How to Capture Chipmunks

Although chipmunks are cute, they can ruin gardens and woodwork around your lawn.

A chipmunk can live up to seven years, but in the wild, it will usually live for about one year. Chipmunks are adorable creatures most of the time, but they may become a nuisance if present in large numbers. This is because chipmunks feed on newly planted seeds, bulbs and berries in the garden. Among the many ways to eliminate chipmunks from your garden, trapping proves to be the most efficient way.

Things You'll Need

• Live-catch wire mesh trap
• Bait
• Wires

Instructions

1. Call your local government office to check upon any laws and regulations pertaining to the capture of chipmunks.If you are living in a rented house, you may need the written permission of the landowner before capturing chipmunks.

2. Read any instructions given with the live-catch wire mesh trap. This will help you to get an understanding on how to handle the trap. Test the trap to make sure its working.

3. Place the bait on the trigger before setting the trap to accustom the elusive chipmunk to the trap. Tie the door of the trap to the trap itself using wires. The door of the trap is connected to the trigger. When an animal touches the bait, the trigger releases the door. Use rope to tie the bottom of the door to the top of the trap. Tie the door on the left and right side of the trap. This will keep the trap door open even if a chipmunk triggers the trap.

4. Place the trap on a pathway used by chipmunks (careful observation will allow you to identify a pathway). Repeat procedure for two or three days. The chipmunks will begin to trust the trap and feed on the free food it offers.

5. Set the live trap without tying off the door once the chipmunks lose their fear of the trap. Set the trap in the afternoon and check on it in the morning.

6. Replace the bait If no animal gets trapped for a few days. Otherwise, the bait will rot, making it an undesirable food for the chipmunks. If a another animal such as a bird gets trapped, release it immediately. Reset the trap.

7. Take care not to directly touch trapped chipmunks. Move the trap by its handles.

Tips & Warnings

• Live-catch wire mesh traps are available at your local hardware stores.

• Refrain from using common rat snaps to kill chipmunks, since these traps may kill wildlife. They will also pose a risk to children and pets.

• Refrain from direct contact with any trapped animal. These animals may transmit fatal diseases such as rabies to humans.

References

• Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences: Chipmunks
• The University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticultural Program; Squirrels and Chipmunks; James W. Caslick, et al.; 2001