Chipmunks, despite their adorable look, can be a real pain for some homeowners. And these tiny chipmunks have been known to wreck plants, move into your attic or walls.
Despite the fact that they are not as popular as their squirrel, coping with a chipmunk can be almost as aggravating. It’s best to know more about chipmunks before trying to get rid of them.
Why do You have chipmunks in the garage?
Contents
- 1 Why do You have chipmunks in the garage?
- 2 Signs of a chipmunk infestation
- 3 Damage that Caused By the Chipmunks
- 4 Chipmunks vs. Squirrels
- 5 Life cycle
- 6 Where do Chipmunks Live?
- 7 What do Chipmunks Eat?
- 8 What scents can repel chipmunks?
- 9 How deep do the chipmunks burrow?
- 10 Are chipmunks dangerous?
- 11 Do Chipmunks Carry Diseases?
- 12 How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in the garage Naturally
- 13 How to Prevent Chipmunks From Getting into your garage
- 14 Final Thoughts
The chipmunks can live in the garage as it offers a good sleeping or nesting environment for them.
The shelter protects them from the predators that could kill them if they were outside. You may even provide a food supply in the garage that keeps them alive.
Chipmunks also stockpile the food for the winter, and also they can be storing their food in the garage in preparation for the impending winter.
As they collect the food, it is ideal for them to live during the winter due to the warmth and shelter in the garage. They can keep non-expiring food in a pantry that they have hidden in the underground cave.
They could be able to gather food and take it to the caves from an entryway in your garage. Alternatively, they should have dug a tunnel into your garage.
You need to figure out which entrance they’re using so you can prevent them. Determine how they entered the garage and take steps to stop it.
If you have a water heater, refrigerator, dryer, or other sources of the heat, they might be attempting to warm up by using these tools. Chipmunks will spend the winter in their burrows, feeding on the food they keep.
They don’t normally build a nest in the garage unless they don’t have any better place to nest. So keep an eye on it and find if they’re staying in your garage or only looking for the food.
Chipmunks are attracted to your garage for two reasons – shelter and food.
Signs of a chipmunk infestation
Since chipmunks are so troublesome, it’s easy to distinguish them from other pests.
Empty shells or stockpiled food are the most popular signs of a chipmunk in your garage. If you find many shells from sunflowers or peanuts, you probably have a chipmunk in your garden.
If you find the foods soaked up in a tiny space, it may be a chipmunk’s den or nest.
Chipmunks are known for leaving the following signs:
- Shells from peanuts, sunflowers, or other nuts
- Footprints of chipmunks
- Tunnels or burrows
- Damaged Objects
- Chipmunks can be seen around.
- Sounds of scratching
- Food that has been partly consumed
- A pile of feces in a single place
Damage that Caused By the Chipmunks
Despite their lovely appearance, these pests will do serious harm to your yard and property. They will leave two distinct signals of their presence:
Ruined gardens
Chipmunks like eating the garden’s herbs, vegetables, fruit, flower bulbs, and vegetable seeds. Bird feeders and pet bowls can be an enticing option for chipmunks, but they can help themselves.
You provide shelter and a nice spot for them to climb if you have shrubs or trees in your garden.
Structural damage
Chipmunk burrowing on a residential property can cause serious structural harm. As they can dig tunnels under driveways and sidewalks, as well as near concrete patios, retaining walls, ramps, porches, and the base, this behavior will weaken the foundations, causing harm to your property.
Chipmunks vs. Squirrels
Chipmunks and squirrels have somewhat close appearances and are often mistaken.
Squirrels are a distinct breed from chipmunks and can not be confused with them, so it’s good to know the difference.
The chipmunks are smaller than squirrels and have stripes on their backs. This is perhaps the only method to distinguish between them.
They have bushy bodies, big eyes, and pointed noses. The only thing to tell the difference between a squirrel and a chipmunk is to look at their stripes and sizes.
Life cycle
Chipmunks only have a 31-day gestation cycle.
Many chipmunks, fortunately, can mate only one time each year in the spring.
Chipmunk litters normally have four to five young ones.
Only when the young chipmunk is able to survive on its own, it will leave the burrows.
Chipmunks will mate a second time if the weather remains especially warm well.
Some litters still wait until they’ve grown to around 2/3 of the adult chipmunks’ size before leaving their habitat.
In the first year, chipmunks are able to breed.
These species have a three-year lifespan.
Where do Chipmunks Live?
Chipmunks are forest creatures that can be seen all over North America. They prefer forested areas, but they can live in any environment with plenty of shade. They also like parks and gardens in the cities.
The Siberian chipmunk that lives in Northern Asian countries from central Russia to Japan is the only exception to this theory. They also enjoy wooded areas but have agreed that a great snow jacket more than compensates for the harsh Siberian winters.
What do Chipmunks Eat?
Seeds, berries, grass, and fruits are preferred by these animals. Some plants in your yard can also be eaten by them. Although nuts are their preferred snack, they have no qualms about making your yard into a food store during summer.
And they can also feed on crunchy June bugs and the other pests in the corns. The chipmunks can eat other pests, such as small frogs, bird eggs, spiders, grasshoppers, slugs, and worms.
Also Read: What Do Chipmunks Eat?
What scents can repel chipmunks?
Spicy or heavy scents can irritate them, which is why cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, mothballs, and other essential oils perform very effectively.
As they rely on their sense and nose to smell, it is very effective to use a scented method to repel them.
In addition, most people put their garage outside, so it’s simple to set up a scented solution. The odor would accumulate rather than dissipate outside.
The only thing is that when you get into your garage, you’ll have to smell it as well.
How deep do the chipmunks burrow?
Burrows dug by chipmunks can be very wide. The key tunnel will reach a depth of 2-3 feet under the earth and a length of 20-30 feet.
The burrow system’s tunnels range in size and may operate alongside the extensive tree roots. And the chipmunk’s burrow system is also constantly expanding each year.
Are chipmunks dangerous?
If a chipmunk feels cornered or threatened, it will bite. Even if they are tiny in size, their teeth can also pierce the skin.
The bitten region sometimes swells with streaks, pain and can even become infected. According to the CDC, chipmunks can also transmit rabies. But it occurs very rarely.
They’re still a lot of trouble. They will do a lot of harm to stored items, your garage, books, and other goods.
They’ll defecate, scratch, chew, and urinate on the items in your garage that you’ve stored.
They can also trigger a fire hazard by leaving filthy and cracked peanut shells to accumulate.
Electrical and fire dangers may arise as shells accumulate and obstruct vents for electrical equipment. Then, you need to eliminate the pest as soon as possible rather than putting it off. Complete the task quickly.
Do Chipmunks Carry Diseases?
Chipmunks like to eat a lot of the food, such as bird food, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, peanuts, and so on. So it is very simple to catch them.
They are looking for food and warmth. They will be willing to leave your garage and build their burrows in other areas if you supply them with both.
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in the garage Naturally
A wild chipmunk, although lovely, is almost always a source of trouble. There are many good stories about the wild chipmunks adopted by humans, and they generally prefer your backyard.
Being rid of chipmunks as soon as possible is critical for defending your house from a variety of issues.
Juicy Fruit
There have been a few cases online that the Juicy Fruit gum can kill the chipmunks. Their digestion is clogged by the gum, which eventually kills them.
Since the Juicy Fruit is delicious, it can attract chipmunks quickly so that you can use it as a tasty trap. Simply scatter a few bits around their nest or anywhere they are hanging out. They will eat it and then die.
However, we don’t know whether this solution works or not. You can try it because this is very inexpensive if you need to get rid of them.
Mothballs
It’s also a good idea to use mothballs to eliminate chipmunks. Mothballs release a compound called naphthalene.
Chipmunks dislike the odor of naphthalene and are quickly repulsed by it. Chipmunks are extremely susceptible to scents.
Since smell is one of their most important senses, mothballs will certainly keep them away. Mothballs can be put in various areas of the garage, especially close to their nests.
Look for small tunnels and crevices, or just scatter them around and outside your garage. If you’re concerned about your pets contacting the mothballs, just put them in a tub and place them in some holes.
When the scent of mothballs is able to circulate freely, it is most powerful. These animals begin to flee once the scent spreads into their nest.
Another thing to keep in mind about chipmunks is that they like to build their nests in smaller spaces. So, the odor quickly spreads across their nests.
It’s crucial to know that the mothballs are not permitted in the home. Naphthalene is a dangerous substance that can cause damage if kept in a closed space with inadequate ventilation.
If you’re not sure whether you need to use the mothballs, there are a variety of other options. Many people want to use natural and organic ways to eradicate the chipmunks, but mothballs aren’t the only choice.
Traps
Chipmunk traps are a good way to get rid of them in your backyard. To get rid of the chipmunks, you can use both live traps and snap traps. The snap traps will get rid of them, but live traps will allow you to catch and move them to a better place. Be mindful that in some regions, chipmunks are endangered species. Before using snap traps to control chipmunks, make sure you know the rules in your area. Sunflower seeds and peanut butter are ideal bait for the chipmunk traps because chipmunks like seeds and nuts.
Using Cat Litter
Using the cat litter is also a good choice to control the chipmunks. They don’t like cats and will keep a long distance with cats.
Chipmunks are eaten upon by a variety of predators, including owls, cats, coyotes, and foxes. These chipmunks will flee if they feel that the predators are approaching.
So you can use fox or coyote urine pellets. And Simply put the cat’s litter in the garage for many days, particularly if there is any residue. Then, they will flee.
Additionally, mothballs are an excellent deterrent for chipmunks. The scent bothers these chipmunks, and they’ll soon discover that the garage isn’t an ideal area for them to nest.
And, most pet owners are afraid that their pets may eat the mothballs. Just stay out of sight of your pets if you keep them in a tub with a few tiny holes.
The odor will remain in the garage, which is just what you want. It will keep the chipmunks out of your garage soon.
Cayenne pepper
Because of its fiery flavor, cayenne pepper is one of the most popular chipmunk repellents.
Cayenne can be used in a variety of methods to control this insect. Mentioned below are some.
Spray with cayenne pepper
Purchase some from the store.
Then, mix one tablespoon of the cayenne pepper with one cup of the water. If you like a better combination, you should add more.
Fill a spray bottle with the mixture, and then spray it around the garage, garbage, and bushes in your garden.
Chipmunks would be irritated by the pepper’s smell. This can keep the chipmunks out of the garage.
Cayenne pepper stations
You may use ground cayenne powder or cayenne peppers to cover the perimeter of your garage. For using the cayenne peppers effectively, you need to cut them and release the scent.
This would release a spicy odor into the atmosphere. As your garage is a closed space, the odor will inevitably spread into the rest of the house. This will act as a strong barrier to drive them away.
And you need to use a lot of pepper to get a better effect. You should be able to scent the pepper strongly outside the garage. For the greatest outcome, close the garage door.
Make a “pepper perimeter” around your garage to keep it secure.
Cayenne pepper can also be sprinkled around the garage. Put some pepper under the door gap if you have an outdoor door in your garage.
Sprinkle it in the holes, the crawl spaces, and under the vehicle as well.
For their sore noses, the ground pepper would be an effective deterrent.
Coffee Grounds
Finally, you can also use coffee grounds. The coffee grounds are a highly effective rodent repellent that will drive squirrels and away from the garage.
The heavy odor released from the coffee grounds serves as a significant barrier to the chipmunks. And they use their noses to determine what they’re going to eat.
And the heavy odor emitting from the coffee grounds can repel the chipmunks.
It’s easy to find some coffee grounds. You do not even have to pay for it. Simply go to some coffee shops and then consult for some used coffee grounds.
After getting some coffee grounds, sprinkle them liberally in your garage, as well as in your garden.
The chipmunk doesn’t like this scent and will leave your garage quickly. You can use it to eliminate chipmunks for a really low price, and it’s completely natural. This one also produces excellent results.
There are only a few of the most popular solutions for removing chipmunks from the garage.
How to Prevent Chipmunks From Getting into your garage
Preventing chipmunks from entering your garage is the main way to eliminate them. If chipmunks are a problem in your garage, take the following steps as soon as possible to keep them away:
Using ultrasonic waves
Many pests are successfully repelled by these appliances, and chipmunks are no exception. Only make sure the equipment is placed in the open areas. On the other hand, Chipmunks will block out the noise after listening to it for a long time.
Fencing
Try erecting fencing around the flower beds and other parts of your garden or yard if you wish to protect them.
Caulking & Mesh
You can add caulking and mesh around the garage if you live in a chipmunk-infested place. Don’t make it possible for chipmunks to get into your garage.
Shelter
Clean up and clear piles of litter around your garage. So you don’t need to offer a good place to the chipmunks.
Bird Feeders
You can buy different bird seeds that chipmunks do not like. A thistle is one of the easiest ways to get rid of the chipmunks. Install your water stations and bird feeders as far from the garage as possible to avoid attracting some chipmunks.
Food
Catching up and eliminating all possible food sources is crucial to avoiding and eliminating a chipmunk infestation. The food including garbage, pet food, seeds, vegetables, nuts, and berries.
Final Thoughts
Chipmunks are obnoxious and noisy, particularly if they live in your home. After finding a chipmunk infestation, take action quickly. Following the steps we mentioned above would help you get rid of the chipmunks at once.
