A chipmunk will probably stop by your house at some point, whether you live in the city or the country. Even though chipmunks have a little, cute appearance, they are deadly pests to homeowners and, if left unchecked, can seriously harm both your home and the property around it.
Small mammals, called chipmunks, spend most of their time digging underground tunnels for shelter and food storage. Decks, retaining walls, home foundations, and other surfaces are all damaged by chipmunk infestations. If you notice chipmunks digging tunnels adjacent to the foundation of your home or under a driveway or sidewalk, you need to decide to act and stop their activity.
Chipmunks are luckily quite simple to catch. Using a live chipmunk trap is an easy and compassionate way to get rid of chipmunks from your home or yard. Here are the instructions for using a live trap to catch chipmunks and what to do when you’ve done so.
Step 1: Choose a Chipmunk trap
The perfect live chipmunk trap is compact, measuring only 10 to 20 inches. Chipmunks cannot escape from or take the bait from small traps because of their tiny mesh openings. The two basic types are one-door and two-door.
One-door: The one-door trap is preferred by professionals due to its ease of use. They allow for sound bait placement at the far end of the trap. The chipmunk enters the trap to get at the bait but is unable to escape.
Two-door: This gadget boasts a greater catch rate and includes a dual entrance. Animals are more at ease when they can see inside the trap. One or two of the doors can be left open to set up the trap.
Step 2: Determine a trapping place
Locate a suitable place to set a trap. Check your surroundings to see where there are lots of chipmunk activities. Chipmunks favor enclosed areas. They feel safe in these places. Therefore, search for animal signs in sheds, basements, underneath buildings, beneath trees, near bushes, and in tunnels.
The walls and fences need a thorough inspection. Particularly if there is a cover, chipmunks move over these structures. To catch chipmunks moving in either direction, keep two-door traps set.
Step 3: Set up your bait
The bait you use must be something the chipmunks can’t steal without falling prey to the trap. Peanut butter or other similar spreads placed directly on the trigger plate work as sound bait. If you decide to use a solid bait, pick something bigger than the holes in the trap mesh, like an unshelled peanut.
Place the bait such that it motivates the chipmunk to walk on the trigger plate. The chipmunk should enter the area fully in order to step on the metal plate and set off the trap. Use the single or double door layout to its full potential.
In the trap, place the bait on the trigger at the opposite end of a one-door trap door or in the center of a two-door trap trigger. If you place it close to the walls, the chipmunk will happily munch or steal it without triggering off the trap. It may also be hung from the top of the trap or bury it in the ground beneath the plate.
Step 4: Set the Trap
The trap you purchased should have come with specific instructions on how to set it up. Normally, it requires precisely balancing rods and locks. You can check it by lightly pushing the trigger plate after setting the trap. Read the directions and try again if it doesn’t go off the first time. Try not to upset the trap once it has been set because small traps might be sensitive to vibration or movement.
Step 5: Check the Trap
Chipmunks may get thirsty, hungry, or frightened when trapped for a prolonged period of time. To make sure a chipmunk isn’t held captive for a lengthier period than necessary, it’s crucial to frequently and regularly check your trap.
Step 6: Catch a chipmunk
Once a chipmunk has been trapped. Treat the trap with caution.
To prevent getting bitten through the mesh, put on gloves.
When approaching and handling the trap, be careful and speak slowly.
To keep the chipmunk from coming back, move it at least 5 miles from your house if local regulations allow it.
To stop the disease from spreading, clean and sanitize the trap after releasing a chipmunk. Clean the trap with a towel and an antiseptic spray.
Best Bait For Trapping Chipmunks
The weight of the prey causes trigger plates in the trap to activate. You must select little, lightweight bait. The chipmunk likes several different kinds of food. The finest baits that attract the chipmunk’s eye or nose are cereal, corn, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, squash seeds, unroasted peanuts, food grains, popcorn, dried plum, etc.
Cleanup Attractants
Reduce the accessibility and appeal of your home. The chipmunks tunnel under trash. Eliminate any waste that is not necessary. Get rid of anything that a chipmunk might use as cover. Here are some tips for cleaning up your property.
Cleaning up bird seed or pet food.
Repair damaged ducts and screens to prevent chipmunks from entering your home.
Pick up any fruit, berries, or nuts that have fallen.
Place bird feeders almost 15 feet long from any property to avoid spilled seed luring chipmunks close to your home.
Clearing away bush or timber heaps. They’ll be used as cover by chipmunks.
Securing any potential entryways and foundational weaknesses in your home is important.
At last
If you carefully read and adhere to the instructions, you might be successful in catching chipmunks. One or two chipmunks scurrying around your yard is usually nothing to be alarmed about. You should be concerned if you notice a number of them causing damage to the garden beds, flowers, and home.
Consider attempting a new spot or using a different bait if you don’t catch a chipmunk within a few days. Even though you might need to dig deep to catch these species, it isn’t an impossible job and is achievable with a little hard work.
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