How to Catch a Chipmunk

Chipmunks are cute little critters, scurrying back and forth from their dens to grab morsels of food or to play with other chipmunks. Occasionally, a chipmunk makes its way into a house or a chipmunk colony becomes so large that you must consider relocating the little guys. When you must catch a chipmunk, consider a few techniques that might help.

Things You'll Need

• Humane rodent trap
• Empty box
• Board
• Stick
• String

Instructions

1. Purchase or rent traps that humanely catch small animals for relocation purposes. Your local humane society or a veterinarian's offices are good places to look. Alternately, order chipmunk traps online (see Resources below).

2. Bait the traps with foods that entice a chipmunk. Their diet consists of nuts, seeds and small berries. The smell of peanut butter is irresistible to some chipmunks, as is cheese. Place small amounts in the back of the trap.

3. Brace the trap door open for a few days to allow the chipmunks to overcome their fear and enter the trap to remove the food. When they consistently scurry in to find their treat, reset the trap door to close.

4. Make your own humane trap with an empty box, a board, a stick and a string. This works well when the chipmunk has already taken up residence in your home. Turn the box upside down on the board and brace one end up with the stick. Tie a string to the stick.

5. Place some tasty treats under the box, and, grabbing one end of the string, retreat to a hidden spot to await your furry friend. As he retrieves the snack, quickly pull the string, letting the box fall and trapping him. With the board underneath, it's easy to carry him outside.

Tips & Warnings

• In some states, the law protects chipmunks. Check with your state wildlife association before attempting to catch them.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Chipmunk traps