Chipmunk problem
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Chipmunk problem
Need advice for chipmunk control for my lawn. I have 3 or 4 holes in the lawn. These are definitely caused by chipmunks. I have taken the following measure thus far and I'm looking for any additional advice from the community: Havahart small animal trap baited with peanut butter and sunflower seeds. I caught and relocated 3 thus far. I have observed extreme caution by the chipmunks and sometimes won't enter the trap.
Any other purchases I should make? I'm willing to do anything to get rid of this nuisance. Thanks in advance
Any other purchases I should make? I'm willing to do anything to get rid of this nuisance. Thanks in advance
- cheese_breath
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Re: Chipmunk problem
The surest way to know the future is when it becomes the past.
Re: Chipmunk problem
I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
Re: Chipmunk problem
Noooooo! Just feed them peanuts and tell them they are nice little monks!munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
- cheese_breath
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Re: Chipmunk problem
The squirrels are probably letting them out and splitting the take with them.munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
The surest way to know the future is when it becomes the past.
Re: Chipmunk problem
We have 12 years experience. These fellas are so cute when they show up. But as they gorge on birdseed and our flower garden, they procreate and become a yard full of striped rats. They are pests in our yard. They are always into mischief like stripping wires and chewing up things to make nests. We are often discussing control with neighbors. Some try methods to reduce their numbers. Others feed them peanuts and seed. For us, we try to strike a happy medium and keep the population under control. I'm a conservationist in most things, but these guys get my goat. With all due respect to our squeamish readers, I decline to describe my methods. But lately it's been us or them.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Check out this trap:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013FLER72/re ... jBb1RMTRDY
We've been using two of these in our yard for the past week. We get 4-6 chipmunks a day, and have never had a trap robbed by the little guys.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013FLER72/re ... jBb1RMTRDY
We've been using two of these in our yard for the past week. We get 4-6 chipmunks a day, and have never had a trap robbed by the little guys.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Try mixing peanut butter with plaster of paris and making them delicious little homemade peanut snacks.
I was told this would not work as advertised but I got rid of passel of ground squirrels and tree squirrels and this is what I attribute it to.
I was told this would not work as advertised but I got rid of passel of ground squirrels and tree squirrels and this is what I attribute it to.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Thanks, I'll give it a try.MrPotatoHead wrote: ↑Sat Jun 16, 2018 2:06 am Try mixing peanut butter with plaster of paris and making them delicious little homemade peanut snacks.
I was told this would not work as advertised but I got rid of passel of ground squirrels and tree squirrels and this is what I attribute it to.
Re: Chipmunk problem
Thanks. Sounds like a recipe for constipation. I'll give it a try.MrPotatoHead wrote: ↑Sat Jun 16, 2018 2:06 am Try mixing peanut butter with plaster of paris and making them delicious little homemade peanut snacks.
I was told this would not work as advertised but I got rid of passel of ground squirrels and tree squirrels and this is what I attribute it to.
Re: Chipmunk problem
If I find the squirrels are complicit in this, I am going after them too.cheese_breath wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:24 pmThe squirrels are probably letting them out and splitting the take with them.munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
Re: Chipmunk problem
Going to see if I can find the article and although the article did refer to rats-- same idea.praxis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:10 pm We have 12 years experience. These fellas are so cute when they show up. But as they gorge on birdseed and our flower garden, they procreate and become a yard full of striped rats. They are pests in our yard. They are always into mischief like stripping wires and chewing up things to make nests. We are often discussing control with neighbors. Some try methods to reduce their numbers. Others feed them peanuts and seed. For us, we try to strike a happy medium and keep the population under control. I'm a conservationist in most things, but these guys get my goat. With all due respect to our squeamish readers, I decline to describe my methods. But lately it's been us or them.
Probably 15 years ago by now, the "wealthy" areas of Detroit(Bloomfield Hill, The Pointes etc) were having a rat problem-- not what you normally think of in very affluent areas. Michigan State University, a land grant school and highly regarded in outdoorsy type stuff, was called in to investigate.
One fix was to dis courage people from feeding the birds. squirrels etc. A significant high percentage of houses in the studied areas were doing so, thereby creating a ready and available food source, with little or no competition for it to affect survival rates.
Re: Chipmunk problem
I wonder if the Havahart trap “bars” are too open / too big? You’d be amazed at how small of an opening rodents can squeeze through.munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
Re: Chipmunk problem
I'm certain birdseed is counterproductive for us. If the feeders are accessible, they are the main food source they eat. We can watch the chipmunk numbers grow in two weeks with unlimited food. Faced with losing most of our bird visitors, instead of not feeding birds, we have only used feed trays suspended from tree limbs. So far, it's worked. Still have chipmunks, but they're not as fat.Yooper16 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 16, 2018 8:41 amGoing to see if I can find the article and although the article did refer to rats-- same idea.praxis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:10 pm We have 12 years experience. These fellas are so cute when they show up. But as they gorge on birdseed and our flower garden, they procreate and become a yard full of striped rats. They are pests in our yard. They are always into mischief like stripping wires and chewing up things to make nests. We are often discussing control with neighbors. Some try methods to reduce their numbers. Others feed them peanuts and seed. For us, we try to strike a happy medium and keep the population under control. I'm a conservationist in most things, but these guys get my goat. With all due respect to our squeamish readers, I decline to describe my methods. But lately it's been us or them.
Probably 15 years ago by now, the "wealthy" areas of Detroit(Bloomfield Hill, The Pointes etc) were having a rat problem-- not what you normally think of in very affluent areas. Michigan State University, a land grant school and highly regarded in outdoorsy type stuff, was called in to investigate.
One fix was to dis courage people from feeding the birds. squirrels etc. A significant high percentage of houses in the studied areas were doing so, thereby creating a ready and available food source, with little or no competition for it to affect survival rates.
- lthenderson
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Re: Chipmunk problem
This took care of my chipmunk problem. I just posted myself with it in a lawn chair 20 yards away until they presented themselves.
https://www.amazon.com/Crosman-P1377-Am ... B00TEACB4U
https://www.amazon.com/Crosman-P1377-Am ... B00TEACB4U
Re: Chipmunk problem
Someone told me to hang the bird feeders on a pole and grease the pole with vaseline. Not only did it work, it's quite entertaining to watch!
I used to think squirrels/chipmunks were smart but I think they are just very, very persistent.
I used to think squirrels/chipmunks were smart but I think they are just very, very persistent.
If I am stupid I will pay.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
I set up the 5 gallon bucket, sunflower seeds, ramp. Set it on a nice level spot. Problem is that the ground squirrels knock off the ramp and eat the seeds. Now what?munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
No, they are actually fast enough to just barely beat the trap...I have seen it many times with ground squirrels. I put peanut butter crackers on the trigger pan. They are not stupid critters...now normal squirrels and raccoons I can trap all day long (different size traps)Kenkat wrote: ↑Sat Jun 16, 2018 9:59 amI wonder if the Havahart trap “bars” are too open / too big? You’d be amazed at how small of an opening rodents can squeeze through.munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Uh...okay firmly attached the ramp to the bucket...next step the bucket need to have two small holes near the top, on eon each side of the bucket...then you put a thin rod through one of the whole and then thread an empty beer or soda can on it lengthwise so it spins freely and then push the end of th erod through the other side:dollarsaver wrote: ↑Sat Jun 16, 2018 8:02 pmI set up the 5 gallon bucket, sunflower seeds, ramp. Set it on a nice level spot. Problem is that the ground squirrels knock off the ramp and eat the seeds. Now what?munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
: :
:- - - - - - - - XXXXXXX- - - - - - - - - :
: :
: :
Where : are the sides of the bucket
- - is the thin rod (used a straightened piece of coat hanger)
X represents the aluminum can
all you do now is put a few inches of water in the bottom of the bucket, attach your ramp so it leads the critter up to the thin rod and bait the can(I use a strip of newpaper taped around the center of the can and a gob of nutty peanut butter).
The critter walks on the rod out to the can, step onto the can and pitches sideways into the bucket were is gets to swim for a bit.
Problem solved.
Re: Chipmunk problem
While I agree 'munks are fast, I don't think they're often too fast for most traps. I'm sure it happens, but rarely.MrPotatoHead wrote: ↑Sat Jun 16, 2018 10:02 pmNo, they are actually fast enough to just barely beat the trap...I have seen it many times with ground squirrels. I put peanut butter crackers on the trigger pan. They are not stupid critters...now normal squirrels and raccoons I can trap all day long (different size traps)
In my case, I have a a Havahart trap designed for 'munks and other small critters--trap doors on both ends. I successfully caught the garage intruder and decided to take it to a local county park facility located about 4 miles away. As I take the trap out of the back of my SUV and start to walk to a wooded area, the park "Gestapo" pulled up on golf carts and proceeded to tell me I wasn't allowed to release a 'munk there. After a couple minutes of lively discussion, with my granddaughter in tow, I turned to return to the vehicle and I saw the rodent leap to the ground from the trap and disappear into the woods, which was the eventual plan all along. Now the "Gestapo" are none to pleased and my granddaughter thinks we're going to be arrested. They realized the release wasn't purposeful and the trap was amazingly intact.
These critters are persistent and powerful for their size. Sadly, another 'munk I caught in the Havahart somehow killed itself trying to get out, which could have only been a few hours--blood from trying to push its head through the bars as well as a few teeth were found. So, on a cautionary note, if you use a Havahart or similar trap, I'd put it in another cargo container of some sort to transport your quarry in your vehicle, just in case it is successful in its escape, like the first 'munk was.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Rat poison in the holes. The green cube stuff. One cube per hole.
Controls problem for a few weeks.
I have a patio that is being tunneled under, and fear it will eventually collapse. So I am not gentle with the little beasts.
I started with the traps, which made everyone feel good, but just weren’t all that effective.
Initially the bucket idea was good, but it was distressing to certain people.
Then I moved on to a pellet gun and baiting them with sunflower seeds on peanut butter, which made me feel minimally evil, but was less distressing as I could choose times of day when others were not around.
Finally, I landed on the rat poison shoved deep in the holes with a stick. I have no pets though, so that may be important.
Controls problem for a few weeks.
I have a patio that is being tunneled under, and fear it will eventually collapse. So I am not gentle with the little beasts.
I started with the traps, which made everyone feel good, but just weren’t all that effective.
Initially the bucket idea was good, but it was distressing to certain people.
Then I moved on to a pellet gun and baiting them with sunflower seeds on peanut butter, which made me feel minimally evil, but was less distressing as I could choose times of day when others were not around.
Finally, I landed on the rat poison shoved deep in the holes with a stick. I have no pets though, so that may be important.
Re: Chipmunk problem
In many municipalities it is illegal to “relocate” pests. I use the large rat snap traps purchased from Home Depot and bait with pecans. Works great.
- cheese_breath
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Re: Chipmunk problem
My BIL has been talking about moving for years. Now I know why it hasn't happened.
The surest way to know the future is when it becomes the past.
Re: Chipmunk problem
BB Gun? I know they are cute, but this could be an effective solution.
Re: Chipmunk problem
One of these looks like a lot of fun to use: https://www.rodenator.com.
Now it may be that if you have neighbors too close they will not like it.
Now it may be that if you have neighbors too close they will not like it.
Answering a question is easy -- asking the right question is the hard part.
Re: Chipmunk problem
Put a screw in top of ramp underside and it acts as a hook to keep it from slipping off. 130 swimmers caught a few years back. Using special food from HD pest dept these days. Poison is such a harsh word for todays time! I broke my foot a few years back in a chippie hole so its been war ever since!
- cheese_breath
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Re: Chipmunk problem
So that's why I never hear Alvin, Simon and Theodore at Christmas anymore.Housedoc wrote: ↑Sun Jun 17, 2018 11:47 am Put a screw in top of ramp underside and it acts as a hook to keep it from slipping off. 130 swimmers caught a few years back. Using special food from HD pest dept these days. Poison is such a harsh word for todays time! I broke my foot a few years back in a chippie hole so its been war ever since!
The surest way to know the future is when it becomes the past.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
I bought a rat poison block that I sawed into pieces to place in the holes. I was unable to find a nice bag of poison blocks. Do you have a product recommendation for me. Would be very appreciated. I'm catching more ground squirrels than chipmunks in the havahart trap. Just got sod installed and want to keep the holes away.ImaBeginner wrote: ↑Sun Jun 17, 2018 7:55 am Rat poison in the holes. The green cube stuff. One cube per hole.
Controls problem for a few weeks.
I have a patio that is being tunneled under, and fear it will eventually collapse. So I am not gentle with the little beasts.
I started with the traps, which made everyone feel good, but just weren’t all that effective.
Initially the bucket idea was good, but it was distressing to certain people.
Then I moved on to a pellet gun and baiting them with sunflower seeds on peanut butter, which made me feel minimally evil, but was less distressing as I could choose times of day when others were not around.
Finally, I landed on the rat poison shoved deep in the holes with a stick. I have no pets though, so that may be important.
- cheese_breath
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Wouldn't hundreds of chipmunks decomposing in their holes present an odor problem?dollarsaver wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:15 pmI bought a rat poison block that I sawed into pieces to place in the holes. I was unable to find a nice bag of poison blocks. Do you have a product recommendation for me. Would be very appreciated. I'm catching more ground squirrels than chipmunks in the havahart trap. Just got sod installed and want to keep the holes away.ImaBeginner wrote: ↑Sun Jun 17, 2018 7:55 am Rat poison in the holes. The green cube stuff. One cube per hole.
Controls problem for a few weeks.
I have a patio that is being tunneled under, and fear it will eventually collapse. So I am not gentle with the little beasts.
I started with the traps, which made everyone feel good, but just weren’t all that effective.
Initially the bucket idea was good, but it was distressing to certain people.
Then I moved on to a pellet gun and baiting them with sunflower seeds on peanut butter, which made me feel minimally evil, but was less distressing as I could choose times of day when others were not around.
Finally, I landed on the rat poison shoved deep in the holes with a stick. I have no pets though, so that may be important.
The surest way to know the future is when it becomes the past.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
cheese_breath wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:43 pmWouldn't hundreds of chipmunks decomposing in their holes present an odor problem?dollarsaver wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:15 pmI bought a rat poison block that I sawed into pieces to place in the holes. I was unable to find a nice bag of poison blocks. Do you have a product recommendation for me. Would be very appreciated. I'm catching more ground squirrels than chipmunks in the havahart trap. Just got sod installed and want to keep the holes away.ImaBeginner wrote: ↑Sun Jun 17, 2018 7:55 am Rat poison in the holes. The green cube stuff. One cube per hole.
Controls problem for a few weeks.
I have a patio that is being tunneled under, and fear it will eventually collapse. So I am not gentle with the little beasts.
I started with the traps, which made everyone feel good, but just weren’t all that effective.
Initially the bucket idea was good, but it was distressing to certain people.
Then I moved on to a pellet gun and baiting them with sunflower seeds on peanut butter, which made me feel minimally evil, but was less distressing as I could choose times of day when others were not around.
Finally, I landed on the rat poison shoved deep in the holes with a stick. I have no pets though, so that may be important.
Not at all. We have a 3 acre wooded lot with no indoor problem for odor. I found a product, Farnum "Just One Bite" bait blocks that are basically anticoagulants. People seem to string 8-10 of them around a tree so the animal does not carry it away. Very good results have been reported.
Re: Chipmunk problem
Farnum, avail at Walmart and Amazon online. Whoooooo
Re: Chipmunk problem
ImaBeginner wrote: ↑ Rat poison in the holes. The green cube stuff. One cube per hole.
Controls problem for a few weeks.
I have a patio that is being tunneled under, and fear it will eventually collapse. So I am not gentle with the little beasts.
I started with the traps, which made everyone feel good, but just weren’t all that effective.
dollarsaver wrote: ↑ I found a product, Farnum "Just One Bite" bait blocks that are basically anticoagulants. People seem to string 8-10 of them around a tree so the animal does not carry it away. Very good results have been reported.
I'm going out to buy me some - South Florida here - same problem with large iguanas digging under patios and walkways, at the base of palm trees, anywhere to lay their eggs and create even more, hundreds more, dang ignuanas to destroy property, sand dunes, and eat our beautiful plants down to stubsHousedoc wrote: ↑Farnum, avail at Walmart and Amazon online. Whoooooo
I'm gonna hide it in their favorite food - a large banana chunk
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Can’t we all just get along together? They were probably in your neighborhood before you moved in. And, before your ask…I have squirrels which I happily feed along with the ducks, geese, rabbits, and a variety of birds. I consider this my local ‘welfare’ contribution.praxis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:10 pm We have 12 years experience. These fellas are so cute when they show up. But as they gorge on birdseed and our flower garden, they procreate and become a yard full of striped rats. They are pests in our yard. They are always into mischief like stripping wires and chewing up things to make nests. We are often discussing control with neighbors. Some try methods to reduce their numbers. Others feed them peanuts and seed. For us, we try to strike a happy medium and keep the population under control. I'm a conservationist in most things, but these guys get my goat. With all due respect to our squeamish readers, I decline to describe my methods. But lately it's been us or them.
- cheese_breath
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Kumbaya little crittersColoRetiredGirl wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:08 pmCan’t we all just get along together? They were probably in your neighborhood before you moved in. And, before your ask…I have squirrels which I happily feed along with the ducks, geese, rabbits, and a variety of birds. I consider this my local ‘welfare’ contribution.praxis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:10 pm We have 12 years experience. These fellas are so cute when they show up. But as they gorge on birdseed and our flower garden, they procreate and become a yard full of striped rats. They are pests in our yard. They are always into mischief like stripping wires and chewing up things to make nests. We are often discussing control with neighbors. Some try methods to reduce their numbers. Others feed them peanuts and seed. For us, we try to strike a happy medium and keep the population under control. I'm a conservationist in most things, but these guys get my goat. With all due respect to our squeamish readers, I decline to describe my methods. But lately it's been us or them.
The surest way to know the future is when it becomes the past.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Last time I used TomCat mouse killer, has a little black container in the bag to keep pets and children safe, for your purposes, throw that out. I put it in my garage for other uses, and had a bunch left over, which was how I started “feeding” the chipmunks.dollarsaver wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:15 pmI bought a rat poison block that I sawed into pieces to place in the holes. I was unable to find a nice bag of poison blocks. Do you have a product recommendation for me. Would be very appreciated. I'm catching more ground squirrels than chipmunks in the havahart trap. Just got sod installed and want to keep the holes away.ImaBeginner wrote: ↑Sun Jun 17, 2018 7:55 am Rat poison in the holes. The green cube stuff. One cube per hole.
Controls problem for a few weeks.
I have a patio that is being tunneled under, and fear it will eventually collapse. So I am not gentle with the little beasts.
I started with the traps, which made everyone feel good, but just weren’t all that effective.
Initially the bucket idea was good, but it was distressing to certain people.
Then I moved on to a pellet gun and baiting them with sunflower seeds on peanut butter, which made me feel minimally evil, but was less distressing as I could choose times of day when others were not around.
Finally, I landed on the rat poison shoved deep in the holes with a stick. I have no pets though, so that may be important.
- RickBoglehead
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Very naive view. Deer were there before us, controlled by natural predators and hunters. Houses go in, predators leave, hunting not allowed. Deer population explodes, destroying landscaping, knocking down fences, causing car accidents, carrying ticks with Lyme disease.ColoRetiredGirl wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:08 pm
Can’t we all just get along together? They were probably in your neighborhood before you moved in. And, before your ask…I have squirrels which I happily feed along with the ducks, geese, rabbits, and a variety of birds. I consider this my local ‘welfare’ contribution.
We are also being inundated with chipmunks, bucket and ramp next week. Problem grows each year.
Last edited by RickBoglehead on Tue Jun 19, 2018 7:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Our chipmunk problem was solved when we got dogs.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
The foxes and coyotes help the rat snakes keep the critter population down. But the neighbors with small dogs worry about the coyotes. OTOH, the coyotes don't yap for hours on end, maybe just a little howling at night. Especially when they hear a siren.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
I am not naive. I understand your pain; however, where can they go? IMHO you cannot just kill them because they exist. They have nowhere to go. As we continue to add more people/ houses in their environment they may become extinct. I would hate to only see people in my neighborhood. Oh yes I am a deer!RickBoglehead wrote: ↑Tue Jun 19, 2018 6:54 amVery naive view. Deer were there before us, controlled by natural predators and hunters. Houses go in, predators leave, hunting not allowed. Deer population explodes, destroying landscaping, knocking down fences, causing car accidents, carrying ticks with Lyme disease.ColoRetiredGirl wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:08 pm
Can’t we all just get along together? They were probably in your neighborhood before you moved in. And, before your ask…I have squirrels which I happily feed along with the ducks, geese, rabbits, and a variety of birds. I consider this my local ‘welfare’ contribution.
We are also being inundated with chipmunks, bucket and ramp next week. Problem grows each year.
Re: Chipmunk problem
Actually it is the mice who are being complicit. Who would have thought?munemaker wrote: ↑Sat Jun 16, 2018 8:33 amIf I find the squirrels are complicit in this, I am going after them too.cheese_breath wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:24 pmThe squirrels are probably letting them out and splitting the take with them.munemaker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:09 pm I just bought the Havahart trap a few days ago. So far the chipmunks have eaten the peanut butter and escaped four times, even though the trap was set off. Not sure how this is happening. My wife is keeping score and so far CHIPMUNKS - 4, MUNEMAKER - 0. I am about to lose my heart and go for the "chipper dipper," aka chipmunk swimming pool.
Our yard is becoming increasingly hazardous to chipmunks due to poison, rat traps and (next week) a chipper dipper. Several chippees have succumbed to this unwelcoming environment.
We have established a CRP (Chippee Relocation Program), modeled after the popular "Catch and Release" program; it is for those who would like to move to a safer area. Today we had our first client. He was relocated to a nice rural chipmunk-friendly space about 5 miles away; from what I could see, he seemed very pleased with his new environment. I hope more chippees will participate in this program before it is too late. Future enhancement will be painting the tail of relocated chippees; repeat violators will be dealt with harshly.
The ultimate goal is a CFZ (Chippee Free Zone). We are a long way from that right now.
Re: Chipmunk problem
^^^ he IS awfully cute . . .munemaker wrote: ↑The ultimate goal is a CFZ (Chippee Free Zone). We are a long way from that right now.
Re: Chipmunk problem
I tried many many methods and the only thing that worked was the gopher smoke bombs. I used about 10 of them spread out over 3-4 days. I also removed any bird feeders with sunflower seeds. The little rascals undermined my brick privacy fence and now I'm looking at thousands in repairs.
Re: Chipmunk problem
I like the way you think.ColoRetiredGirl wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:08 pmCan’t we all just get along together? They were probably in your neighborhood before you moved in. And, before your ask…I have squirrels which I happily feed along with the ducks, geese, rabbits, and a variety of birds. I consider this my local ‘welfare’ contribution.praxis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:10 pm We have 12 years experience. These fellas are so cute when they show up. But as they gorge on birdseed and our flower garden, they procreate and become a yard full of striped rats. They are pests in our yard. They are always into mischief like stripping wires and chewing up things to make nests. We are often discussing control with neighbors. Some try methods to reduce their numbers. Others feed them peanuts and seed. For us, we try to strike a happy medium and keep the population under control. I'm a conservationist in most things, but these guys get my goat. With all due respect to our squeamish readers, I decline to describe my methods. But lately it's been us or them.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
Thank you!Dottie57 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 25, 2018 6:31 amI like the way you think.ColoRetiredGirl wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:08 pmCan’t we all just get along together? They were probably in your neighborhood before you moved in. And, before your ask…I have squirrels which I happily feed along with the ducks, geese, rabbits, and a variety of birds. I consider this my local ‘welfare’ contribution.praxis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:10 pm We have 12 years experience. These fellas are so cute when they show up. But as they gorge on birdseed and our flower garden, they procreate and become a yard full of striped rats. They are pests in our yard. They are always into mischief like stripping wires and chewing up things to make nests. We are often discussing control with neighbors. Some try methods to reduce their numbers. Others feed them peanuts and seed. For us, we try to strike a happy medium and keep the population under control. I'm a conservationist in most things, but these guys get my goat. With all due respect to our squeamish readers, I decline to describe my methods. But lately it's been us or them.
Re: Chipmunk problem
+1NotWhoYouThink wrote: ↑Tue Jun 19, 2018 7:50 am The foxes and coyotes help the rat snakes keep the critter population down. But the neighbors with small dogs worry about the coyotes. OTOH, the coyotes don't yap for hours on end, maybe just a little howling at night. Especially when they hear a siren.
Add to that gopher snakes, hawks, owls, and maybe even roadrunners (they are opportunists).
Re: Chipmunk problem
I have a patio surrounded by RR ties and chipmunk holes. I use a have a heart trap without bait. Just put it by the hole entrance and have caught at least 60 over the last 4 years. Got number 7 this spring today. Seems like they are procreating faster than I'm trapping.
But prior to trapping they were running wild even climbing up the corner piece of my siding. I see less of them now but can't seem to clear them out completely.
I do relocate them to a more rural setting away from homes.
But prior to trapping they were running wild even climbing up the corner piece of my siding. I see less of them now but can't seem to clear them out completely.
I do relocate them to a more rural setting away from homes.
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Re: Chipmunk problem
A neighbour a block over traps them and shoots them with a pellet gun.
I have a catch and release policy. I catch them in my yard and release them in his.
I have a catch and release policy. I catch them in my yard and release them in his.
Re: Chipmunk problem
UPDATE: Posting this so it can help others.
I found mice were taking the bait; they are so small and light that they sometimes take the bait without triggering the trap. When it is triggered, these mice are so small they can squeeze between the bars to escape. I set a mousetrap with peanut butter bait and caught 4 mice quickly. I think they are all gone.
Now the Havahart trap is working as it should. I am using sunflower seeds for bait. Whenever the door is closed, there is now a chipmunk inside (except one time a small bird that was released without being relocated).
There is no way the chipmunks can get through the bars of the trap. Someone said maybe they can beat the trap door falling. They are pretty quick, but I think their natural instinct would be to (attempt to) run away from the noise of the door, not toward it. I see no evidence they are beating the falling door.
Still catching chippees, but I don't see them ripping around the yard and trees like they used to be. I think we are making a difference.
My advice to Havahart trap owners: If you are losing bait or the door is down but no chipee inside, set some mouse traps with peanut butter.
Since I am catching so many chippees with the Havahart trap, I removed the rat traps and am not putting out any more poison, and never did follow through on my threat to use the chipper dipper.
When I release the chippees (about 3 miles away), they seem to be delighted with their new environment. They can catch up with their relocated friends.
Re: Chipmunk problem
Farnum is my new friend. I use a putty knife to cut the blocks into 1/4's. End of block, pushing down works best.
Blocks disappear and so does the problem. I treat every 3 days. Much better than chipper dipper.
Blocks disappear and so does the problem. I treat every 3 days. Much better than chipper dipper.