found we caught one within two minutes. I'm surprised! Now I'm off to fill in the holes.
Jul 01, 2010
I Love Science Got another one right after the first last night. Then three more this morning. Also got one mouse. I changed the water in all three barrels, and added fresh seeds. Note: Do not empty buckets near the house - no need to feed the critters. Also, I'm using one five gallon bucket, and two 2.5 gal ones (cat litter). The latter seem to work fine, and use less water and seeds. Time to buy more seeds.
Jul 02, 2010
I Love Science Haven't got any more for the last four days. However, I think the squirrel's have discovered the buckets - the water is disturbed and there are empty shells floating. I'll continue for a few more days to see if any more Chipmunks get captured, then go on from there.
Jul 06, 2010
I Love Science Looks like the holes haven't been reopened, and I haven't seen any chipmunks around the last week, so maybe I got them all. I was expecting prarie dog-like numbers, but I was told they're territorial. As a final step I'll put a bucket inside the root cellar (which abuts a crawlspace opening) that I know they were active in, and see if I get any. If not, I'll apply coyote urine as a preventative (I need to research this more).
Jul 09, 2010
I Love Science No catches in the root cellar. Maybe I got them all.
Jul 10, 2010
I Love Science I'm calling this done. Other than the squirrels, it worked well. Recommended.
Jul 18, 2010
Matthew Cornell Congratulations, Marmat. Thanks for sharing on Edison.
Jul 19, 2010
I Love Science They're baaaaack. I found a new hole, so I'll re-activate. I added some mesh across the top to try keeping the squirrels out. I never did get the coyote urine - that will happen this week.
Jul 28, 2010
I Love Science Back on Edison after a delay :-) Update: Fox urine is the easiest way to keep those varmints away. Doesn't hurt them. Have to refresh it regularly, though. The data: No holes around area where I applied it, but there are holes elsewhere around the foundation.
May 24, 2011